Owen Runs the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon

Hi all, my name is Owen Healy and I am currently a student at Villanova University. I am originally from Briarcliff, New York and have previous family members who have completed multiple marathons. In the fall of 2023, I studied abroad in Milan, Italy and instantly fell in love with the Italian culture and athletic atmosphere of an AC Milan game at San Siro Stadium. The atmosphere at the game was unlike anything I have ever witnessed and it is clear that the players and fans bring so much passion to each and every match. In 2022, I took my first step towards my goal of finishing a marathon by completing the 13.1 Italian Stallion Rocky Run in Philadelphia PA. It has been a lifelong goal of mine to complete the full NYC Marathon and this is the first year I have been blessed with the opportunity to do so. After missing my chance in the lottery, I was presented with the fantastic opportunity to run for the IASF team and raise money for a great cause.

I have grown up playing sports my whole life and just recently got very into running. Sports in general is a great way to bring together people of all backgrounds for one common goal. Some of the life lessons I have learned from playing team sports are teamwork, leadership, positive reinforcement, and empathy. As a whole, team sports have given me valuable leadership skills. I am running to support team IASF so that each person no matte the background can have the same access to sports and activities I was blessed with growing up, and I hope that these kids too can make lasting memories playing sports with one another and gain valuable life lessons through sports. I know the donations IASF receives throughout my preparation for the marathon in November can be used to make a difference, and I am proud to be supporting them in this race.