Danny Zhou

Story :

Hi! My name is Danny Zhou. I was born and raised in NYC’s Lower East Side Chinatown, a community that shaped who I am today. I spent my childhood going to school, growing up on these streets, and watching my family work hard to build a life here. Chinatown isn’t just where I’m from—it’s home.

In 2024, I began my running journey by signing up for the 9/11 Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K. Crossing that finish line gave me the confidence to push beyond my limits. What started as one race quickly became something bigger. I joined running communities and met incredible runners who welcomed and supported newcomers like me. Through running, I discovered the power of community, encouragement, and perseverance.

That’s exactly why I’m fundraising for the NYC Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club. This organization has long been a pillar in Chinatown—supporting the community, educating youth, and providing a safe and welcoming space for people who call this neighborhood home. Communities like Chinatown thrive because of organizations like CFMAC that continue to invest in and uplift the people here.

As a Chinese American who grew up in this neighborhood, supporting this mission means a lot to me personally. I want to give back to the same community that helped raise me. Every step I run is for Chinatown, and every donation helps continue the important work being done by the NYC Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club.

If you’re able, please consider supporting this cause. Your support will help strengthen and preserve a community that means so much to so many people.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/danny-zhou

Matthew Moo

Story:

A few years ago, I went out for a run. I kept running and never looked back. I knew that if I were to chase time and time alone, I would have lost from the very beginning. I run because it is through this sport that I find hope most clearly and abundantly.

Over the years, CFMAC has rallied an entire city and represented the values and traditions of the Chinese diaspora with excellence. For all the support CFMAC has provided to the thousands of participants who have run the streets of New York, it deserves a strong contingent of runners at the 2026 New York City Marathon who will represent and amplify the mission of this organization and the good it has contributed to the Asian and New York City communities.

As an immigrant with Chinese Malaysian heritage, it would be an honor to be among them.

Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/matthew-moo

Eric Cheng

Story :

Growing up as a first generation Chinese American you learn a lot about pushing yourself. But a lot of that came from learning from my immigrant parents and what it means to represent something bigger than just yourself. As I got older, I learned how to keep that mentality while also making those before me proud, and that’s where running came in. Running has taught me to be more centered and present in mind and to remember that yes it is an individual sport but I'm also able to do it because of the love and support I get from my family and ancestors that came before me. Since then I have completed 8+ Ironman 70.3s, including one World Championship, 2 Full Distance Ironmans, and 2 solo marathons.

Coming from the westside of the country, I want to be able to represent all corners of the Chinese community and be able to experience the love and camaraderie of the East coast NYC race vibes!

I’m excited to be running for the NYC CFMAC this year to be able to represent my Chinese heritage while also being able to meet those all over that have their own individual story to share as well!

Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/eric-cheng

Anna Sheng

Story:

I started running after returning home from college, searching for a way to cope with several difficult moments unfolding in my life. What began as a simple outlet for stress slowly turned into something much more. I started signing up for races with New York Road Runners whenever I had the chance, one race after another, discovering along the way what runners call the “runner’s high.” The moment I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon, I realized running had become more than just exercise—it had become a source of strength and healing.

My first marathon was the New York City Marathon, and I ran it not long after my father passed away. Every mile carried emotion, reflection, and gratitude. That race will always hold a special place in my heart because it represented resilience during one of the hardest chapters of my life.

Now, I have the opportunity to return to the marathon that means so much to me—this time running alongside my cousin, made possible through this charity bib. It feels like a full-circle moment: honoring the past, running for a cause, and sharing the journey with family.

Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/anna-sheng

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