A community fundraising effort
Runner’s World reported that Sarah Pezzino and a close friend planned to run the Chicago and New York City marathons in 2026 while raising money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Pezzino’s mother died of a rare cancer in 2022, and the outlet said the fundraising also reflected a family friend’s loss to multiple myeloma. Pezzino and her Cyclefit Lehigh Valley coworkers held raffles, 6Ks and ice cream-scooping shifts; Runner’s World reported that the efforts raised more than $8,000, a total not independently confirmed here: Runner’s World’s report.
A return to racing
Runner’s World reported that Pezzino, a 23-year-old personal trainer from Easton, Pennsylvania, began running in a local series at age 4. After making her marathon debut in Chicago in 2024, she withdrew from the 2025 Chicago race following a medical emergency at mile 17 and considered leaving the sport. Three weeks before New York, she ran a personal-best 2:45:57 in Chicago, the outlet reported. According to Runner’s World, she approached New York focused on enjoying the race rather than chasing a time.
The record remains unofficial
Pezzino finished Sunday’s New York City Marathon in 2:49:15 while wearing a hot dog costume. She was attempting the Guinness World Records title for the fastest marathon dressed as a savory food; Guinness lists the women’s record as 3:11:34, set by Larissa Kolasinski at the 2023 TCS London Marathon. Pezzino’s time is more than 22 minutes faster, but Guinness must review evidence of her run before the attempt can be recognized. The result and pending review were reported by Runner’s World; the existing record is listed by Guinness World Records.
Costume rules and safety limits
New York Road Runners’ prohibited-items list bars costumes covering the face and non-form-fitting outfits extending beyond the body’s perimeter, according to New York Road Runners. The published rule alone does not establish whether Pezzino’s costume violated it.
