26.2 Miles, One Mission: Team YMCA Green Witches Takes on the NYC Marathon
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, four dedicated runners represented the YMCA of Greenwich at the TCS New York City Marathon, taking on 26.2 miles through all five boroughs and raising more than $20,000 to support life-changing programs and services in our community.
As an official charity partner for the first time, the YMCA of Greenwich proudly cheered on Team YMCA Green Witches runners Fritz Conrod, Rickie Harripersaud, Charlie Youngblood, and Lily Bartels as they turned months of training, determination, and fundraising into an unforgettable race-day experience.
But for these runners, the marathon was about more than crossing the finish line. It was an opportunity to give back, inspire others, and make a lasting difference in the Greenwich community.
A Lifelong Connection to the Y
For Charlie Youngblood, running the NYC Marathon brought together two longtime passions: running and New York City.
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An avid runner and triathlete since the 1990s, Charlie had watched the marathon from the sidelines and always admired the incredible energy surrounding the event. This year, he finally had the opportunity to experience it firsthand while representing an organization that has played an important role in his family's life.
Charlie and his family joined the YMCA of Greenwich during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Y quickly became a meaningful part of their routine. From swimming and group fitness classes to youth development opportunities, the Y has supported their family's health, wellness, and connection to the community.
The impact has extended across generations. Charlie's wife recently reflected on how a YMCA coach helped their son discover a passion for rowing after a challenging start elsewhere. Today, he is a collegiate rower.
For Charlie, running on behalf of the YMCA was a chance to give back to a place that had already given his family so much.
From Training Miles to the Finish Line
Preparing for his first NYC Marathon required Charlie to adjust his usual triathlon training, increasing his running mileage and frequency over four months with guidance from Coach Fiore.
His training took him throughout Greenwich, from the hills of his neighborhood to scenic runs along Steamboat Road and through Bruce Park. He also continued swimming at the YMCA as part of his cross-training routine.
By race day, Charlie had completed two 22-mile training runs, giving him the confidence to take on the full 26.2-mile course.
Once the race began, the energy of New York City carried him forward.
From the anticipation at the starting village to the excitement of the crowds lining the streets, Charlie embraced every moment of the experience.
One particularly memorable moment came as he approached the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx, where members of the YMCA team were waiting to cheer him on.
"It was fantastic to see the Y team cheering me on, just before crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx for the final 7 miles," Charlie shared. "I am very grateful for the homemade personalized signs that the Y made to motivate me as I was pushing through to the end."
Crossing the finish line was the culmination of months of preparation and a lifelong goal achieved.
"Although the temperature was dropping as the sun was going down, it was offset by the exhilaration of achieving the goal that I'd trained for over 4 months," he reflected.
Four Runners, One Shared Purpose
While each runner brought a different background and motivation to the marathon, all four shared a commitment to making a positive impact.
Fritz Conrod grew up at the YMCA of Greenwich, spending countless hours swimming, volunteering with Challenger Basketball, and building his passion for fitness. With extensive charitable fundraising experience through his family's foundation, Fritz saw the marathon as an opportunity to combine a lifelong dream with his commitment to helping others.
Rickie Harripersaud brought his experience in distance running and peer-to-peer fundraising to the team. Having previously supported charitable causes through personal outreach and storytelling, Rickie understands how individual connections can inspire meaningful community impact.
Lily Bartels, a Greenwich native, grew up participating in YMCA programs and other local youth activities. With a strong background in fundraising and community service, Lily ran to help ensure future generations of children have access to the same enriching opportunities that helped shape her own life.
Together with Charlie, these runners represented the spirit of the YMCA: perseverance, generosity, healthy living, and community.
Making Every Mile Matter
Together, Team YMCA Green Witches raised more than $20,000 for the YMCA of Greenwich's Annual Campaign, helping ensure that children, families, and individuals throughout our community have access to life-changing programs and services, regardless of financial circumstances.
In 2026, the YMCA is providing approximately $850,000 in financial assistance, supporting opportunities such as water safety education, childcare and summer camp scholarships, evidence-based health programs, and affordable access to YMCA memberships.
From helping children learn life-saving swim skills to supporting cancer survivors as they rebuild their strength, every dollar raised by our marathon team helps create a healthier, stronger, and more connected Greenwich community.
Thank You, Team YMCA Green Witches!
We are incredibly proud of Fritz, Rickie, Charlie, and Lily for their dedication to training, fundraising, and representing the YMCA of Greenwich on one of the world's biggest running stages.
We also extend our gratitude to the friends, families, donors, and YMCA supporters who cheered them on throughout their journey.
As Charlie shared, "I am glad that I could help support an organization that is so committed to serving everyone in the community."
Our inaugural year as a TCS New York City Marathon charity partner has been an exciting milestone, and we look forward to building on this experience in the years ahead.
The race may be over, but the impact of every mile continues.