Five years. Twenty-five half marathons. I wrote about what those miles taught me here: https://neerajmathur.com/2026/05/05/25-half-marathons-5-years-running/
The lesson beneath it all was simple. You keep showing up.
Now I want a bigger challenge.
So I am running my first full marathon. It will be at the 2026 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, and I am running for the Asha for Education NYC/NJ chapter.
Twenty-six point two miles is new ground for me. It asks for more than any half ever did. That is exactly the point.
A challenge this size deserves a cause that matters. For me, that cause is education.
Asha means hope. It is a nonprofit working at the grassroots level across India. It brings education to children who lack support or resources. Educate a child today, and you secure the whole next generation. There is no better return than that.
Your donation goes straight to that work. Even a small amount changes a child’s year. For example, $30 covers a full year of textbooks for one child.
Corporate matching can double your gift. Most companies match donations to Asha for Education. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. Tax ID: 77-0459884.
Learn more about the projects the NYC/NJ chapter supports here: https://nycnj.ashanet.org/
Please support the run. Help secure a child’s future.
Thank you.
Neeraj