The Joy, Anticipation, and Excitement Before a Marathon Starts
In the early-morning hours of Sunday, November 4, 2018, more than 52,000 people gathered near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island. These people were about to run 26.2 miles through all five boroughs of New York City. While they anxiously awaited their starting gun, photographers Sasha Arutyunova and Justin J Wee asked several runners this question: Why run the New York City Marathon?
Felix - Panama City, Florida
“It’s one of the greatest, biggest marathons in the world. And I always want to try new things. My parents live here. I like NYC. Maybe one day, I’ll move back here.”
Manny
“Definitely excited to see Flatbush, where I’m from, where I live. And definitely getting to 138th and Grand Concourse in the Bronx where I was born and raised.”
Jacqueline
“I’m not very confident, however the goal is to finish, not necessarily with a time attached to it.” Jacqueline ran for Her Justice, which provides legal services in family, divorce and immigration law to women.
Victoria and Narciso - New York, New York
“I’ve been running it for three years in a row. Last year I got 2:42. My favorite part is the start and entering into Central Park.” - Narciso
Sexy From Texas
“I did [half marathons] in 50 states and seven continents in two and a half years, every weekend... but this is my fourth marathon. It’s a challenge, especially when you get to 13 [miles] because normally that’s when I’m finished.” Sexy reppalies her lipstick every other mile, and then at mile 25. She’s been using the same brand since high school.
Jonathan -Washington, D.C.
“This is my 17th marathon, fourth back-to-back, and seventh this year. I did Berlin in September, one in D.C. at the beginning of September, Chicago in October... I love being able to push myself and see how much further I can go.”
Tony - Holland
“The running isn’t difficult, but the training is. I have work, I have children. My two sons are running, too. I’m happy for them, and for myself, to do it in a family way.” Tony’s completed 38 marathons in 28 years. This was his first NYC Marathon.
('You Might Also Like',)
