Meet Our Marathoners: Point of Pride's 2026 Philadelphia Marathon

Isaac has spent nearly 15 years competing as an openly trans athlete. From high school sports—where he was the first person at his school to come out and often the only trans person on the team—to years of running and swimming with LGBTQ+ groups, athletic spaces have frequently been places where he stood out. That's one reason joining Team Point of Pride feels so meaningful.

"I'm so excited to be on an athletic team with other trans people," he shares. "Being in a place where everyone is not only supportive but also understands the things I've gone through as a trans athlete is incredibly special."

This year, Isaac will finally take on the Philadelphia Marathon after years of prioritizing other fall races. As a trans and disabled athlete, each training cycle is an opportunity to challenge expectations and prove what's possible. With marathon training coinciding with the start of his final year of graduate school, he's preparing for one of his busiest—and most rewarding—seasons yet.

For Isaac, running with Point of Pride is also a chance to give back to the trans community that has shaped his journey. His message to others is one of resilience and hope: "The people who hate us are loud, but they're a minority. No matter how the world treats us, we will continue succeeding and showing up for each other."

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Bio coming soon!

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Andrew had always planned to run a marathon someday. Then, inspired by their best friend Sophie's first marathon and fueled by a moment of spontaneity during a five-minute break from PhD coursework, they decided someday had arrived. Before the timer went off, Andrew had found Point of Pride's charity team and submitted an application. "Turns out," they joke, "sometimes following your impulsivity can be a very good thing."

A runner since their teenage years, Andrew has always viewed running as both a personal challenge and a way to build community. Over the years, they've logged countless miles with friends, recruited several self-proclaimed non-runners into signing up for races, and even convinced their partner, TJ, to join them on the roads and trails. For Andrew, some of the best moments in running have little to do with finish times and everything to do with the people alongside them.

They hope their fundraising efforts help others access the same opportunities they've been fortunate to receive while also serving as a positive example for the students and young people they mentor. "Big challenges are achieved by a collection of smaller, honest efforts," they share. "The steps along the way are just as valuable as reaching the finish line."

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As an educator and ally, Rob's seen some of his trans students navigate challenges that no one should have to face alone. Joining Team Point of Pride felt like a meaningful way to show up for the community beyond words alone.

For Rob, every training run is a reminder of why he signed up. One recent morning, he watched the sun rise over the Delaware River during an eight-mile run and found himself grateful for both the journey and the purpose behind it. "Running for Point of Pride gives every mile a purpose beyond the finish line," he shares. "With each step, I feel like I am turning support into action."

Alongside training for 26.2 miles, he's also working toward another personal goal: finishing a novel before the end of the year. His advice to others is straightforward: "Do it. Get out there and start. Whatever the challenge is, you'll never regret giving yourself the chance to grow."

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Bio coming soon!

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Steph has spent years building community through running. From trail races across the Pacific Northwest to advocacy efforts focused on non-binary inclusion in endurance sports, they've found that the most meaningful miles are often the ones shared with others. In 2025, Steph was part of the first group of non-binary runners of color to complete the Speed Project, a 300-mile relay from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

While the idea of a marathon had lingered in the background for years, joining Team Point of Pride made the decision feel right."Throughout the training process, I'm excited to be loud and proud as a fat, Latinx, non-binary person on the trails and in the streets."

Steph shares, "While running began as a tool for shame and punishment, it has now become one of the best aspects of my life, leading to embodiment, community, and commitment... Watch me bring the Tex-Mex to Philly!"

Jonathan "Jon" Hannum (he/they) is returning to the Philadelphia Marathon with unfinished business. Philly was his first full marathon in 2022, and after years of growth as a runner, he's eager for another shot at the course. "I'm running Philly because I want revenge—and with purpose," he says.

This time, he'll be taking on the challenge as part of Team Point of Pride. "I’m honored and excited to be part of this team and support a cause that’s directly actionable against ongoing efforts to oppress and silence folks in the trans community right now."

As an ally, Jon is proud to support a cause that provides tangible resources and care for trans communities during a time when those communities continue to face significant challenges. Beyond race day, he hopes to remain a visible advocate wherever he shows up.

"Change is scary, but growth comes through discomfort. You can do hard things, and there are people who will love and support you along the way."