For Leah, running the New York City Marathon was both a demanding physical challenge and a return to the city where she was born and spent much of her early life. At 43, she entered the race knowing the distance would test her, but she did not expect the experience to reveal such a deep reserve of determination.
The race began with an emotional start on the Verrazzano Bridge. Surrounded by runners from around the world, open water and the New York skyline, she felt overwhelmed by the significance of reaching the starting line. Through Brooklyn, she maintained her pace and reached the halfway point in reasonable condition.
The course became more difficult on the approach to the 59th Street Bridge. The gradual climb, wind and relative quiet left her struggling, and the crowds on First Avenue did little to restore her energy. By the time she reached the Bronx and the Willis Avenue Bridge, her feet, quadriceps and knees felt close to giving out. She also experienced intense shivering and considered abandoning the race.
Harlem provided a brief but important change. Music from a gospel choir, Jamaican ska and salsa performers lifted her spirits, while spectators encouraged her, told her she looked strong and offered personal gestures of support. One spectator even let her pet a Bernese Mountain Dog. The encouragement brought her to tears and helped her find a genuine smile during the race.
She carried that renewed determination into the final miles, even as Central Park seemed to stretch on despite the finish being close. She eventually completed the marathon in 4:44, approximately 15 minutes slower than her target time.
After crossing the finish line, she was taken to a medical tent by a volunteer named Kate. There, medic Ishmael covered her with wool blankets, placed her near a heater and gave her hot soup, salt and Gatorade until she was able to stand and return to her hotel and family.
Although the experience left her convinced that one New York City Marathon was enough, she also came away grateful for the opportunity to prove she could complete such a difficult distance. The race connected her past with the city and showed her that she was capable of doing something she had never believed possible.
The article originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Runner’s World. Leah has edited longform narrative stories for more than 20 years and directs features for Bicycling, Runner’s World and Popular Mechanics.
Sources: Runner's World.