On this week’s episode, Rob interviews Cole Cook, a filmmaker and the younger brother of Alicia Keys. Cole will run this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a charity that Keys co-founded in 2003 to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and that now has a global mission to support children facing the most challenging circumstances. KCA's executive director, Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, joins Rob and Cole to discuss the organization’s heroic efforts to address critical needs like education, food security, and emergency relief for children. This will be Cole’s fourth TCS New York City Marathon, and he’s proud to be part of a team of over 200 KCA runners across multiple races. He says his sister will likely be following his race from afar—but there’s always a chance she’ll surprise him and show up in person! Also in this episode, Meb interviews first-time marathoner and NYRR member Enedina Cruz, who’s running on November 2 for NYRR Team for Kids. 

Learn more about KCA here: https://www.keepachildalive.org/
New York Road Runners Celebrates Record-Breaking Economic and Community Impact - https://www.nyrr.org/media-center/press-release/2025_0930_nyrrfy25impact

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

DISCLAIMER

 

On this week&rsquo;s episode, Rob interviews Cole Cook, a filmmaker and the younger brother of Alicia Keys. Cole will run this year&rsquo;s TCS New York City Marathon for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a charity that Keys co-founded in 2003 to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and that now has a global mission to support children facing the most challenging circumstances. KCA's executive director, Antonio Ruiz-Gim&eacute;nez, joins Rob and Cole to discuss the organization&rsquo;s heroic efforts to address&nbsp;critical needs like education, food security, and emergency relief for children. This will be Cole&rsquo;s fourth TCS New York City Marathon, and he&rsquo;s proud to be part of a team of over 200 KCA runners across multiple races. He says his sister will likely be following his race from afar&mdash;but there&rsquo;s always a chance she&rsquo;ll surprise him and show up in person! Also in this episode, Meb interviews first-time marathoner and NYRR member Enedina Cruz, who&rsquo;s running on November 2 for NYRR Team for Kids.&nbsp;
Learn more about KCA here: https://www.keepachildalive.org/ New York Road Runners Celebrates Record-Breaking Economic and Community Impact - https://www.nyrr.org/media-center/press-release/2025_0930_nyrrfy25impact
FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>
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NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Set the Pace

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Cole Cook on Running Marathons and Fundraising for a Life-Changing Cause

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/f7850214-6dfc-40b8-aed2-b36a000db0bf/transcript