Image courtesy of Jordan Barrett
The NYC Marathon may be over, but Jordan Barrett’s fundraiser for the Bowery Mission is still up and running. The Models.com icon was on a mission to participate in the marathon after he wasn’t able to run the New York City Marathon in 2021 when he, unfortunately, got COVID. Barret said, “the Marathon means raising money for good causes amongst other people who all have charities close to their hearts that they would like to support.” Models.com spoke to Barrett about his training, the race, and why he decided to embark on such an arduous mission.
How did you prepare for the marathon?
Not too much prep, to be honest, I started training straight after fashion week as much as possible while working and traveling, which wasn’t very much, but I had the help of Rob, the owner of Gotham Gym, and Joe Holder, known as Ocho System. I had a few tips and tricks given to me by Katie Grand, who is an avid marathon runner. It wasn’t running related, but I also prepared by doing boxing and jujitsu training at Gotham Gym. I had some help on FaceTime from trainers as I ran a few laps around Hyde Park in London, as I just moved here, and my place is right next to the park.
What does being a part of the marathon symbolize for you?
For me, the Marathon means raising money for good causes amongst other people who all have charities close to their hearts that they would like to support. For me, it was also a great opportunity to focus on my fitness and health overall.
After running 26.2 miles, what were your feelings after crossing the finish line?
Crossing the finish line was amazing. After that, I just stood around sort of dazed. I had lost my running partner and my phone was down to 1%. I just hung up until someone found me. To get me through the last 2 miles, I had the song Somebody’s Watching Me on repeat; that was the hardest part. Everyone said it would be the 20-mile mark that gets you, but it was the last two for me. It was when I could see that I was close, and it was just right there, but I still had to keep going.
So far, you have raised over $25,000 for The Bowery Mission in New York, which serves the homeless meals and helps those experiencing poverty. How did you get connected with The Bowery Mission what made you decide to support this specific charity?
We were able to raise over 25K and still going. So wonderful, thank you to all my friends and the supporters!! Great amount, great cause. I have always had a soft spot for the mentally ill and the homeless. I am happy to help in some small way.
How did it feel to be running with over 50,000 people? How was the energy out there?
The energy of all the runners was extraordinary, not to mention all the spectators, they really keep you going!!
At 25, you have accomplished so much inside and outside the fashion industry; what’s next for Jordan Barrett?
What’s next for me? Hmmm let me check the very long list…. I have a lot of travel coming up whilst looking into triathlon options for 2023, I’m thinking Brazil because I grew up by the ocean, so it would be great to include the extra elements that a triathlon includes in my agenda now- does anyone reading this have any suggestions? Again, thank you to everyone who has supported the Bowery Mission – the link is still active, and I will be doing this again. Tons of love, and great job to anyone who gave the marathon a shot.
Image courtesy of Jordan Barrett
