Alex LaShell is thrilled to be running the TCS New York City Marathon this November representing Answer the Call!
Alex began running three years ago. As he entered his professional career, he was looking for a new challenge, and running was the perfect fit. Having always stayed active through lifting weights and playing sports, Alex has now ventured into the world of running. As a NYC resident, Alex has seen how massive and exciting the marathon is, and has loved seeing happy runners take on this incredible accomplishment, which has brought him to committing to run the NYC marathon himself.
Having previously participated in the San Diego Marathon, Alex is eager to tackle the TCS New York City Marathon, claiming it’s his “last NY challenge to prove he is an official New Yorker.” One of the difficulties Alex is facing as preparing for the marathon is timing for training. The commitment can build at times, and balancing that while working, maintaining friendships, and catering to other priorities has been a challenge to navigate. As he’s settled into a better routine, Alex has grown into a morning person, adopting a mindset of perseverance and dedication—waking at 4:00 a.m. and making sacrifices to prioritize what matters most.
Alex is hard on himself and naturally competitive, and such has helped him with training and staying accountable. Recognizing that he has already put a lot of work into the marathon keeps him motivated to execute this goal. “Showing up is the most important thing.”
Alex plans to run the TCS New York City Marathon with his brother, and is excited to have their family and friends supporting them on marathon day. Introduced to Answer the Call by one of his coworkers, Kimberly DeForest, Alex has loved getting involved and furthering the mission of Answer the Call. Having the opportunity to sit in on events, attend fundraisers, and even volunteer at the annual Answer the Call Gala, he was moved by how much the charity has supported families and the strong community it provides. Once he experienced that, he immediately wanted to help elevate the platform even more.
To the families of fallen first responders, Alex shares: “I play such a minuscule part in this community, and I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. This is truly such an honor, and I don’t say that lightly. Just being a small part of this community is something I’ll always remember, and I know the money raised makes a difference. I’m so happy to contribute.”
We are beyond happy to have Alex on Team Answer the Call!
Click here to support Alex’s fundraising efforts!
Answer the Call’s 2025 Fall Intern, Morgan Schaefer, conducted this interview and wrote this blog post.
