Four Skagit Valley locals were among the nearly 48,000 runners competing in the 26.2-mile TCS New York City Marathon on November 6, 2022. Amanda Bedker (Mount Vernon), Charlean Burks (La Conner), Holly Hendren (Bow), and Cheryl Otis (Sedro Woolley) crossed the finish line together at 4 hours and 58 minutes. This year was the 51st celebratory running of the marathon, and Camp Korey was among 400+ official charity partners providing thousands of runners the opportunity to run in the world’s most popular marathon.

“2022 New York City Marathon was absolutely the most amazing experience…Hands down the best run I have ever done! I am very lucky to have run it with some amazing ladies by my side. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me raise funds for Camp Korey.” – Cheryl Otis

Also completing the race were Phil and Kate Shigo, a father and daughter duo from Seat

tle, WA. “I first ran the New York Marathon in 2015 for Team Korey. At that time, Kate was only 12 and a spectator at the event. Seven years later, a runner herself, inspired by Camp Korey and the amazing event that is the NYC Marathon, Kate and I ran the race together for Team Korey. By challenging ourselves physically, the $7,800 we raised gives Camp Korey the financial ability to provide transformative camp experiences for children living with serious medical conditions, always 100% free of charge to families.” shared Shigo.

Camp Korey’s “Team Korey” runners traveled from WA, NY, CA, and MA, and each committed to a $3,500 fundraising goal, which some surpassed including Wendy Hohmann who raised more than $20,000. In total, more than $100,000 was raised through individual gifts and corporate sponsorships. Funds raised by Team Korey are used to provide free, year-round camp programs for children with serious illnesses and life-altering conditions.

The NYRR Official Charity Partner Program offers an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their missions and services. Participating charities can offer guaranteed entry to runners who fundraise on their behalf. Since its inception in 2006, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program has raised more than $350 million for more than 1,000 worthy nonprofit organizations across the globe. Prior to the start of the official program, the New York City Marathon had served as an outlet for individual philanthropic runners since the 1980s.