For some runners, a marathon starts with a training plan. For Rebecca Green (@runbeccarun_), the road to the New York City Marathon started decades ago, standing on the streets of the city she grew up in and handing out water to passing runners.
Now, Rebecca is preparing to experience those streets as one of the runners in the 2026 NYC Marathon.
What started as a way to improve her health, running eventually became something much bigger. Rebecca found a running community that inspired her and pushed her to achieve more than she ever believed.
We caught up with Rebecca with a Q&A ahead of her big race this weekend. Read on to learn more about how she got started, and what the NYC Marathon means to her as a runner and native New Yorker.
Fast Facts: Rebecca Green
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Hometown: New York City
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Dream race: New York City Marathon
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Favorite pump-up song: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
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Running mantra: “Keep going.”
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Must-have gear: Bright, colorful running shoes
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Favorite Balega sock: Blister Resist
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Post-run treat: Jersey Mike’s #8 on Parmesan bread with extra bacon and a Sprite
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Distance running: Marathoner and ultrarunner
How Rebecca Found Running
Question: How did you first get into running?
Answer: I first started running as a way to lose weight. It started as a health journey. I would run a mile or two on the treadmill but I felt it wasn’t really getting me anywhere. The boredom made me feel so discouraged. Then I joined a run club and the world of running opened up for me.
Quick Strides with Rebecca Green
Question: What’s your go-to pump-up song before a run?
Answer: I have so many, but I end up always playing Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” It definitely gets me into attack mode before I hit those miles, especially my long runs.
Question: What’s a mantra or phrase you repeat to yourself when things get tough?
Answer: Keep going. I always tell myself when the mileage gets hard and I wanna give up that I’ve come too far to stop. I tell myself to keep going at whatever capacity I have left. The miles get hard, but I remind myself I’m built Ford tough and I can do it.
Question: Favorite post-run ritual: snack, drink, stretch, nap or something totally unique?
Answer: Besides nose-diving in the bed, I like a Jersey Mike’s #8 on Parmesan bread with extra bacon and a Sprite.
Question: What’s your must-have running gear?
Answer: I love colorful running sneakers. The brighter the better! No matter the outfit, my running sneakers gotta be bright!
Question: What’s your favorite Balega running sock and why?
Answer: My absolute favorite is the Blister Resist. During my ultras, they are a must-have. They are so soft and provide the cushioning I need to withstand distance running.
From the Sideline to the Starting Line
For Rebecca, the New York City Marathon isn’t just another race. It’s something she gets to experience that has been a part of her life since childhood.
Question: Growing up in NYC, what did the marathon represent to you then, and what does it mean to you now as a runner?
Answer: As a child, going out to give the Marathoners water as they ran down my block was so much fun. 30+ years later a full circle moment as now being one of the Marathoners, I realize that life really does come back around in the most amazing way.
When asked about her dream race, Rebecca didn’t have to look very far.
Question: If you could run any race in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Answer: Actually, NYC Marathon is my answer, but now I really don’t know. Not sure what could beat my dream race!!!
Advice for First-Time Marathon Runners
Question: If you could give one piece of advice to someone training for their first marathon, what would it be?
Answer: Be serious about the training but also have fun. You only get your first experience once. Run your race and never compare. It’s a blessing to be the only You on the planet!!
More than 30 years after cheering on marathoners from her block, Rebecca is getting ready to join them on the streets of New York City. Follow her journey on our exclusive Run Becca Run Series on our Balega YouTube Channel.
We’ll be cheering you on, Rebecca!
Celebrate the NYC Marathon with Balega
Commemorate the miles, memories and energy of race weekend with our Special Edition 2026 New York City Mini Crew. Explore the Balega 2026 NYC sock.
We are excited to be at the NYC Marathon expo at the Javits Center this weekend! Stop by to say hi and check out our gear at Booth 112 from 10:00am – 8:00pm on October 29-30 and from 9:00am – 5:00pm on October 31st.