We are so proud to highlight the charitable efforts of Layla Attiyah; 2024 Nutley HS Graduate and Nutley Rotary Scholarship recipient as she endeavors to not only run the NYC Marathon but also make a difference in her community!
Layla Attiyah (Nutley HS ’24, Nutley Rotary Scholarship Recipient ’24) is a multi-talented, energetic young person on a mission to make a difference. We had the opportunity to learn about her latest project this month:
Nutley Rotary: So, tell me about yourself. What have you been up to after graduation?
Layla: I am Layla Attiyah. I am a 2024 Nutley Graduate and was born and raised in Nutley. I was one of the recipients of the Nutley Rotary scholarships for Nutley High School in 2024.
I am a current student at the University of Connecticut. I am from New Jersey and was a part of my cross country and winter/spring track team. I have always had a huge passion for running, and I took this opportunity to turn my sport and passion into more than just a hobby and to put this amazing energy to a children’s charity.
It has always been a DREAM to run the NYC Marathon since I was a kid, and now that I can finally run it, I wanted to go for it BIG.
I’m asking…to spread my fundraiser out to Nutley. I really want to make a difference in the world.
NR: What got you into running?
Layla: With my mom being a single mother, she was my first and only supporter when it came to athletics and sports. That woman required me to engage in any activity, so I started dancing at the age of 4 and ending that era of my life at 12 years old.
When high school began, it was when COVID-19 shut down all in-person attendance for schools, so I was stuck in my small apartment on Centre Street for hours. My older cousin slowly introduced me into cross country, which is now the sport I hope to carry on for the rest of my life.
I joined Nutley Cross Country in 2020, being one of two freshmen girls on the team. It was a very intense and physical sport that I was not prepared for, however, my 2 coaches, Coach McNish and Coach Ritacco, pushed me to my limits. They were present for every second of my races, waiting by the finish line to catch me as I struggled to catch my breath.
NR: Please tell me about the charity you’re fundraising for.
Layla: TFK stands for Team for Kids, a charity running team organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR), the group behind the NYC Marathon. Runners who join TFK raise funds to support NYRR’s free youth running programs, which help kids across the country, especially in underserved communities, stay active and healthy through running. In exchange, TFK runners get guaranteed entry into the TCS New York City Marathon, plus perks like training support, race day gear, and access to exclusive events!!
NR: What would you say is the biggest challenge facing you now?
Layla: Honestly, balancing UConn life with fundraising has not been easy to be fully transparent. There has been lots of procrastination, in order to focus on the other, however I never stopped trying for both. I was aware of the difficulty that I signed up for and I wasn't allowing myself to give up on my dreams of attending the NYC Marathon. My mother and family did not hesitate to reach out to their peers about my fundraiser, while I was stuck at the UConn library for 20 hours straight for finals. I will say that there will never be a perfectly balanced routine for the two, only a positive mindset that you can carry throughout. There have been times that I felt discouraged. I came close to giving up until my mother reminded me of what I was going to lose, and more importantly what those children were going to hear.
NR: If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?
Layla: If I could change one thing in the world, I would want to shift the way people see each other—to help enlighten our collective perspective on humanity. With everything happening across the world—from the genocide and violence in places like Palestine and Ukraine, to the way politics are dividing us—so many people are starting to lose faith in each other. There’s so much anger, blame, and hopelessness. I wish I could help people reconnect with empathy and see each other as human first, beyond borders, beliefs, or politics—not just asking for world peace, but for a deeper understanding that could lead us there.
NR: Layla, it was an absolute pleasure! Thank you so much, and good luck to you in your fundraising journey and training for the marathon! Please let us know where our membership and followers can donate to your cause.
Layla: Thank you!! I appreciate the help and support for this fundraiser. The link of my TFK NYC MARATHON FUNRAISER IS https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/layla-attiyah?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLJSdtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp3tVnaeg5ihSCFIgMDt_vwWK-pmb-l-QP7d18RzbVWWHbr-FEfaIjYAE28Zh_aem_rPP1vSZqFGt2HxJCpyZ4BQ