As the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon approaches, we’re thrilled to celebrate a few of our own from Au Pair in America who are gearing up to run the iconic annual race. Current au pairs Benedetta, Chloe, and Valentina, as well as Chloe’s dad Jérôme, are excited to take on the marathon this year and represent Team Au Pair in America. Their dedication to the au pair program and their rigorous training for the marathon is an absolute inspiration, and we can’t wait to cheer them on as they tackle 26.2 miles through all five boroughs of New York City!
We caught up with our runners to learn more about their connection to the NYC Marathon as members of the Au Pair in America community.
Will the 2026 NYC Marathon be your first marathon experience? Please tell us how you’re feeling!
Benedetta: I feel so excited to run a Marathon and I can’t believe my first one will be “THE” Marathon. I will realize one of my dream.
Valentina: Yes, I couldn’t be more excited to participate in the marathon. I run for fun and knowing that I’ll be able to participate in one of the most important races.
Chloe: Yes, it’s my first marathon. I’m so excited but also scared!
Jérôme: No it’s not my first marathon, but it’s my first one in New York. I’m excited and can’t wait to run one of the most popular marathons.
What is your training plan for the marathon?
Benedetta: I train with Runna and I will continue to do so. I usually train solo and I recently joined a run club on Saturdays morning — I’m sure they’ll be willing to train more with me as soon as they’ll find out this exciting news.
Valentina: Run week by week, gradually increasing the mileage, while paying attention to nutrition, rest, and strength training. Essential equipment includes good running shoes suitable for a 42 km run.
Chloe: My dad [Jérôme] is gonna give me some advice to how to train from distance, and my host family is also really supportive. As an app, I usually use Strava to help me map my trainings.
Jérôme: I’m in a running club training twice a week. We usually train together, but I also train by myself around the house. I have multiples big races this year to train for!
What about running in the NYC Marathon are you most looking forward to?
Benedetta: The vibes. The vibes were incredible when I volunteered last year just from the volunteer prospective and I really can’t wait to be on the runners’ side. I’m also looking forward to [crossing] the finish line and tell myself, “You actually did it.”
Valentina: Being able to complete it will be a personal challenge accomplished, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of it thanks to APIA.
Chloe: I’m so excited to see and feel the energy of the people who cheer [us on]. I was a volunteer last year and it was one the most amazing experiences ever.
Jérôme: The energy and the city is what I’m looking forward to the most!
How has Au Pair in America as an organization supported you on this journey?
Benedetta: I volunteer through them and they provided me the guaranteed entry. Since the entry is almost impossible to get, I’m truly grateful to APIA.
Valentina: If I hadn’t come as au pair I wouldn’t have even considered entering one of the most important marathons. APIA has given me some great experiences.
Chloe: They helped me getting in the NY Marathon with my dad to accomplished one of his dreams and I’m so grateful I can share this with him thanks to Au Pair in America.
Jérôme: They gave me the opportunity to run this marathon with my daughter.
Each year, au pairs in the Tri-State area gather to volunteer for the NYC Marathon. How does it feel knowing the Au Pair in America Team is cheering you on and rooting for your success?
Benedetta: It’s incredible to think there will be people there that will know that I’m with APIA and will cheer me on.
Valentina: It feels great that you give us so many opportunities and experiences. The atmosphere at the marathon was amazing. When I was volunteering, I thought, “Wow, being able to run here must be incredible!” Now, I’ll run!
Chloe: When I volunteered last year, I saw on the runners’ faces how helpful we were just by screaming they can do it. Thinking there are going to be other au pairs and host families and counselors doing it for us… it’s amazing.
Jérôme: It’s gives motivation. Respect for everyone who comes to cheer us on!
Any advice for future runners in the NYC Marathon?
Benedetta: It’s my first Marathon so I’m not sure if I can give advice, but I’d say training is not a joke — it’s really hard and challenging. But the rewards you get from it, it’s totally worth it. Give it a shot, go for it and prove yourself what you’re capable of!
Valentina: Enjoy every mile; they’re priceless experiences. Train, rest if you need to, but enjoy every step. NYC is crazy, and the energy of the people is incredibly motivating.
Chloe: I don’t really know because it’s gonna be my first marathon — but don’t give up, keep pushing. You can do it.
Jérôme: Just enjoy your time if you want to success and have fun!
Au Pair in America is passionate about supporting our team so they can go the extra mile.
Whether you’re a host parent, an au pair, or one of our on-site Community Counselors, Au Pair in America is always there to support you and cheer you on — just as we do with our community at the NYC Marathon. If you’re a parent looking to host an au pair, we encourage you to do so with our trusted au pair program, Au Pair in America.
