A long-time board member and dedicated supporter of The Fortune Society’s mission, David is thrilled to coach and run with the Fortune Flyers once again at the TCS New York City Marathon on November 3! 

After first connecting with Fortune through a partner at his law firm, David developed a program for his summer associates to assist Fortune participants with resume building and mock interviews. He was already active in the criminal justice sphere, providing pro-bono legal assistance for people impacted by the criminal legal system, and engaging with Fortune proved a natural next step.  

Having completed over 50 marathons and ultra-marathons, David saw an opportunity to couple his love for running with elevating Fortune’s brand awareness across New York City. He partnered with another board member in 2012 to organize Fortune’s first marathon team, the Fortune Flyers. Since organizing the team, he has remained actively involved as Team Captain, including recruiting a friend and now Fortune supporter as his Co-Captain.   

David’s role in the Fortune Flyers involves recruiting and coaching runners on the team, including building individual training plans and providing marathon tips. He shared that, especially when coaching first-time runners, a large part of marathon training includes building confidence and working to shift one’s mindset to believing they can succeed. 

When David first began distance running, he discovered how much he enjoyed training for a race. Marathon training, while rigorous, builds both physical and mental strength. Each week, the runners experience what David describes as a series of firsts. At each stage of training, they’re able to accomplish something new, and this can be a powerful motivator. He watches runners with little experience surpass training milestones of completing a ten-mile run, then 11 miles, and even further.  

Similar to the reentry experience for those formerly incarcerated, training for the marathon becomes a personal journey of growth and positive change. David noted the specific parallels between the two. 

David emphasized the importance of our runners understanding and connecting with Fortune’s mission. Among other things, on the Friday evening before Marathon Day the Fortune Flyers convene for a team dinner. The team consists of runners from varying backgrounds, including Fortune participants, and the dinner offers an opportunity to share their experiences and why they chose to run in support of the organization.  

The New York City Marathon is David’s favorite race. A core identity of New York City, he described the excitement that electrifies the city in the weeks leading up to Marathon Day.  

“It’s not just the day of, it’s a feeling you get as the race gets closer. Your heart jumps a little to know you are a part of this special event happening in the city. Your last three weeks are about maintaining progress made in training, and all that’s on your mind is Marathon Day.” 

Support David and the rest of the Fortune Flyers by helping the team reach their goal of $50,000 before November 3!