Marathon Magic 

By Sarah McVeigh

This past weekend was one of the most remarkable sporting events: the New York City Marathon. This year, 59,226 psychopaths ran the 26.2 miles from Staten Island to Central Park.

I have something embarrassing to admit to you, my readers: I have never been to the marathon. In years past, my Sunday Scaries have been too severe to cheer on the runners. This year, I am 30 weeks pregnant, and the thought of trekking around the city to chase my friends sounded like a marathon of my own. I know, people run in my condition … I am just not that type of mama.

Although I did not attend the marathon in person, I watched it on television. The live broadcast focuses on the professional runners. On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri broke the record and finished the race at 2:19:51. Sharon Lokedi was second at 2:20:07, and Sheila Chepkirui rounded out the 2025 podium in 2:20:24.

The men’s race came down to a thrilling photo finish between Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso. Kipruto finished the race in 2:08:09. Albert Korir finished in third. The entire male podium was all from Kenya.

Yes, watching Olympic and world athletes do their thing is cool, but I don’t find it nearly as inspiring as watching all the other people cross the finish line. So, I turned to the place where I get most of my news: TikTok. I have been watching NYC Marathon content on TikTok for the past four days, and I cannot get enough! If you see me looking at my phone crying, no, you didn’t!

I love watching cute girlies wake up, put on a new Lululemon outfit, and add some glitter to their hair before embarking on the Staten Island Ferry, without a single fear.

I love watching the celebrities film “A Day in the Life” while they run the marathon. These people are counting down each mile on camera like it ain’t no thing!

Some notable inspiring stories that I also found on “The Tok” are Koichi Kitabatake, the oldest male finisher, at 91 years old, who ran the five boroughs in 7:25:13. Judith Sorn, 83, was the oldest woman finisher in 8:34:50. Or what about Jordan Litz who finished the marathon in 3:40:53 then went to work on BROADWAY and performed two shows as Fiyero in Wicked!! Finally, the double amputee Juan Pablo Dos Santos from Venezuela, who was the last finisher of the marathon at 15.5 hours and crossed the finish line at 12:30 a.m. on Monday. I have watched so many videos of this athlete making his way through NYC. He is what the marathon is all about.

I could write forever about the inspiring stories, because whether you are an Olympic medalist, mama of five, or my fastest friend Pat Kilgallen, all 59,226 people have a story. The fact that someone can call themselves a marathoner is seriously wild! If you finished the race on Sunday (or Monday), you should be insanely proud of yourself!

I personally think you’re a little nuts—incredible, but nuts nonetheless.