Trosset runs NYC Marathon to honor late mom

2019 CCS graduate said she is grateful for the support from Cooperstown

(Sally and Kate Trosset. Photos contributed by Kate Trosset.)

Cooperstown Central School class of 2019 graduate Kate Trosset completed the New York City Marathon on Nov. 3, to honor her late mom, Sally Trosset.

Kate Trosset corresponded with Cooperstown Sports News in November via Messenger and email to answer questions about her marathon experience.

Trosset said she had already been planning the honor to raise money and awareness for cancer research when her mom lost her battle to cancer Sept. 5. Among other things Sally taught Kate was to run — for exercise and as a way to boost her mental health — so it was the perfect dedication.

“When I ran the NYC Marathon with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, it was more than just a race; it was an opportunity to honor my mom, who had always been my inspiration,” Trosset said. “The NOCC is a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives through the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer, while also supporting survivors and their caregivers. I was accepted to their team last winter, just as my mom’s health began to decline, and I knew I wanted to do something meaningful for the cause. This was my first full marathon, although I’d run a few half-marathons before. One of those was alongside my siblings, Teddy and Lindsey, to raise money for ovarian cancer a year after my mom’s diagnosis.”

(Siblings Teddy and Lindsey cheer on Kate after she finished the marathon Nov. 3.)

Training for the race was aided by Sally’s history of running, Kate said, and she could feel her mom’s presence on race day, too.

“I mapped out a 20-week plan and completed much of my training in Cooperstown while spending time with my mom over the summer,” she said. “As a runner herself, she knew all the best routes — around the lake, through back roads and winding trails. She was my biggest supporter, cheering me on and sharing in my excitement after each run. Her pride in me fueled my dedication, making this race something truly personal.

“On race day, I could feel my mom with me so strongly, just as I do in countless moments of my day-to-day life,” she said. “This past summer, before she passed, she made sure we knew she’d never be too far, and I truly believe that to be true. I felt her presence most profoundly at mile 17 — her birthdate — and, incredibly, right then, a band along the route started playing ‘Blue Sky’ by the Allman Brothers, one of her all-time favorite songs. It was the most emotional part of the race, a moment that made me feel she was right there by my side.”

Trosset finished the 26.2 miles in just more than four hours, she said, and raised $23,415, becoming the top fundraiser on her team.

“My race day memories are unforgettable, thanks to the overwhelming love and support of so many special people in my life,” she said. “My brother Teddy and his girlfriend, Faith, my sister Lindsey and her friends from Fairfield, and my dad, made the day incredibly meaningful by being there. It didn’t stop there—my college friends, extended family, my Elon girlfriends, my boyfriend Quinn and his family, and the Holohans, all made the trip to cheer me on. Their energy lifted me with every mile, and seeing their faces in the crowd reminded me just how much this experience meant to all of us. I’ll forever cherish the support I had on this extraordinary day, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who donated and contributed to the cause that means so much to me.”

Trosset gradated from Elon University in May 2023 with a major in strategic communications and a minor in business administration. She moved to Boston in July to work for Fidelity Investments as a financial planner.

“I work in financial planning in our Back Bay office, surrounded by a team of about 40 wonderful colleagues who have been incredibly supportive during these challenging past few months,” she said. “I feel so grateful for their kindness.”

Older brother Teddy graduated from Elon and moved to Boston ahead of Kate. Sally’s sister Mel is nearby, too. Little sister Lindsey is a senior at Fairfield University in Connecticut, studying communications and living in Fairfield Beach.

“The three of us make it a priority to see each other as often as possible, and we cherish the time we spend together with our dad, keeping our family bonds strong,” she said.

At Cooperstown, Trosset led her basketball team to a Section III Class C title her senior year and was named the tournament MVP. She also won a Section III Class C-2 team title and third singles title in boys tennis.

Tennis, like running, was something Sally taught Kate.

“That sport remains one of my favorites, and I owe that passion entirely to her,” she said.

Trosset said she will continue to run, and is interested in doing another marathon.

More importantly, she said she will always honor her mom’s memory and remember her life lessons.

“My mom and I shared an unbreakable bond,” she said. “We talked every single day, and she always had this unique way of guiding me in exactly the right direction. Her positive outlook was remarkable — she found the good in everything, even during her battle with ovarian cancer over the past four years. Her strength, resilience, humor and optimism are qualities I admire deeply. She showed me what it means to persevere, and when the marathon got tough, I reminded myself that the discomfort I was feeling was nothing compared to what she endured so bravely. This is a quality of hers I hope to keep myself as I experience future challenges as well.

“Mourning her doesn’t mean leaving her behind — I’ll continue to honor her by keeping her close. I’ll talk about her often, follow her wisdom, and cherish every moment we shared. She was truly the best mom in the world, and I’ll hold her in my heart forever.”

(Kate Trosset runs in the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.)