Introducing our 2025 NYC Marathon Team of five incredible runners who are taking on 26.2 miles through all five boroughs in support of NYC Outward Bound Schools.
Each of these athletes brings their own powerful connection to our mission and a deep belief in the impact of equitable, immersive, and joyful learning for all students. Whether through personal experience, professional work in education, or a passion for youth development, our runners embody what it means to push beyond limits in pursuit of a better future.
They’re already hard at work training and fundraising, and we’re so proud to have them representing NYC Outward Bound Schools this year. Meet the team below, and join us in cheering them on as they race toward the finish line on November 2!
Meet our Runners:
Nettie Leepson
Nettie is a middle school teacher and M.Ed. candidate at American University whose own educational journey was transformed through experiential programs like Outward Bound and NOLS. Growing up with ADHD and receiving special education supports, she often felt out of place in traditional classrooms. That changed when she found confidence and purpose in outdoor learning environments. She is running for every student who deserves a chance to learn in a way that helps them see how capable and resilient they really are. “Supporting NYC Outward Bound Schools is deeply personal,” she shares. “It reflects my core values and lived experiences.”
What are you most excited about for the NYC Marathon?
“I am most excited to prove to myself that I can do something I once thought was impossible and show myself that I can do hard things. And to immerse myself in the crowds, signs, and chaotic vibes of the NYC energy.”
What keeps you motivated on days you don’t want to run?
“On those days, I remind myself that I do not have to run, I get to. I think about how far I have come since struggling to run a single mile and how every run, even the bad ones, is building toward something bigger.”
Charlie Heydt
Charlie completed a Colorado Outward Bound course as a teenager and still reads his Solo Journal every few years. He is a father of two and a lifelong believer in giving back. From mentoring students in Appalachian schools to teaching in Japan, Charlie brings a deep commitment to education and community. “NYC is my emotional and creative home,” he writes. “Running there for a cause that shaped me is both thrilling and meaningful.”
What are you most excited about for the NYC Marathon?
“Training for something as awesome as a marathon takes a team. That medal will have been earned by them just as much as by me.”
Any music, podcasts, or mantras you run with?
“My 9-year-old son, Henry, put together a playlist to keep me inspired while I run. Let’s just say that after the tenth Parry Gripp track in a row, even the most determined runner might start to lose their…grip.”
Emily Sroczynski
Emily is running in honor of her father, a beloved NYC public school special education teacher of 22 years. Her fundraising campaign lifts up the teachers and students who make New York extraordinary. She writes: “My dad instilled in me my love for nature and the transformative power of challenging yourself. I would not be running the marathon without his influence and encouragement.”
Favorite running route?
“I do almost all of my runs along the Old Harbor in Boston, but I love going to the Arnold Arboretum to get some hills in and run on trails. I love trail running and feeling immersed in nature.”
What’s your go-to pre or post-run snack?
“It is not the recommended option, but when I am super tired and unmotivated before a run, I will make an affogato to hype myself up. The caffeine and sugar combo is such a treat and makes me happy so I am more willing to get out the door.”
Daniel Cellars
Daniel is a returning runner for NYC Outward Bound Schools, having raised over $5,000 last year. A father of three and longtime advocate for expanded learning, Daniel supports the mission to integrate social-emotional and academic development for NYC students. “My kids attend public school here in the city,” he says. “I believe in helping them — and all students — learn outside the classroom.”
What are you most excited about for the NYC Marathon?
“There is nothing like entering First Avenue. You are more than halfway, there is a lot of room to run, and the crowd is so loud. Easily my favorite part of the race.”
Favorite running route?
“Central Park loop is my favorite. There are water fountains, good elevation, and you are never running alone. Almost all my running is done on the loop.”
Matthew Cunningham
Matthew’s work with Outward Bound UK and other educational nonprofits has shaped his identity as a runner and a mentor. He believes in being a lifelong student and using his voice to uplift others. “Outward Bound helps young students control what would otherwise be uncontrollables,” he says. “Quite frankly, that is something I am always on board for.”
Favorite running route?
“The Boston Marathon route, specifically the Newton Hills. All the lore around how challenging Heartbreak Hill can be motivates me to no end. There is energy from so many marathon legends on that hill and that course. The feeling you get running it cannot be replicated elsewhere.”
What keeps you motivated on days you don’t want to run?
“There is always a voice in my head saying I have already done enough, or that it is too cold, or that I can take a day off. But the one thing I know is that I set a goal for myself. There is power in discipline and in taking control of your own outcome. That is what keeps me going.”