Williamsburg Runner to Tackle Marathon Before Surgery
Jessica Reilly will race the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1 before a scheduled bilateral mastectomy.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Running
Jessica Reilly, a 25-year-old resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is set to participate in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1. Following the race, she will undergo a bilateral mastectomy on November 3.
Why it matters
Reilly opted for the preventive procedure after testing positive for the BRCA1 mutation, which heightens the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. She chose the surgery to avoid the health experiences her parents endured.
Medical guidelines for individuals with the BRCA1 mutation recommend beginning annual breast MRIs at age 25. Mammogram screenings typically begin at age 30, though patients like Reilly may opt for preventive surgery.
The players
Jessica Reilly
A 25-year-old Williamsburg, Brooklyn resident who is preparing for a marathon and a major preventive surgery.
Dr. Elisa Port
The chief breast surgeon at Mount Sinai who is managing Reilly's upcoming surgical procedure.
The details
Reilly carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, which informed her decision to pursue a bilateral mastectomy instead of long-term monitoring. She will receive care from Dr. Elisa Port, the chief breast surgeon at Mount Sinai, shortly after completing the marathon.
Timeline
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1.
Jessica Reilly undergoes a bilateral mastectomy on November 3.
Season Trajectory
This story highlights the growing trend of patients electing preventive measures over the traditional surveillance paths outlined in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for BRCA carriers. By choosing surgery, Reilly departs from the standard long-term monitoring protocol.
Reilly's participation confirms her intent to compete in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon just 48 hours before her procedure. This decision highlights the physical demands of high-level endurance training alongside impending surgical recovery.
The takeaway
Proactive health management can significantly alter the trajectory of cancer risk for those with known genetic mutations. Balancing personal athletic milestones with major medical decisions demonstrates the varied approaches patients take to long-term wellness.
What happens next
Jessica Reilly is scheduled to undergo a bilateral mastectomy on November 3, 2026, followed by future reconstructive surgery.
Further reading
For more on the local running community, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.
