Leadership & Founders
Our Founders
FredsTeamMark was founded in 2018 by a group of close friends united by purpose. Meet the people who built this team from the ground up.
Mark Kourey was the heart and soul of our team, as well as our namesake. A beloved friend and the inspiration behind FredsTeamMark, Mark ran his first NYC Marathon with Fred's Team in 2018. We lost Mark in 2023 to prostate cancer after a 13 year battle. Every mile we run is in his memory. Mark's spirit lives on in every runner who joins our team.
Tommy, as his friends call him, helped found FredsTeamMark in 2019 alongside his close friends, united by the belief that running can change the world. He took over as team captain in 2021. Tom coordinates every aspect of the team — recruiting, training support, logistics, and fundraising strategy with help from the founders.
Ira, as his friends call him, Jason has been a cornerstone of FredsTeamMark since day one. A dedicated fundraiser and passionate runner, Jason brings energy and commitment to every training run and race day. If he is not running, you might find him rehearsing for Shakespeare in the Park or a pep talk at the start tent.
Jon's dedication to the cause and his creative approach to fundraising have made him one of the team's most impactful members year after year. Thanks to Jon for all of the FredsTeamMark artwork and designs.
Jason has been part of FredsTeamMark's founding group from the beginning, bringing his competitive spirit and strong community ties to the team's fundraising efforts. Along with Ira, the two Jasons ran/walked with Mark for almost 8 hours in 2022. Mark had a tough day in his 3rd and final NYC Marathon, his cancer had likely begun to spread, but the trio made it to the finish line in one of the most memorable scenes I have ever witnessed.
Peterson to his friends, he has contributed to FredsTeamMark's growth from the very beginning, combining his passion for running with his commitment to MSK's cancer research mission. Despite living 3,000 miles away in Seattle, he is often joining the team for a training run in Central Park.
Steve Rowe rounds out our founding group, bringing years of running experience and an infectious enthusiasm that inspires everyone around him. Count on him to handle most of the race day logistics, planning the team dinner, orchestrating the spectators, making sure everyone is having the experience of a lifetime.