Miraj Mehta to Run 2026 NYC Marathon for Charity
The Brooklyn runner will compete in the 26.2-mile race while supporting educational programs through a Citizens grant.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Running
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Miraj Mehta plans to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as a member of Team Citizens. He is leveraging his participation to award a $20,000 grant to the Brooklyn-based non-profit Beginning with Children.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to provide Brooklyn youth from under-resourced communities with essential career readiness and internship opportunities. Mehta also intends to make running more accessible and less intimidating for adults and immigrants in his local community.
The $20,000 grant will support career readiness programming for 40 students and provide paid internships for 15 individuals. Participants at a recent Brower Park event also contributed to local causes by donating $1 for every 400-meter loop completed.
The players
Miraj Mehta
He is a Brooklyn-based runner and founder of the Run Build Belong community initiative.
Beginning with Children
This is a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization focused on providing educational and career development opportunities to youth.
Citizens
This is a financial institution that operates the Miles That Matter program to connect community members with charitable grant opportunities.
The details
Mehta, a Crown Heights resident, developed the Run Build Belong initiative to foster inclusivity in the sport through neighborhood running and walking gatherings. His training regimen for the marathon includes strength training and mobility work to prepare for the 26.2-mile course.
Timeline
Miraj Mehta will run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
Season Trajectory
The initiative follows a pattern set by the TCS New York City Marathon charity runner program by utilizing the race to generate direct funding for a local non-profit.
Local residents can participate in the Run Build Belong initiative to engage in community-based fitness sessions held in public parks. These gatherings lower the barrier to entry for prospective runners while promoting local health and charitable awareness.
The takeaway
Engaging in distance running can serve as a powerful vehicle for community development and financial support for local youth organizations. Residents looking to give back can explore small-scale, active fundraising events in their own neighborhoods.
Further reading
For more information on the local running community, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brooklyn Paper.
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