The 53rd annual TCS New York City Marathon commenced on Sunday, November 5-welcoming strides of perseverance, grit and a wondrous display of community support. Considered to be the largest marathons in the world, the TCS New York City Marathon hosted over 50,000 racers of diverse backgrounds and training.
While some marathon participants were racing to beat records, others were looking to satisfy personal goals. Onlookers are also a huge contribution to the race. As the racers crossed the Verrazano-Narrows bridge from their start point in Staten Island, marathoners were greeted by crowds of people cheering them on from the sidelines. Throughout the race these passionate marathon watchers helped racers push through by chanting their names, blasting music, carrying clever signs and more.
The TCS New York City Marathon is a 26.2 mile course that runs through all five boroughs of the city-starting in Staten Island and ending in Central Park. In order to accomplish this track, racers need to train heavily and plan in order to attain the level of endurance to withstand the length of the run. Otherwise, racers can-and do-face health complications that can obstruct their paths.
This marathon marks the ending of the 6 World Marathon Major Races and is preceded by The Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, Virgin Money London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon and Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon highlighted amazing achievements including some impressive wins. Ethiopian long-distance runner, Tamirat Tola, won the men’s division of the marathon while also setting a new record. He finished the course in just two hours, four minutes and 58 seconds.
Kenyan middle-distance runner, Helen Obiri, won the women’s division of the marathon in a close 300-meter dash. Obiri had to race between two other runners, Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia and long-standing champion Sharon Lokedi, before ultimately claiming her spot. Obiri finished the race in two hours, 27 minutes and 23 seconds.
Marcel Hug beat his own record in the men’s wheelchair division, winning at one hour, 20 minutes and nine seconds.
Swiss athlete, Catherine Debrunner, won her first New York City Marathon and set a record in the women’s wheelchair division at one hour, 39 minutes and 32 seconds.
Queens native, Garth Barfoot set the record of the oldest TCS New York City Marathon runner at 87 years old. Insider reported that Barfoot had “undergone no fewer than four hip-replacement surgeries, but the 87-year-old steadfastly refuses to stop doing marathons.”
Many celebrities also ran in the marathon. This included “Today” show host, Sheinelle Jones. After finishing the race, Jones shared in an instagram post about the race with the Today Show:
“It transcends running. And every time you feel like you can’t run anymore, there’s somebody cheering your name. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If there’s anybody listening to me, and you’ve ever wanted to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone, do it.”
