Social media star Crust by Carson races TCS NYC Marathon for Alzheimer's Association

24/7 LiveNew York CityNew JerseyLong IslandNorthern SuburbsConnecticut 2026 TCS NYC MarathonSocial media star Crust by Carson races TCS NYC Marathon for Alzheimer's AssociationWatch the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday starting with the pre-show at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 7Joelle Garguilo sits down with Carson.WABCByJoelle Garguilo Wednesday, October 28, 2026 9:17PMShareNEW YORK (WABC) -- If the internet had a best friend, it might be Carson Gillaspia, better known online as "Crust by Carson."Through videos about sourdough bread, running, and family, Gillaspia has built a devoted online following. But he says the journey began after a serious health scare."I'm allergic to penicillin. My kidneys failed. Really, really scary stuff," Gillaspia said. "And I sort of looked up and was like, I never spread my wings. I never did my thing."A few months later, he moved to New York knowing just one person.For Gillaspia, the move was about independence and pursuing new opportunities."I have a huge tribe of family in Houston that I love dearly," he said. "But I'd never often done anything by myself."His social media presence took off after he began sharing his running journey following a torn meniscus that sidelined his marathon training."It was really beautiful to be able to remember what it's like to move my body, and it made me not take for granted the ability to move," he said.He posted a video about the experience and found an audience eager to follow along."I've had this account where I sort of talk about bread, and I felt called to talk about running," Gillaspia said.While running helped expand his reach online, baking remains at the heart of his story.Top StoriesFormer NYPD sergeant sentenced in fatal Taconic Parkway crash1 hour agoAbout 14 arrested after protesters block traffic on Brooklyn Bridge10-year-old dies after lithium-ion battery fire in Bronx apartment; 4 critical9 minutes ago"I grew up baking with my mother. My brother called me Betty Crocker," he said. "Just having fun with my mom, and I've managed to turn it into a career."Now, Gillaspia is preparing to run the New York City Marathon while raising money and awareness for the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his grandfather, who died earlier this year after living with Alzheimer's disease."My grandfather passed away in the spring of this year," he said. "The disease doesn't just affect one individual. It actually affects the family."Gillaspia said sharing that experience online has connected him with thousands of people facing similar challenges."It's been really nice to be able to share with other people that they're not alone," he said.Despite the opportunities his success has created, Gillaspia remains grateful for the community that has grown around his passions."I'm so grateful for it every day," he said. "It's unbelievable."The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1. Coverage on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York begins with pre-race coverage, Marathon Sunday, at 7:00 a.m. Live coverage of Sunday's marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. only on Channel 7 and ESPN2.Report a correction or typoCopyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.Related Topics SPORTS NEW YORK CITY 2026 TCS NYC MARATHON RUNNING BAKING2026 TCS NYC MarathonSecurity measures in place, blue line painted ahead of NYC Marathon39 minutes agoNYC Marathon brings major travel changes1 hour agoMarathon runner finds healing through running after leaving monasteryNYC Marathon exhibit celebrates 50 years in five boroughsWatch LiveON NOWTop StoriesFormer NYPD sergeant sentenced in fatal Taconic crash1 hour agoAbout 14 arrested after protesters block Brooklyn Bridge10-year-old boy killed in Bronx e-bike battery fire; 4 others critical9 minutes agoBottle thrown at school bus injures child26 minutes agoGun found on campus sparks concerns33 minutes agoBloomfield Halloween display sparks controversy1 minute agoHayden Panettiere's death investigation closed by South Carolina police3 minutes agoNYC Marathon brings major travel changes1 hour ago