“2023 TCS New York City Marathon”
Official Charity Partnership
The Chinese FreeMasons Athletic Club is proud to announce our Official Charity Partnership for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon through New York Road Runners. We have been allocated 5 guaranteed entries as a Community Level partner for runners who fundraise $3,000 to support the CFMAC mission. The 2022 TCS New York City Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
We have also enlisted the help of Run Coach Kai to create a marathon training program for our runners to prepare for the marathon!
Please check out our about us and programs sections of the website to learn more about what we do.
If you are ready to fundraise and run, click the sign up button and tell us what running means to you! Entries will be given out on a first come first serve basis.
*Runners are still responsible for their own registration fee for the race through NYRR:
$295 for Non Members and $255 for NYRR Members
*All Charity bibs are taken for this year, few free to contact us to express interest in next years bibs!
Meet the Runners!
Jennifer Jiao
“For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about education and youth development. CFMAC’s mission to educate our youths about Chinese heritage hits especially close to home. I moved to the U.S. from China when I was five years old. Growing up in Chicago, I always wished I had a larger Chinese American community where I could learn more about Chinese culture. As an avid runner, I am so excited to run for Team CFMAC this fall and help continue to build up the NYC Chinatown community. ”
Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/jenn-jiao
Sabrina Schultz
“I was first introduced to CFMAC through close friends in the community. I see running the NYC Marathon for CFMAC as the perfect way to combine two passions: running and giving back to the community. CFMAC has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many individuals and families in NYC. Through their educational and cultural programs, and outreach initiatives, they have provided essential support and resources to help the youth in Chinatown connect with and preserve their heritage. By running for CFMAC, I hope to raise awareness for their invaluable work. I am excited for the opportunity to challenge myself while also making a meaningful difference!”
Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/sabrina-schultz
Tiffany Che
“I will be running the 2023 NY Marathon for the CFMAC. Not only is this a major challenge, but it will be satisfying and rewarding accomplishment.
As an immigrant from China, it reminds me of the joy, my culture, and my root every time i saw Lion dance. It's emotional and inspirit me that CFMAC educates youths about the Chinese heritage, values, and traditions. More importantly, they teach "忠考仁義" to the younger generation.”
Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/tiffany-che
Dennis Condon
“I’m happy to announce that I’m running the NYC Marathon again! This year I will be running for the New York Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club, a non-profit in New York that is a pillar of Chinatown’s community.
If you like lion dance, this organization upholds that beautiful tradition, which is not just a form of cultural expression but embodies a lot of traditional Chinese culture as well. Mastering this art form requires both a physical and mental commitment that provides a healthy outlet for the youth. This organization exist to not only to continue a beautiful tradition but is integral to the vibrancy of the community that can only continue through its youth and your support.
My goal is to raise at least $3,000 for this organization. I was a bartender in Chinatown for many years and the members of this organization always supported me and treated me like a brother. I am honored to be running for them this year. ”
Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/dennis-condon-2
Charlene Chuang
Over the past two years, I’ve reflected on how I can run with purpose. Run crews like Run for Chinatown, DeFine New York Run Club, and Running to Protest have given me avenues to learn from others, build bridges, speak up, and stand for something.
This training season, I have the opportunity to run the NYC Marathon for the Chinese Freemasons, a beacon of cultural preservation and community empowerment in New York City Chinatown since its inception in 1956. You only need to have experienced one lion dance in the heart of Chinatown to feel how meaningful the majesty of the lion head, the thunder of the drumbeat, and the symbolism of the rituals are to all those who gather.
But the Chinese Freemasons are more than the lion dance. The New York Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club, Hung Ching (洪青), is dedicated to educating youth about Chinese heritage through lion dance, martial arts, and athletics. They strive to foster a sense of belonging, nurture character and confidence, instill discipline and teamwork, and develop leadership and life skills in each of their members. The Chinese Freemasons are a critical presence in Chinatown and throughout New York City, bestowing blessings, ushering in the new year, participating in community events, and sharing the Chinese culture. When they’re not under the lion head, Chinese Freemasons are community builders and activists. In fact, you may know one: Leland Yu, founder of Run for Chinatown.
I hope you’ll help me celebrate, uplift, and amplify the spirited work of the Chinese Freemasons. I'm so grateful for your support!
Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/charlene-chuang
David Tang
“To my Family, Friends, Classmates, Co-workers, Tribe, I am running the NYC Marathon November 5th, 2023! It will be my first full marathon. I will attempt to run twenty-six point three miles or forty-two point three two five seven five kilometers. Of all the marathons, why NYC? Short answer, It started with a bet with one of my best men of my wedding. F@*king Dennis. I don't remember making this bet. But... if it was the nudge Dennis needed to win, I would do it again. How poetic that our bet changed both our lives? I started running in my early 30s. It started as a way to get back into shape. At that time in my life, I had just moved to Philadelphia. Running and biking was a way for me to explore the city that made me who I am today. Many of the Tang tribe still calls Philly home. It will always be a part of my DNA. Running started with a mile, three miles turned into five, five into laps around Fairmount Park. I fell in love with the cobblestones, steps of the Art Museum, the Ben Franklin bridge, the murals, and the endless supply of mouth watering "jawns" to refuel my body. Running forever changed my life. There are many benefits to running. Getting motivated to run will be the hardest part of going for a run. Once you start, it gets easier. When running, my thoughts, my imagination, my internal dialogue transfers to a free, creative, clear conscience while my body rediscovers all its' capabilities. So, who are we supporting? The aid will help the New York Chinese Freemason Athletic Club. The Club is a not-for-profit organization that exists to educate our youths about Chinese heritage through the culture of lion dance, martial arts and athletics. Have you ever been to Chinatown during Chinese New Year to witness a Lion or Dragon dance? It's like the Mummer's Parade but with diabolical kids tossing firecrackers at the performer's feet! That was me until one exploded in my hand. Yes, thankfully I still have all my fingers. Please support my fundraising efforts for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon Fundraising. No donation is too small. When the fundraiser hits $2000 I will let you know what the bet was. Please click on the donate button!”
Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/david-tang-26
Run with the TEAM
*Tentative HC Run Team Schedule
Monday nights with Run for Chinatown
Wednesday at Manhattan Bridge
Saturday Long Runs with Run Coach Kai