Running for Community: Ryan’s Journey to the Marine Corps Marathon

Interview with Ryan McGonigle, Managing Director of VOLO Sports from “Maybe Running Will Help Podcast” with Nicky Tamberrino

One week after completing his first marathon, Ryan McGonigle took a moment to reflect on the experience, the power of community, and his mission to make sports accessible to all. For Ryan, the Marine Corps Marathon was more than a personal challenge; it was a way to bring people together and fundraise for the Volo Kids Foundation, which helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports.

Running for Community, Not Just a Finish Line

While Ryan trained hard to complete the marathon, what truly motivated him was the chance to run for something bigger than himself. As the Managing Director of Volo Sports Baltimore, he oversees programs designed to bring communities together through sport, including the Volo Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that gives underprivileged kids access to free sports programs. Running for Volo Kids meant that his training could directly support the next generation, helping them experience the joy, connection, and confidence that sports had given him throughout his life.

“Sports transformed my life,” Ryan shared. “Growing up, sports were my bridge to the community, especially as a kid who was homeschooled for several years. They gave me my closest friendships and taught me life skills that shaped who I am today.” His goal of raising $3,750 was not just about fundraising but about creating access to those same transformative experiences for kids who might otherwise miss out.

Fundraising Through Connection: A Playlist from the Community

Ryan wanted his fundraising to feel as personal as his race. So he got creative: for every $10 donation, supporters could add a song to his marathon playlist. Friends and family eagerly jumped on board, adding everything from “Baby Shark” to Nicki Minaj. Each song made his run more meaningful, a soundtrack of support from the community rallying behind him.

“It was so personal,” he said. “My wife added a Nicki Minaj song that came on just when my legs started to ache around mile six. Hearing that lifted my spirits and reminded me she was with me in spirit.” His brother added some humorous picks, like the Barney theme song, that brought a smile to his face at mile 14. The playlist campaign became a fun, community-centered way for people to support Ryan’s journey while feeling connected to his race.

Building Community Through Sport

Ryan’s deep commitment to community stems from his own experiences growing up. As a kid, he relied on sports to connect with others and find his identity. “In many ways, sports were my way of finding community,” he explained. “When I was young, sports were the one place where I felt like I truly belonged.”

His career has been focused on sharing that sense of community. At Volo Kids, he helps ensure that kids in underserved neighborhoods have access to free sports programs and mentors who care. “I’ve seen sports bridge racial and socioeconomic gaps, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how they give kids the confidence to go after their dreams,” he said. “For many kids, this is more than a game—it’s a chance to find community and to belong.”

The Race Experience: Powered by Community Support

Running the Marine Corps Marathon was no easy feat, but Ryan found strength in the supportive crowd and cheering volunteers along the course. “The energy was incredible,” he shared. “People were shouting my name, and it gave me the motivation to keep pushing, even when I was tired.” At mile 19, Ryan ran by the Volo Kids cheering section, and the sight of his colleagues, friends, and young supporters gave him an instant boost. “They were all there waving, yelling encouragement, and just bringing so much energy. It was like a second wind for me.”

Ryan recalled one of his favorite signs from the course, “Pain is just the French word for bread,” which had him laughing as he pushed through the last few miles. Small moments of connection along the way—from funny signs to high-fives from strangers—reminded him of why he was running: to build connections and make a difference.

Looking Forward: Building a Future Where Everyone Belongs

Though he missed his sub-four-hour marathon goal by six seconds, Ryan is already planning his next race in Baltimore, where his family can join the cheering crowd. He’s also determined to keep finding ways to connect people through sports, regardless of their background or circumstances. “Sports aren’t just about winning or personal bests,” he said. “They’re about connection. It’s about bringing people together to share in something bigger than ourselves.”

For Ryan, running is a celebration of community, a way to create spaces where everyone belongs, and a reminder that sports can be a powerful tool for social change. His race may be over, but his mission continues. And as he says, “Maybe running will help me continue finding ways to make the world a more inclusive, connected place—one mile at a time.”

This blog post is inspired by the latest episode of the “Maybe Running Will Help” podcast, hosted by Nicky Tamberrino, also known as @1classy_motherunner on Instagram. For more inspiration and updates, be sure to follow @mayberunningwillhelp on Instagram. We’re proud to sponsor this show and support its mission to inspire and connect runners across our community.