Team GCSA Runs the 2026 NYRR United Airlines Half Marathon

This year, GCSA is proud to be a first-time charity partner of New York Road Runners (NYRR) for the United Airlines Half Marathon.

Five members of Team GCSA will run this iconic race in support of our Class of 2028 Scholarship Fund, which provides 60 New York City public school students with $4,000 scholarships to support their postsecondary education. Every mile supports students as they plan for what comes after high school.

Meet Team GCSA

Mario Perez (he/him)

Mario is a legacy GCSA mentor who has supported students over multiple years. He’s an experienced distance runner who has completed the NYC Half, another marathon through a fundraising bib, and even a marathon in Greenland. He’s running to continue showing up for students in a very real way.

Seema Rao

Seema is a senior line producer at Sony Pictures Television (Kids) and a legacy GCSA mentor. Having worked closely with students in the program, she’s running in support of scholarships that help students keep moving forward after graduation.

Shiela Smith

Shiela Smith is a physician assistant practicing in Brooklyn, New York. A proud New Yorker and mom of two, she loves running—especially when it’s for a good cause—and is excited to support New York City students and their futures.

Dr. Simone Betchen

Chief of Neuroscience, UHS Wilson Medical Center

Dr. Betchen is a physician–executive and strategic advisor with nearly two decades of experience leading complex clinical and operational enterprises. She is also one of GCSA's longstanding board member. She brings a unique perspective at the intersection of clinical credibility, governance, and innovation, and runs as part of her long-standing commitment to GCSA and expanding educational access for NYC students.

Patricia Xu (she/her)

Patricia is a fourth-year MD/MPH student at New York Medical College currently applying to OBGYN residency. A Queens native, she earned a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University along with a Certificate in Spanish. She is deeply committed to health equity and advocacy, and believes access to education is foundational to advancing those goals. Scholarships and mentorship played a critical role in her educational journey, and she’s running to support students navigating their own.

Want to learn more about GCSA and the students this race supports?

Learn more & stay connected

🌐 Website: gcsanyc.org

📸 Instagram: @gcsa_nyc

💼 LinkedIn: Governor’s Committee on Scholastic Achievement

✉️ Newsletter: Subscribe for runner features + race updates

Team GCSA NYRR 2026 United Airlines Half Marathon Fundraising Page

Running to support the postsecondary dreams of NYC Public School students

Team Members