A father and daughter are set to become the first dual team to compete at the upcoming New York City Marathon.
Jason Kapa and Alicia Saro have been racing together since 2024, when they first gained media attention for competing in the Christchurch marathon.
Alicia lives with cerebral palsy, and since she is unable to run, her dad pushes her wheelchair while she supports him every step of the way.
She told Metro News that it was the first event that allowed them to compete together.
“Finishing it felt amazing because it’s not every day you run a marathon. Plus, the relationship I have with my dad has evolved over the years and I just felt really proud to achieve this one together.”
It was a special achievement for Jason, too. The event followed a six-year weight loss journey, in which he lost about half his body weight.
Then, the duo decided to aim bigger - that’s why the marathon in New York City, which sees over 55,000 finishers annually, was the obvious next step.
The course takes the racers through all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and finishing in Central Park.
However, applying for New York wasn’t a quick process. Although tens of thousands of applicants are accepted, acceptance rates are narrow due to the vast global interest.
According to statistics from New York Road Runners, 2026 ballot numbers were up by 20 per cent compared to last year with 240,000 applications.
Jason and Alicia waited four years to finally have their application accepted.
Some applicants gain entry with the help of charity organizations. In this case, the pair were supported by Achilles New Zealand, an international organization that aids people with disabilities to compete in endurance sports.
The organization also provided financial help and will even be transporting them to the start line.
“Without them, none of this would’ve been possible,” Jason said.
For Alicia and Jason, the most important message they want to send is dedicated to other parents with special needs children.
“You have a place in the world and anything is possible.”
The New York City marathon is scheduled to take place on November 1.
Until then, Jason and Alicia will be training and raising money on their Givealittle page to cover the expenses of her flash, aerodynamic marathon wheelchair.
