For Rich Rosenbaum, completing his first marathon was a major accomplishment.

Running on behalf of the YAI Network, an organization which has supported his daughter Lindsay, who has special needs, since she was about 11-months-old, just added meaning to his participation in this year's ING New York City Marathon.

"It was an extraordinary sense of achievement," Rich said, a day after completing 26.2 miles in 4:37:59. "I accomplished my two goals: I finished with a smile and raised awareness and funds in support of YAI."

Rich was among 30 members of Team Run for YAI, who, after expenses, raised more than $70,000. This year, ING NYC Marathon runners raised $33.8 million for more than 200 New York City charities.

Stacey Pearson, an Employment Training Specialist at YAI, also decided to make this year's New York City Marathon her first. Running alongside a friend, Stacey completed the course in 5:17:47. A year ago, she was a marathon spectator. At that point, she decided she had to be a part of it in 2011.

"I accomplished something for myself, while doing something meaningful for YAI," Stacey said.

John Keating, who is a substitute Direct Service Professional at YAI's Levittown Residence in Long Island, also joined Team YAI to run his first marathon. He finished in 4:50:43.

"All my friends and family came out," John said. "It was a great experience. I love the work and love to run and love to help support people with disabilities."