Making History! NYC Half Marathon 2019

We did it! We made history.

After months of marathon training, our Running Guides Relay Team led Thomas Panek, President and CEO, from Brooklyn’s Prospect Park to Manhattan’s FDR Drive and Central Park.

Black lab Westley was the first to start the race, a solid runner covering the first 5 miles. Westley handed off to his sister, yellow lab Waffle, and Thomas reports, “She was on fire on the FDR! She took off like there was no tomorrow!” Gus, the team’s anchor and seasoned veteran finished the last 3 miles, guiding Thomas over the Finish Line.

Thomas, Gus, Westley and Waffle, proudly received United Airlines NYC Half Marathon medals.  Gus is officially retiring in style, after years of faithful service as Thomas’ guide dog, on and off the running paths.Support our Running Guides by donating just $2.00 per mile. Your $26.00 can make a difference!  

We’re so grateful for the generous patronage of our NYC Half Marathon Sponsors, supporting the training and lifetime vet care of the dogs on our Running Guides Relay Team!

Westley:  James “Jamie” Dimon, Chair, JP Morgan Chase
Gus:  John Donnelly, Vice Chair, JP Morgan Chase and Chair of Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Lynx:  Brett O’Brien, Gatorade/Pepsico
Waffle:  You! Our $2.00 per mile donors

Thank you to our partner Ruffwear for designing the boots and Unifly harnesses used during training and in the Half Marathon.

Photos from the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon   3-17-19