2017 TCS NYC Marathon: Meet Our Team!

On November 5, a passionate group of runners will participate in the TCS NYC Marathon, the most popular marathon in the world. Literacy Partners is proud of our team, who has already collectively raised over $4,000 in support of free literacy and language classes to immigrant parents, as well as home libraries of children’s books for their families.

Who are these determined individuals, and why have they decided to run in support of reading?


Alex Bryer

Previously a runner for the 2015 Hamptons Marathon, this is Alex’s second marathon. Alex’s life has focused on the importance of literacy, with his work as a teacher at an inner-city private high school in Brooklyn, and his Masters Degree in Literacy. He believes that “the ability to read and write is the foundational key to unlocking everything from a successful education to a successful career.” He called Literacy Partners “a perfect match” for his desire to run in the NYC Marathon and support an organization mirroring his passion for literacy education. Alex’s motivational running song is “Running With the Devil” by Van Halen, and he’s part of a customized training program to prepare for the marathon, which includes four runs weekly, cross training, dieting, and allowing for recovery time. He is an avid fan of the Yankees and Rangers, biking, traveling, and spending time with Erica, his wife, and Arnold, his dog.


Sheila Corkhill

Sheila, who has run three Boston marathons in the past, is excited to run her first marathon in NYC. A volunteer immigration attorney, Sheila has seen firsthand the importance of literacy programming for immigrants and refugees. An avid reader, biker, and kayaker, Sheila is excited to make it to the finish line, while also making a difference. She’s supported by women in her running group, while following Hal Higdon’s novice training program. Her running soundtrack is made up of songs by Queen, and she is “honored and excited to be running for a program that is committed to improving literacy and language skills for so many New Yorkers!”


Brian Guerra

This is Brian’s first marathon! His main goal on race day is crossing the line together with his girlfriend. “Proud to be supporting a great cause,” Brian chose to run for Literacy Partners due to his love for reading and the organization’s mission. He’s been training physically and mentally, preparing for the long duration and endurance needed for the marathon. He’s been using audiobooks as motivation, with upbeat hip hop songs when he needs an extra push. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball. He lives in NYC and works at a financial company in Connecticut.  


Annie Madden 

Annie is a first grade teacher from Sacramento, CA. Teaching at a Title 1 school with a large population of English Language Learners and children of immigrants influenced her to run for Literacy Partners. She recognizes the importance of programs like Literacy Partners, and how it can “make a huge difference in the lives of families and the education of the students.” This is Annie’s second marathon – she ran the Chicago Marathon four years ago, and will be joined in NYC by her sister and husband. Her motivational song is “Anything Can Happen” by Ellie Goulding, and her goal is to enjoy every minute of running through New York! Annie also enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her dogs, Marble and Lolo.


We thank our runners for their dedication to Literacy Partners and for helping raise awareness of our work through the NYC Marathon. Click here to donate to any of our runners’ individual fundraising pages. We look forward to seeing them run for reading on November 5!