# Why We Run: 3 NYC Marathon Stories

> Three runners share why they run the NYC Marathon: overcoming disability, mental health, and refugee activism.
- Title: Why We Run: 3 NYC Marathon Stories · Popsugar | Shortify
- Summary: Three runners share why they run the NYC Marathon: overcoming disability, mental health, and refugee activism. Nicole Ver Kuilen, Smita Rajgopal, and Shaden…
- Keywords: new york city marathon, nicole ver kuilen, smita rajgopal, shaden awad, new york road runners, bipolar disorder, refugee camp, running prosthesis, gaza, Popsugar
- Source: Popsugar — https://popsugar.com/fitness/new-york-city-marathon-personal-runner-stories-49485296
- Author: Tianna Soto
- Published: 2026-10-30T15:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new york city marathon, nicole ver kuilen, smita rajgopal, shaden awad, new york road runners, bipolar disorder, refugee camp, running prosthesis, gaza, entertainment, lifestyle
## Nicole Ver Kuilen's Marathon Journey
Nicole Ver Kuilen, 35, runs the NYC Marathon after overcoming bone cancer and a leg amputation.

> It was a very challenging time in my life.
## Running Prosthesis Struggle
Ver Kuilen needed a running prosthesis for years due to insurance limitations before getting one.

> I was running on something that wasn't built to withstand that energy.
## Prosthetic Breakthrough
Ver Kuilen received her first running prosthesis after a year of advocacy and 26 appointments.

> It felt like I finally had my leg back.
## Smita Rajgopal's Mental Health
Smita Rajgopal, 45, runs the NYC Marathon to manage bipolar disorder and mental health challenges.

> I had been fine for about five years, living my life as normally as possible, but then, I had an episode at the end of last year.
## Mental Health Marathon
Rajgopal compares her mental health struggles to hitting a marathon wall and pushes through one run at a time.

> It's like the wall: You try to push past it, and eventually, you get past it.
## Shaden Awad's Refugee Story
Shaden Awad, 27, runs the NYC Marathon as a Palestinian refugee and activist with her brother.

> 26.2 miles is longer than the length of Gaza, which is something people don't even think about.
## Activism and Running
Awad uses running to manage stress from activism and to advocate for Palestinian rights.

> It feels remiss not to mention that fact, and how I'm able to live and go run outside.
## Marathon as Political Act
Awad sees running the marathon as a political act to support Palestinian refugees and future generations.

> Showing up to the start line, I'm showing up for myself, but it's also an investment in planting for the future.
## Next Steps for Runners
Ver Kuilen advocates for insurance coverage for running prosthetics nationwide, while Awad continues activism.

> When people see someone like myself running a race with a disability or prosthesis, oftentimes, they say, 'You inspire me.'
## Key takeaway

Nicole Ver Kuilen, Smita Rajgopal, and Shaden Awad each run the NYC Marathon to overcome physical barriers, mental health challenges, and refugee activism respectively.