On November 5th, 2023, the streets of New York City were filled with excitement and energy as over 51,000 athletes from 148 countries came together for the iconic New York City Marathon.

Among the sea of participants were 5 runners competing as Guardian Champions under the banner of Guardian Revival: Mackenzie Burns, Rob Williams, Phil Schwarz, Brendan Melanophy, and Luke Norman.

Our Champions not only completed the grueling 26.2-mile journey but also successfully raised vital funds for Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws program. We are so grateful for their support and proud of their accomplishment!

In this post:

Providing Companions to Guardians

Our Champions entered the NYC Marathon not just as athletes and competitors but also as advocates for enhancing the mental health and well-being of our guardians. Every stride taken was a step toward making a difference in the lives of others — and we appreciate it!

Collectively, our champions raised over $52,000 for Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws companion dog program. This achievement will provide nine companion dogs to our guardians (veterans and first responders) free of charge.

Companion dogs are more than just pets — they offer the guardian & their family connection as well as a commitment to routines, adding a sense of purpose & accomplishment, and facilitating social interactions.

Studies have shown that dog ownership provides therapeutic benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, as well as easing depression and loneliness. For guardians facing depression, anxiety, or loneliness, a companion dog can make a world of difference in their lives.

Companion Dog Care Package

Our companion dogs are awarded along with a comprehensive care package, with a 12 month timeline of financial & expert support. Our staff has a regular cadence of follow-ups with each guardian to ensure they and their dog are doing well.

We provide a Puppy Training Manual and reimbursements (up to a set total) for a range of needs to ensure the guardians & their new companions are well supported:

Crate, bowls, brush, shampoo & food
Veterinary expenses
Pet insurance
Microchip + 1 year subscription
Professional training sessions
Recipient travel expenses

INTERESTED IN A DOG?

The New York City Marathon: Long Distance Running in One of the Most Popular Road Races in the World

The NYC Marathon is renowned for being one of the largest and most celebrated races in the global running calendar.

In 2023, the marathon continued its tradition of drawing in runners the world over, with 51,453 racers crossing the finish line.

The route of this spectacular 26.2-mile journey showcases the diverse culture and spirit of New York City — starting in Staten Island near the approach to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the course winds through the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens.

Runners then cross into Manhattan via the iconic Queensboro Bridge, experiencing breathtaking views of the New York cityscape.

A quick jog into the Bronx provides athletes with a running experience in all five boroughs before they return to Manhattan to cross the historic finish line in Central Park.

Athletes and spectators alike were treated to an unforgettable experience, highlighted by the diversity of participants and the shared love for endurance racing.

The average finishing time stood at 4:39:47, a testament to the determination and resilience of every runner in the race.

About Guardian Champions

Champions compete under the Guardian Revival banner to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness so we can improve the lives of our guardians (veterans & first responders).

Champions range from first-time athletes to professionals, all called to raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Athletes with existing races, events, and competitions may partner with us to represent Guardian Revival as a Champion.

Become a Champion for Guardian Revival

Feeling inspired by the accomplishments of our champions and interested in making an impact while pushing your physical limits? Guardian Revival is a charity partner with available entries for these upcoming races:

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon | Sunday, June 2, 2024
Marine Corps Marathon | Sunday, October 27, 2024
TCS NYC Marathon | Sunday, November 3, 2024
Philadelphia Marathon | Saturday, November 23, 2024
Honolulu Marathon | Sunday, December 8, 2024
Berlin Marathon | Sunday, September 28, 2025

We’re looking for athletes of all levels to join us as Champions for these upcoming events. Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or looking to tackle your first distance running race, your participation can contribute to a greater cause. Join us!

Apply to Run

For more information on how to apply for our running entries for 2024 and beyond, or to see how to partner with us for events you find on your own, check out our Champions page.