MARATHON DAY

What I Talk About When I Talk About Marathon Day.

11.03.2024

The NYC Marathon Day is special. It’s my second favorite day of the year (only behind Thanksgiving ;)). I'm no expert runner or "distance athlete," but I have completed four marathons, including three NYC Marathons. I ran a 2:59 in 2019, which qualified me for Boston. I’m proud of that one. Regardless, I’ll tell you why I love it so much.

Running this race is electrifying, emotional, and a life-shifting experience for me. There’s the pre-race spaghetti dinner; I get to see loved ones as family comes through and friends fly in to support; there’s the emotional rollercoaster of the race itself; and the celebratory beer, Barolo, and bubbly afterward. The training, commitment, and the spectacle of it all (let’s not forget the foliage) bring friends, strangers, and the greater community together. 

On this day, New Yorkers do what they do best: show up and show out. Everyone is a New Yorker.

But for me, the most memorable Marathon Day was in a year I didn’t run—2018. November of that year marked a tough period in my life. I was searching for clarity, for something to pull me out of the rut. I walked toward 4th Ave., where I wouldn't recognize anyone, and watched the stream of runners go by, overcome with emotion. In that moment, I told myself, “I won’t be on the sidelines next year. I can’t be.”

It was clear I needed this race—something to ground me and something to work toward. I needed a purpose. The marathon training and running changed me. I’m sure I'm not alone in that. If you have ever run the race, you know the feeling.

Now, when I watch the NYC Marathon, I think about what’s happening beneath the surface. Who is struggling with something? What are they carrying? Why are they running?

But on Marathon Day, New York shows up. They’ve got you. It feels like family. The human spirit is on full display. You can feel the weight of the city pushing you to be your best—a collective voice saying:

Thank you, New York. Thank you, NYC Marathon. Every year I'm reminded why I call New York MY HOME.

For those running: Try to ENJOY IT. Soak it up. The city is looking her best right now. High fives and smiles from strangers are life-giving.

For spectators: my favorite mile(s) of the race (as a runner and a spectator) is on Lafayette Ave in Ft. Greene. It’s a climb for the runners, but a loud, proud and lovely boost of energy. 

Tip: check out Fancyfree in Brooklyn for an indoor/outdoor spot situated right on the marathon route.