The annual New York City Marathon took place on Nov. 3. The 26.2-mile race offers runners an amazing journey through each of the five boroughs. The marathon begins in Staten Island, and then crosses the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. Runners pass through bustling neighborhoods with enthusiastic spectators showing their support for miles.
Runners then exit Brooklyn and arrive in Queens, reaching the halfway point of the race. At around mile 16, runners leave Queens, and enter Manhattan. They run all the way up 16th Avenue until they reach the Bronx. The runners then head back to Manhattan, where the last section of the race passes through Central Park.
“It’s really inspiring as a runner to see so many people, from all backgrounds, come out to run and support those running the marathon each year. It’s a big goal for many runners to run that race one day, and I’m glad that it’s still such a big event,” said junior Charlie Paredes.
The New York City Marathon has slowly developed into one of the world’s most renowned sporting events. Every year, thousands of runners from more than 125 nations come together to compete, becoming part of a community bound together by passion and strength of will.
The men’s course record is held by Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola, who set it last year with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds. In 2003, Margaret Okayo set the women’s course record, which is 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 31 seconds. These impressive times are a clear example of the amount of effort put into preparing for the race, and the sheer determination that a person must possess to train for and complete it.
“A few of my dad’s friends participated in the marathon, and I think that their experiences were very interesting, as the event is truly unique. The course is so special, in the way that the runners are able to experience all of New York’s boroughs, which are for sure a sight to see,” said sophomore Murray Abrahams.
Of course the marathon is an individual competition in which people are aiming to win, but it has also been a source of resiliency and hope in many ways. For example, the marathon served as a way of representing New York City’s strength and unity after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
The New York City Marathon has a large charitable impact as well. Millions of dollars are raised annually for numerous organizations by the many runners who take part in the event to support causes that are important to them. The marathon offers everyone involved, from runners to spectators, a reason to celebrate because of the combination of elite competition, individual accomplishment, and community support.
There were a number of Schreiber staff members who took part in the NYC Marathon this year. Math teacher Ms. Julia Tagliavia ran the race for the second time on Nov. 3 of this year with a time of 4 hours and 50 minutes. Ms. Taglavia has been training for the day all throughout the summer. Social studies teacher Ms. Erin Howard also ran in the marathon, once personally, and another time serving as a guide for a blind woman. Other staff members who ran include teacher assistant Ms. Francesca Yuricic, social studies teacher Ms. Millicent Hudson, and special education teacher Mr. Patrick Faraday.
“Training involved running between 25-30 miles a week which included speed training, hill reps, and most importantly, long runs…My favorite part about running the NYC marathon must be the crowd of supporters. Strangers of all walks of life fill the streets to cheer you on and it’s truly an out-of-body experience! If someone told my high school self that I would be running the NYC marathon I would have laughed in their face and called them crazy! It’s something I never thought I would accomplish, but it is one of my greatest achievements. Without Ms. Ingrilli inspiring me to run my first NYC Marathon last year, I wouldn’t have found this new love of running!” said Ms. Tagliavia.