Running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in a Wedding Dress: A Comedian’s Quest for Love

### The Unconventional Bride: Tess Tregellas’ Half Marathon Adventure

Forget the classic image of a runaway bride. Tess Tregellas, a 28-year-old Brooklynite, turned heads at Saturday’s Brooklyn Half Marathon not as a woman fleeing from the altar but as a vibrant embodiment of hope and humor. Clad in a flowing wedding gown, Tregellas was not just making a statement about love; she was on a mission to redefine what it means to celebrate the spirit of being a bride.

“I’m just hopeful,” Tregellas said, flashing a grin before the race. Her intention was clear: to inspire women everywhere to embrace their identities and aspirations, not just on their wedding day but every day of their lives. “No proposals from any man. Honestly, I think I scare men away,” she joked, a sentiment many women can relate to in the modern dating landscape. Yet, her playful spirit resonated with fellow runners and spectators alike, demonstrating that humor can be a powerful tool in navigating the often daunting world of dating.

Tregellas’ escapade at the marathon was not merely about the whimsical attire; it was an opportunity to spark conversations and build connections. “I had a sign on my butt that said ‘Just hopeful,’ playing on the ‘Just married’ trope,” she explained, a clever twist that drew smiles and laughter from onlookers. “A lot of people asked to take my picture, which I loved because I felt like a celebrity.” This playful engagement highlights the growing trend of using humor and unconventional methods to navigate social interactions, especially in an age where authentic connections can feel elusive.

With a finishing time of 2:33:44, Tregellas wasn’t focused on personal records but rather on the collective energy that race day brings. “I was really just doing it for the vibes,” she said, echoing a sentiment that many runners can appreciate. The camaraderie and shared passion of participants often overshadow the competitive aspect of races, fostering a sense of community that transcends individual performance.

This was not Tregellas’ first foray into running a half marathon in a wedding dress; she repeated her stunt from the previous year, captivating her 203,000 Instagram followers with snapshots of her unique approach to fitness and dating. “I started doing this wedding dress bit about two years ago when I ran down [Manhattan’s] West Side Highway chasing the shirtless hot men running,” she shared. While the pursuit of romance may not have yielded any tangible results, the laughter and joy she generated have been rewarding in their own right.

Tregellas’ comedic flair doesn’t just stop at marathons; it extends to her upcoming solo show titled “EPIC,” which will take place next month at the Slipper Room on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. “It’s about a hopeless romantic looking for something epic in a world of casual dating,” she explained. In an era where dating often feels transactional and superficial, her quest for something meaningful strikes a chord, particularly among young adults navigating the complexities of modern relationships.

“Dating can be so tough in New York, especially as a comedian,” she reflected, acknowledging the pressures to conform to what potential partners might expect. “A lot of people were just looking for ‘something casual,’ but what I really wanted was something EPIC.” In this light, her marathon performance serves as a metaphor for her dating journey—both are about taking risks, embracing vulnerability, and finding joy in the pursuit.

In a world where traditional narratives about love and relationships can often feel stale or constrained, Tess Tregellas’ spirited approach invites us all to rethink our own definitions of romance and connection. Whether it’s donning a wedding gown for a half marathon or sharing her dating misadventures on stage, she embodies a refreshing blend of humor and optimism—qualities that are essential for navigating the complexities of love in the modern age. So, the next time you lace up your running shoes, consider what it might mean to bring a little whimsy into your life. After all, who says you can’t chase love in style?