Runner Profiles for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon – meet Jennifer O’Donnell

Jennifer O’Donnell was part of TEAM ELIXIR in 2025. She reached out to us last year and asked about joining our team again this year. We were thrilled to have her back on our team. We are grateful to all of our runners for their time and dedication. Jenn’s enthusiasm is contagious. Read her story below. You can support her race by visiting her page.

In 2005 I supported a friend that was running the NYC marathon. That day changed everything for me. I knew one day I would run the NYC marathon. I wanted to be a part of what I just witnessed. Seeing thousands of people all different genders, ages, races, sizes all accomplishing something they worked so hard for. That day I saw just how much a marathon will change you. So my running journey began. I’ve run multiple races from 5k’s to full marathons throughout the years. But never the race that drew me into running. So in 2025 I decided I would go for it. I didn’t want to just do this race, I wanted it to mean something. So I started researching charities. That’s when I came across Elixir. I was so touched by what they do for people. In today’s world I think it’s pretty safe to say we’d all been affected unfortunately by cancer in some way, shape or form. The Elixir Fund has a way of making it feel personal. I finished the race that day feeling like I had a hand in helping people. So when I was given the opportunity to run again in 2026 on their behalf I jumped at it. It’s an honor.