TEAM ELEPHANT IS READY TO RUN THE 2025 TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
Tomorrow, Sunday the 2nd of November, 26 dedicated Team Elephant charity runners will take on the world’s largest marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon. Each runner has dedicated their run to raising funds to support Wild Tomorrow’s mission: saving wildlife and wild places. Get ready to cheer them on as they run thru all 5 NYC boroughs! Learn more about our inspiring runners and their passion for wildlife in the blog below.
An African savannah elephant charges in the endangered sand forest, just across the river from Wild Tomorrow’s Reserve in South Africa. Video by our Ambassador, Shannon Wild @shannon__wild
We are proud to be an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon for the 5th year running. We are even more proud of our 2025 NYC Marathon Team, our biggest ‘herd’ of runners so far in this iconic race, with our 26 runners chosen from a field of 311 applicants. Each amazing elephant-loving runner committed to raising $3,500 individually. Together as a team, they surged past the fundraising finish line, raising an incredible $105,075 so far! These funds directly support Wild Tomorrow’s conservation projects in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa—protecting endangered wildlife and restoring the habitats they call home.
The TCS New York City Marathon is the world’s largest marathon -and the BEST DAY in New York City - winding through all five boroughs and showcasing New York City’s most iconic landmarks—from the Queensboro Bridge to Central Park and the iconic Plaza Hotel (where we will hold our Annual Gala this year!). This year, more than 200,000 people applied to run the New York City Marathon, an increase of 71 percent from 2019, according to the NY Times. Tomorrow, an estimated 55,000 people — a mix of lottery winners, charity runners and time qualifiers — will complete the race!
Every year, we’re thrilled to cheer on our runners in the city of our US headquarters, for a cause that’s thousands of miles away, yet so close to our hearts. Join us - our cheer squad will be outside The Africa Center, on the north-east corner of Central Park, giving all of our energy to the runners as they head toward the finish line to complete all 26.2 miles!
Wild Tomorrow’s General Manger in South Africa, Greg Canning ran the Cape Town marathon and the NYC marathon in 2023 with Team Elephant!
Wild Tomorrow’s Annic Randriamampianina ran her very first marathon with Team Elephant in 2023 and 2024! You can see she had an amazing time. She will be running this year too, so please help cheer her on!
Their Reasons to Run for Wildlife
Jackson Davis who works for our sponsor Tinicum, is running his second NYC Marathon for Wild Tomorrow! His colleague Aaron Zuo is running for us for the third time, hoping to break sub-3 hours!
From Team Elephant running alumni who’ve run several races for our team around the globe, to first-time marathoners, our 2025 team represents a diverse community of wildlife enthusiasts. Each runner has their own story and reason for choosing Wild Tomorrow, and their passion for our mission is every bit as inspiring as their marathon journey.
Our runners are united by a deep love for wildlife and a shared belief that we all have a role to play in protecting the natural world. Many were inspired by firsthand experiences — witnessing elephants in Africa, visiting sanctuaries like Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park, or exploring the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in South Africa. Seeing the beauty and vulnerability of these magnificent creatures left a lasting impression and a determination to make a difference.
For some, joining Team Elephant is a way to align their passion for running with their commitment to conservation. From environmental law students and scientists to lifelong animal lovers, science teachers and seasoned travelers, our runners share a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all life — from elephants to termites, and everything in between. Many were drawn to Wild Tomorrow’s unique mission to protect both wildlife and the communities that share their habitats.
“Wild places have always held a special place in my heart — they inspire me, ground me, and remind me of what’s truly worth protecting. By training for and running 26.2 miles, I hope to raise awareness and help give a voice to the lives and wild places that can’t advocate for themselves.”
“In my pursuits as an educator, I have realized students will not grow up to protect the natural world and the cultures that depend on it if they have not developed empathy and a personal connection to the environment. I am not educating for the world as it is currently but for a more equitable and sustainable world. This is why I am so excited to be partnered with Wild Tomorrow Fund.”
Tinicum partners Seth Hendon (left) and Bob Kelly (right)
We are deeply grateful to Tinicum, who has generously sponsored Team Elephant every year since our first NYC Marathon in 2021. Wild Tomorrow's Chairman and Tinicum partner (and an eight-time NYC Marathon participant!) said, "I want to thank Tinicum, and in particular my partners Eric Ruttenberg and Bob Kelly who have been stalwart Wild Tomorrow supporters from day one. And, of course, huge thanks to the many Tinicum runners (a total of 13 since 2021) who have helped us raise over $98,500 over the five years we had been running the NY Marathon."
If you’re inspired by our 2025 NYC Marathon Team Elephant runners, pre-register your interest for the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon or join one of our many races around the world, from Dublin to Sydney, and make your miles count to protect wildlife.
Help us to cheer on the team by joining us at our cheer spot at The Africa Center, or donating in support of these incredible athletes!
HOW TO WATCH THE RACE
Cheer on the runners in person!
We will be ready to cheer on runners for the last and hardest miles of their race. We will be after Mile 22 at the north-east corner of Central Park. We welcome family, friends and Wild Tomorrow community members to come and say hi and to join us to yell loudly at our team! The location is just south off East 109th and 5th, right outside “The Africa Center” (on your left side) which is at 1280 Fifth Ave. It is also home to a restaurant serving warm, hearty food, called “Teranga”.
The NYRR app for family and friends to track runners is available here: www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/race-day/mobile-app
Watch from your couch
No matter where you are, tune in to watch the TCS New York City Marathon and cheer on the runners! Friends, family, and fans all over the globe have multiple options to watch (or listen to!) the marathon live. NYRR has put together a handy guide here: www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/race-day/watch-the-race