Cultural Care Au Pair has proudly participated in the New York City Marathon since 2015, both as runners and volunteers. Each year, we organize a large group of volunteers, including au pairs living in New York and neighboring states, along with Local Childcare Consultants (LCCs) and staff, to assist on the course.

Thanks to our strong volunteer presence, we’re able to secure coveted running spots in the marathon—an exciting opportunity, given how competitive it is to earn an official NYC Marathon bib.

A little about the New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, with a course that winds through all five boroughs of New York City. In 2006, it became part of the prestigious World Marathon Major series, and it now attracts runners from hundreds of countries across the globe, making it one of the most internationally celebrated races.

Why does Cultural Care participate in the New York City Marathon?

The New York City Marathon brings people from all over the world together to pursue a life-changing goal. Marathon runners push beyond their limits, embracing a transformative experience that leaves them stronger, happier, and more confident. Our au pairs go through a similar journey in our au pair program.

Volunteering at the NYC Marathon is a source of inspiration. It gives au pairs the chance to learn about American culture and make new friends. For those au pairs, host parents, LCCs, and staff members who get the opportunity to train for and run the race, it’s truly an unforgettable experience.

Our 2023 volunteer group

This year, over 200 Cultural Care volunteers will be handing out water, Gatorade, and plenty of encouragement along the course. Many of our past volunteers have called it one of their best experiences ever.

Our 2023 running team

Our small but mighty running team consists of 8 program participants: Josh Babb, host dad in VA; Marina Miranda, Argentinian au pair living in CA; Amayrani Perez Cruz, former au pair from Mexico; Joe Neiman, host dad in FL; Lizet Vasquez, former au pair from Spain; Kat Adams, host mom in CO; Phil Wagner, LCC in OH; and Jason Nark, former host dad in NC.

Host dad Josh Babb

Josh Babb is a 10-time marathon runner and 3-time host dad in Virginia. He’s also our very inspiring NYC Marathon team leader and has been helping our group of runners for months now with encouraging words, logistics tips and tricks, and training advice. “Watching people fall in love with running and learn to believe in themselves all over again is amazing. The same goes for me—every time I commit to train for and run another marathon, the experience adds to the richness and fullness of my already blessed life.”

Au pair Marina Miranda

Marina, a 26-year-old au pair from Argentina, recently began her third year with her host family in California and is eager to take on the 26.2-mile challenge this Sunday.

“I’m a Physical Education teacher, so I love sports and physical activity, but running is my favorite. I’ve been a runner since I was 16 years old. For me, running isn’t just exercise—it’s a form of therapy. It makes me feel free, energetic, and happy. In Argentina, I ran many races, and the energy is indescribable. I volunteered at the NYC Marathon in 2019, thanks to Cultural Care, and it was an amazing and emotional experience. That day, I promised myself that the next time I would be racing!"

Au pair Amayrani Pérez

Amayrani, an au pair from Mexico, was also selected to join Cultural Care’s NYC Marathon team. After spending over two years with her host family in Florida, she’s returning to the U.S. to run the race alongside her host dad.

“Running the New York City Marathon is one of the biggest goals I’ve ever set for myself. My host dad and I have been training a lot—sometimes together and sometimes on our own. He’s faster than me, but we’re going to New York together, and we can’t wait! Training for the NYC Marathon, my first marathon, has been a challenging journey, but it’s taught me so much. Chasing this dream has shown me what I’m capable of and reminded me that nothing is impossible.”