BPI is excited to be an Official Charity Partner for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon! This iconic New York City event on November 3, 2024 coincides with a significant moment for BPI — the celebration of our 25th anniversary. Since 1999, BPI has… Read More
Running with BPI
Meet the team running the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon with BPI
BPI is thrilled to join the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon as an Official Charity Partner. The iconic TCS New York City Marathon on November 3, 2024 coincides with a significant moment for the Bard Prison Initiative — the celebration of our 25th anniversary. Since 1999, BPI has worked to reimagine the place of higher education, and support from the community has gotten us to where we are today and will sustain us as we build a future for college-in-prison.
Our team of 6 runners below each have a unique connection to BPI and we are grateful that they have chosen to run the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon with us. Along with running 25 (plus 1.2) for 25 throughout boroughs of NYC, each team member will also be raising $3,000 (or more!) to support BPI’s work of defying expectations of who college is for and where it can lead.
Read more about each team member and donate in support of their efforts below!
If you have already secured guaranteed entry but want to fundraise with Team BPI, fill out the form here.
Kimm Alexander
Having been an avid runner for over 15 years now, and completing numerous races of varying distances, the New York City Marathon has always been on my bucket list of races I would like to run. Without the ability to time qualify, there has never been a charity that I have felt strongly enough about to apply to run alongside — that is until this year when the Bard Prison Initiative became an official charity partner of the TCS NYC Marathon!
I have worked at Bard College almost as long as BPI has been in existence, and have watched it grow and transform through the years. I continue to be in awe of everything that they have done and continue to do, and am so honored to be a part of the team running and raising funds and awareness for BPI as they continue to reimagine the place of higher education.
Kimm’s Fundraising Progress
James Cantres
As a historian and professor who studied as an undergraduate in the Hudson Valley, I am enthused to support efforts of the Bard Prison Initiative in ensuring that everyone, including incarcerated people, have access to education. I am an avid runner and the miles I cover in November across all five boroughs will be a triumph for me but nothing compared to the resilience, dedication, and commitment of those who pursue their education while imprisoned. The carceral state cannot win. I am humbled to run in support of the BPI.
James’s Fundraising Progress
Nicole Gradzielewiski
I’m a Minneapolis-based mom of two girls taking on the challenge of running the New York City Marathon. After having my daughters and recently turning 45, I want to push myself and do something more physically challenging than I’ve ever done before, except birthing two children of course. My longest run to date is 15 miles, on accident, because I got lost.
I’ve chosen to support BPI in my fundraising efforts because BPI’s mission resonates deeply with me; I want to challenge societal narratives about incarcerated people and provide opportunities for education. Alongside my lifelong friend Jendayi, I’m determined to leverage my network and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most!
Nola’s Fundraising Progress
Belem Sanchez
During the pandemic I discovered solace in running. I set my sights on the NYC Marathon after seeing a video of its last finishers. I was moved by their determination and spirit to finish even after 8-10 hours. A marathon has always seemed daunting but those finishers make me believe I can do it.
While I have a guaranteed entry, I’ve chosen to fundraise for the Bard Prison Initiative because I believe in the power of education to break cycles and provide hope for a better future. Watching “College Behind Bars” reinforced my conviction that everyone deserves a chance at an education, regardless of their circumstances. This cause resonates with me because I’ve experienced the profound impact of education on my own journey, and I want to be a part of extending that opportunity to others. I am humbled to run my first marathon in my hometown for a cause I care so deeply about.
Belem’s Fundraising Progress
Jacob Sills
About ten years ago I became more aware about how unfair and exploitive many states’ bail policies were, which spurred me to found an organization, Uptrust, that focused on helping people communicate with their public defender and get court reminders on their cell phones. Through my work on pretrial justice initiatives, I also learned more about the need for reentry and in facility solutions and how valuable it was to equip people with a great education and mentorship. The criminal justice system is not short on problems; however, few organizations represent a “no brainer” solution like BPI. I’m running for BPI because if BPI had more resources (and more states had organizations like BPI) we would be a fairer, safer, and more productive society.
I’m originally from New York but currently live in Los Angeles with my wife and two daughters.
Jendayi Waugh
I believe in your work with all my heart. I can tell from the stories on the website that this organization makes a real difference.
Jendayi’s Fundraising Progress
Akash Goyal
I grew up in the suburbs of NYC and have always dreamed of running the NYC marathon. As someone whose father is currently incarcerated in a federal prison, I greatly value BPI’s mission of providing free education to incarcerated people. My father speaks about how he was lucky to have received an education.
I’m inspired by BPI’s mission and success stories and hope to help incarcerated people live fulfilling lives upon their release.
Hear from the Runners
Stay up-to-date with team BPI and their journey to November 3.