For Meagan Herigstad, running the New York City Marathon this fall will mark a major milestone, her first full marathon and a deeply personal journey tied to a cause close to home.
“New York City is actually going to be my first marathon,” Herigstad said. “I ran the Norfolk Harbor half last year in November. That was my first half-marathon.”
Since beginning her running journey, Herigstad said she has steadily built up her endurance, completing 11 races last year and already adding another half-marathon this year.
“I ran a total of 11 races last year, and then this year I ran the Shamrock half on Sunday, and then my first marathon will be the New York City Marathon in November,” she said.
Her decision to take on the challenge began as part of a broader effort to set personal goals not centered on weight.
“In December of 2024, I had one of those, I guess I was goal planning,” she said. “I was trying to decide what I wanted my health goal to be for 2025 that wasn’t weight-related.”
After completing her first half marathon, Herigstad said the experience transformed her perspective on running.
“That was like the experience of my life because I’ve never ran 13.1 miles before,” she said.
As she trained, she also found inspiration in a broader community of runners who challenged stereotypes.
“I think people are under the notion that to be a runner, you have to run the whole time, you have to be a fast runner. And that’s not true,” she said. “There’s like this whole demographic of people who are smashing mileage.”
Determined to run the marathon regardless of the path, Herigstad applied through multiple entry methods before ultimately securing a spot through a charity.
“I already knew going into this year that whether or not we got in from the lottery, or if we got in from the charity, we’re gonna run the New York City Marathon,” she said.
Herigstad is running in support of Hope for the Warriors, a military-focused nonprofit, a cause that reflects her own life as part of a military family.
“It was really important to me that if I was going to run for charity, I would want to run for something that is military affiliated,” she said. “Because we are a military family.”
She added that the organization’s mission resonates deeply with her experience.
“There was a desperate need for military support for families,” she said, noting the importance of assistance both during service and during the transition to civilian life.
Beyond the physical challenge, Herigstad said running has become a key outlet for her mental health.
“It’s become an outlet for me that when I go for a run, I can always guarantee that when I’m done with my run, I’m going to feel better,” she said.
Her participation in the marathon is also aimed at raising awareness and support for the charity.
“My hope is that in sharing my journey, that people will see these charities,” she said. “That may not just inspire them to donate, but it may inspire them to pick up the habit of running as well.”
Herigstad has set a fundraising goal of $3,500 and is using multiple avenues to reach it, including social media and even proceeds from her farm.
“Pretty much anything that we sell from the farm is actually being directly donated back to the charity,” she said.
Training for the marathon will intensify over the summer, with a structured plan leading up to the November race. While she continues to prepare physically, Herigstad said she is most excited about the experience itself.
“I’m just looking to finish,” she said. “I’ve never been to New York City ever before. It’s already gonna be like this huge experience.”
She added that the emotional weight of the moment is already setting in, stating that it would be one of the biggest experiences of her life.
For Herigstad, crossing the finish line will represent far more than completing 26.2 miles, it will be the culmination of a journey rooted in perseverance, purpose and community.
To donate towards Herigstad’s efforts, visit 2026tcsnycmarathonteamhope.funraise.org.
