Bridget Tarnowski of Glenside will run the New York City Marathon on November 3 to raise funds for 261 Fearless, Inc., a global non-profit women’s running organization.

Tarnowski, 26, will be running her first New York City Marathon after finishing her first-ever marathon in Philadelphia last year.

A research scientist at Merck in West Point and an alumnus of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Division I rowing program, she returned to her distance running background after moving to Glenside in 2021.

“261 Fearless is the perfect match for me for New York City,” said Tarnowski. “Its founding by an accomplished female runner is deeply tied to its goal to help educate women about health, physical activity and leadership, build communities and support women to become empowered through running. An essential facet of success is reaching back and lifting up those around you, and in that regard this organization’s mission speaks for itself.”

Established in 2015, 261 Fearless Inc. was co-founded by Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967, and Edith Zuschmann, CEO and president.

In 2017, Switzer finished the marathon to mark the 50th anniversary of her inaugural run.

15 runners will compete in New York City this year as part of 261 Fearless Team.

“Bringing the empowerment of running to women around the world begins with a single step, and 261 Fearless Inc. is honored that our Team New York City charity runners have taken that step – and will take many more,” said Switzer.

The global non-profit organization uses running as a vehicle to empower and unite women through women’s education programs and the creation of local women’s only running clubs. Breaking down the barriers of geography, 261 Fearless Inc. aims to create a safe, global community for women runners of all abilities to support, encourage, and inspire each other toward a positive sense of self and fearlessness. Already there are 19 clubs with more than 50 groups in 14 countries on five continents where more than 200 certified 261 coaches support women to start and continue running.

“We aren’t about speed,” said Edith Zuschmann, CEO of 261 Fearless Inc.. “We’re about need: the need for all women to feel empowered through discovery of their own inner strength through being physically active.”

To support Tarnowski, you can click here.

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