Between the months of September and November, millions of people around the world run 26.2 miles during the marathon season. I could never conceptualize running for such a large amount of time; however, people of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities do it and most shockingly enjoy doing it. This is a feat that is impressive for several reasons, but there is a lot more that can be taken from the famous races run during this season; marathons also build a strong sense of community.
The New York Marathon took place last Sunday, and watching the runners during the race reaffirmed my admiration. This specific course takes runners through all five boroughs to several famous landmarks. The race itself has a competitive lottery system that those hoping to run enroll in. People find out their status six months prior to the race date in early November, and only about 2% of applicants are accepted. The people who apply know that there is a low chance of getting in, but still go into it with full force.
Photos courtesy of @nycmarathon on Instagram
Those who finish in a quick few hours have a drive behind them that is respectable, but it is even more fulfilling to see the final racers cross the finish line and to hear their stories. Watching the group of spectators who waited until midnight this year to cheer on the final finishers adds another level to how uplifting a race can be even for those who don’t win. In the New York Marathon this year, these finishers included a married couple and a stroke survivor. But the most inspiring story was that of the final racer, Juan Pablo Dos Santos — an amputee. Dos Santos lost his legs in an accident in 2019 and when he was given the chance to walk again, he set a goal to finish the New York Marathon. He pushed himself by training with swimming and strength training before he was accepted into the 2025 marathon. When he crossed the finish line, he was met with a ribbon and a crowd of people cheering him on. This is just one story that shows the dedication of all runners, especially those who run for a purpose.
Many people run for other purposes, including charity. For the Chicago Marathon, which also takes place in the fall, those who register with a charity are required to raise at least $2,200 for their organization. Due to this policy, in 2024 this marathon raised $36 million for charity, and in its 23-year history, they have raised over $300 million in total. People giving their all to run such a far distance for people who cannot do so, or to promote their charitable organizations, reveals a selflessness that a lot more people should have.
No one can just wake up and decide they want to run a marathon, but for those who push through the cold winter months and mental blocks, it is a huge accomplishment. And celebrating that accomplishment is an important part of the process. It is the people who cheer on the runners that make the race worth it. Seeing a city show up for others in their community annually, from early in the morning to late at night, fosters connections that are now very rare to come by. The world feels a lot less connected than it has ever been, but a marathon is a setting where people must all be together. It promotes families supporting their loved ones and strangers supporting people they would never come in contact with otherwise. People are there for each other through creative signs, music and providing the occasional pack of candy.
For those of us who don’t run often, supporting those who do is the next best thing. Even if it isn’t a huge race in a big city, look for those in your own area, just to be in that atmosphere. A lot can be learned and shared as an onlooker. I urge everyone to get the positivity that comes out of marathons and build the community that we all need.