Runners braved bitter cold winds to run 26.2 miles through the five boroughs in the 44th annual New York City marathon today. NY1′s Jon Weinstein filed the folllowing report.
The temperature hovered around the low and mid 40’s but biting wind gusts made it feel even colder. That was certainly a challenge for the 50,000 runners who hit the streets Sunday.
The weather even forced the organizers to start the wheelchair race is in Brooklyn because of the wind.
“At first it was freezing. I’m not going to lie,” one runner said.
For most of the runners and even the thousands of spectators who gathered along the route though, the cold was an afterthought.
From Brooklyn to Long Island City to Central Park, they were all there to cheer on their loved ones.
“It’s amazing. I think running is one of the most beautiful sports,” said one spectator.
“It’s powerful. It’s energetic,” another said.
“To be in New York, to visit it, to run it, it’s great,” said a third.
“The crowds in Central Park were amazing, so that helps a ton,” said one runner.
Two people who weren’t fazed by the headwinds for the first 15 miles were the winners, Kenyans Mary Keitany and Wilson Kipsang.
“I’m happy today because it was that time and I win. So I’m happy and I thank god for that victory,” Keitany said.
“Running in such tough conditions and winning—I’m really very happy,” Kipsang said.
The whole 26.2 mile route from Staten Island to Central Park was under the watchful eyes of roughly 4,000 NYPD officers.
Since the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 there’s a renewed focus on securing this race.
It’s not an easy task, but one that appeared to go off without a hitch.
“The numbers of people involved—because you’ve got the runners, the volunteers, the city agencies, all the million plus of New Yorkers celebrating and spectating. And then you’ve got everybody donating to all these runners,” said New York Road Runners President/CEO Mary Wittenberg.
What does it feel like to actually finish?
Runner: “It was awesome. I mean, it’s a huge accomplishment, I mean I think anyone who finishes a 26.2 mile race—it’s a huge deal.
Weinstein: “And you’re feeling good?”
Runner: “Yeah, I’m feeling awesome.”
Weinstein: “And you’re ready to run another 26 now?”
Runner: “Hell yeah.”
Now that’s dedication.
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