Marathon Sunday
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009Every weekend is always welcome. This past Sunday is one that I always enjoy a little more than the rest — for reasons I cannot take credit for. This past Sunday was the New York City Marathon. I do not participate in the marathon, but I love supporting the people that take on the mental and physical challenges required by marathons.
The New York City Marathon is the largest sporting event in the world, with nearly two million spectators on the streets of New York in support of the 43,000 runners and disabled athletes. It is a spectacular event for all reasons. It is a competitive sport for the elite runners and, more importantly, an individual challenge for all of the athletes who take part. Many are running to prove to themselves they can tackle such a feat. Some run for those who cannot. More than 8,000 runners this year ran for charitable causes. Each runner has a story. All are motivational and inspirational.
The marathon touches every borough of New York City, making it the ultimate community event. The entire day, both in my neighborhood and throughout the city, there was a positive buzz that would not be found on any other day. I love watching people support strangers they will probably never see again. Everyone genuinely wishes the runners only the very best in their quest to the finish line. I won’t make any guarantees at this moment that I will ever run a marathon, but watching all those people cross the finish line always reinforces my own belief that anything is possible with a little hard work and dedication.
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
