Au pairs and staff from Au Pair in America are proud to have supported the runners at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon!
Every year, au pairs from the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program volunteer their time (and never-ending energy!) to cheer on the amazing people from around the world who run the marathon. They show encouragement by providing runners with water and Gatorade along 26.2 mile the route.
Our team of Au Pair in America au pair and staff volunteers always come away inspired, having played an important role in this iconic New York City tradition! Our staff love being able to help facilitate the experience for our au pairs and take part in the magic themselves.
What made this year extra special was that we had community members running in the New York City Marathon, too. Au Pair in America Community Counselors Marli Meier and Shana Wiswell, who support host families and au pairs in Lower Fairfield County, CT and parts of the Westchester, NY area, had such an impactful experience.
Months of preparation and anticipation came to an exhilarating peak on Sunday, November 3rd, as record numbers of participants, volunteers, and supporters gathered at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon from all corners of the globe. It was a true showcase of cultural exchange at its finest, and I was deeply honored to represent Au Pair in America. Standing at the starting line on the Verrazzano Bridge, I was moved to tears by the powerful echoes of the Star-Spangled Banner. I wasn’t alone in that feeling—tears shimmered in the eyes of a runner proudly wearing the rainbow colors of the South African flag, and two friends draped in Great Britain’s colors stood hand in hand, united by the day’s spirit. It was a beautiful day for the love of running, bridging cultures, and celebrating together. – Marli
What a day for Team Au Pair in America! On November 3rd, I had the opportunity to run my first marathon — the TCS New York City Marathon — with fellow community counselor and veteran marathoner, Marli Meier. It was one of the best days of my life! I felt fit, happy and my heart was so full as I ran through all five boroughs. It’s hard not to feel like a champion with more than two million spectators cheering you on. What Marli and I had, beyond the other runners, was the tremendous support of the nearly 175 Au Pair and America volunteers! Knowing I might get a shout, hug or high five from one of the au pairs in my cluster, or one of my colleagues at each water station, helped to power me through the 26.2 miles. There were more than 55,000 finishers representing 137 countries! Thank you, Au Pair in America for encouraging cultural exchange opportunities for all of us like the New York City marathon. – Shana
We’re grateful and proud to take part in this incredible annual tradition in New York City each year, and look forward to taking part in next year’s Marathon!
