Marking half a century of the iconic TCS New York City Marathon that draws tens of thousands of participants to traverse all five of New York City’s boroughs, longstanding official charity partner Reach Within is celebrating a landmark milestone this year by fielding its biggest marathon team in the event’s 50-year history. Composed of 21 dedicated runners hailing from Grenada, Puerto Rico, the U.S., and the United Kingdom, the team has set an ambitious collective fundraising target of more than $90,000 to advance the organization’s core mission supporting Grenadian children and young people currently involved in, or who have aged out of, the country’s Child Protective Services system. Every dollar raised will go directly toward expanding Reach Within’s evidence-based trauma-healing programming, which delivers vocational skill-building, life competency training, leadership development, and resiliency workshops for vulnerable youth. The organization also wraps around these programs with critical wraparound support, including one-on-one mentorship, professional counselling services, a community food pantry, free clothing, and other daily essential supplies for participants. Leading the team’s ranks is Philomena Robertson, the first Grenadian runner in history to complete all six World Marathon Majors, who is lacing up for her ninth consecutive year as a Team Reach Within member. “This is my 9th NYC marathon running in support of Reach Within, and I have pledged to continue supporting them as long as my legs will carry me,” Robertson shared. “Over the years, I’ve raised thousands of dollars to support the organisation as it continues to make a difference in the lives of Grenadian children who have experienced abuse or other trauma.” She went on to emphasize that the impact of the effort extends far beyond individual runner effort, noting, “It is truly an honour to be able to contribute to Reach Within’s fundraising efforts. I run the races and put in the training miles, but the financial support generated is all because of generous donors who are also convinced about the importance of the work being done. I am thankful for all who have donated so far, both private individuals and corporate citizens. For those who have not yet donated, I encourage you to check out the work of Reach Within on their website, see the value and impact of their work, and come on board. Let’s do this together.” To kick off marathon weekend in signature Caribbean community style, beloved New York City Jamaican eatery Negril Village will host a warm, traditional Caribbean luncheon for the entire Reach Within team as the flagship event of the restaurant’s new “Foreign Friends” community initiative. “We are excited to launch our Foreign Friends initiative by sponsoring the pre-marathon luncheon for Reach Within’s NYC Marathon team,” shared Marva Layne, founder and owner of Negril Village. “We at Negril Village believe that it takes a village to strengthen our community and support our culture, and it is our great pleasure to do our part in supporting Grenada. Thank you, Reach Within, for the opportunity to create a diaspora connection within the Caribbean American Experience.” The cross-organizational partnership underscores a deep, shared commitment across the Caribbean diaspora to lift up marginalized communities in their countries of origin, with Reach Within noting it is deeply grateful to align with Negril Village to amplify the vibrant, collective spirit of Caribbean mutual aid. Donations to Team Reach Within remain open ahead of race day, with members of the public able to access the full team roster and contribution portal online to help the group hit its $90,000 fundraising goal. Reach Within NOW Grenada notes it is not liable for the opinions, statements or media content presented by external contributors, with a dedicated reporting portal available for users to flag any instances of content abuse.