Declan McGlynn is looking forward to being a part of the 2018 Yonkers Marathon on October 21.
He grew up in Athboy, County Meath and now lives in New York City, NY. Seventeen years ago, he gave up smoking and started running. He lived near Central Park and started training with a friend for the NYC marathon.
Declan runs because he enjoys it. He finds it to be great exercise and a great way to relax and has met some amazing people and gone to some places you might not go to if you weren’t running or looking for races. Like running up and down the Grand Concourse in the recent Bronx 10-mile race. Or getting behind scenes at the Disney Race in Florida.
Declan stated, “Running is a community and I’m lucky to be part of it. If I can raise some money for a group as important as the Aisling Irish Center along the way even better.”
Read more: Aisling Irish Center are on the run as Yonkers' Marathon training kicks off
I’m looking forward to the half (but not the Yonkers hills). Now in its 93rd year, it is the second-oldest Marathon in the United States. The Yonkers Marathon is one of the toughest marathon in the East. Starts downtown Yonkers, New York, through a hilly course along the beautiful Hudson River.
Declan joined Team Aisling, which now has over 160 runners competing in the 5K, the Half Marathon and the Marathon. The team is a charity-based team with a common goal, to take part in the Yonkers marathon, create awareness and raise funds for its vital programs and services. Declan is running in the Half Marathon and is happy to be able to help out fellow emigrants in need.
Aisling Irish Community Center provides resources and a community respite to the Bronx, Yonkers, Queens and the entire tristate area. Over the years, the role of the Center has evolved into a fully-fledged social services organization catering not only to the Irish and Irish-American population but also to the community at large. Aisling Center is one of the largest Irish immigrant resource centers in the tri-state area and the main provider of services for communities of Yonkers and Woodlawn.
Monies raised will help fund the Aisling Irish Community Center’s Mental Health Programs including; free and confidential counseling services with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Life Coach with extensive mental health experience in supporting individuals, children, families and groups.
Read more: Aisling Irish Community Center launches Mulcahy Scholarship
The center provides an Irish arts and culture program including classes in Irish language, music and dance; assistance with employment & accommodation; services for Senior Citizens; various classes for adults and children and weekly AA meetings. Our educational, cultural and welfare programs/services benefit over 900 people each week.
The Irish Volunteers for the Homeless program is a weekly feeding program, delivering food to the homeless at numerous locations throughout New York City.
Volunteers are welcome to join the group at any time. For more information; 914-237-5121, www.aislingcenter.org
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