Running: it’s all fun and games until a friend sends you an article about setting a new Guinness World Record.
Kaytie Innamorati (she/her) was minding her own business and her own half marathon training when a friend sent her an article: someone just broke the Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon in a witch’s costume. It wasn’t so much the endeavor itself, but the sentiment around it – the runner had broken the record as a show of support for a well known transphobic author.
Kaytie, a member of NP Philly since 2016, a member of the queer community, and a trans ally was moved to action. “This was bigger than me,” she recalls thinking. After looking at the record and realizing she was on track to set her own PR that was faster than the new time, Kaytie started looking into logistics. One 10 page document later, she found herself creating a GoFundMe to cover the expedited application and review costs. Within hours, Kaytie’s community had surpassed the original goal.
Kaytie had been nervous to ask her community for support but thought, “Oh my god – people want to see this happen!” as the support kept coming.
Fast forward to now and Kaytie’s application has been accepted, her costume has been ordered, and she’s looking forward to crushing her race goals at the Helderburg to Hudson Half Marathon in Albany, NY on April 15.
And here’s where the support of the global NP community can help.
If you’re able to travel to Albany for the race, Kaytie would love to connect. She’ll need all the evidence she can get of the race, including pictures at each of the mile markers. Or, if you’re looking to run a half marathon at a 1:35 pace – she’d love company! To have extra smiling faces cheering along the route will also keep Kaytie going as she runs – in a witch’s costume complete with a broom stick in hand. And if you’re not able to make it but want to support, Kaytie is hoping she can get her GoFundMe funded $1000 over her goal so she can make a substantial donation to The Trevor Project as a way to celebrate with her community.
Good luck to Kaytie, and stay tuned – we’ll be sharing updates as we get them!
