Ronan Conway returns to the marathon circuit — and is rallying the community to go the distance with him!
Conway doesn’t stop running, literally or figuratively. After an impressive debut at the grueling Pocantico Hills Marathon last year, the Wilton teenager is once again taking on a major challenge, combining endurance with philanthropy.
Conway made his marathon debut last year in Sleepy Hollow at the Pocantico Hills Marathon, a physically grueling course with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. He crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 34 minutes, earning him first place in the under-20 category and finishing 41st overall — an extraordinary feat for a first-time marathoner.
This November, Conway is stepping up to an even greater test: the Independence Challenge in Philadelphia, a two-day event during the city’s marathon weekend. He’ll race the 8K on Saturday, Nov. 22, followed by the full Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 23 — a total of 31.2 miles in just 48 hours.
But Conway isn’t just running for personal achievement. He’s lacing up to support Trackside Teen Center, a nonprofit that provides a place of belonging and connection for Wilton teens, and the place where Ronan picked up his love of running. Last year, his efforts raised $3,800 for the center. This year, he’s aiming higher, with a fundraising goal of $8,000.
In response, Trackside is launching a community-wide fitness challenge to rally support.
The Run With Ronan Challenge starts Saturday, Nov. 1, where participants pledge to run/walk or bike 31 miles by Nov. 23 — the day Conway completes his back-to-back races. Participants have three weeks to ‘go the distance’ that Ronan will complete in two days!
Participation is simple: Donate any amount to Ronan’s fundraiser, then download the free STRAVA app and join the group Run With Ronan. Once inside the group participants can track their miles, connect with others, and follow Conway’s journey in real time.
The challenge has already attracted its first participant: Cider Mill teacher and local running enthusiast Jeffrey Schwartz. “Will you join him?” organizers ask.
“This initiative is packed with everyone we love and everything the Trackside mission represents,” Trackside Executive Director Lori Fields said. “We are in the business of supporting the ideas and visions of our teens. This one fundraising effort has it all; a teen leading the charge, flexing his fundraising and leadership skills, and using it as a way to inspire the community to come together and be part of the fun. We hope to see a significant and heartfelt response from the community at large.”
All challenge participants (aka “Ronan Roadies”) will be invited to a community celebration on the evening of Monday, Dec. 1 to hang with Ronan, share stories and toast their collective efforts.
Whether you’re hitting the trails, your treadmill or a bike, every mile counts — and every dollar makes a difference.
Those unable to participate in the physical challenge can still contribute by learning more and donating to Ronan’s fundraiser on the Trackside website.