NYC Marathon: Chance of A Lifetime

With the popularity of the Boston Marathon, the NYC Marathon often is less talked about. It was great to see the race televised last weekend and even more incredible to have a CU Racing Team member in the race. CU Racing Team's Yvonne Learmonth competed in her first NYC Marathon. She has agreed to share her experience in the near future on the website.

Another intriguing event happened at last Sunday NYC Marathon. Meb Keflezighi, famous US Marathoner, had a less than ideal race and was forced to slow his pace at mile 19. A non-elite runner from New York finished the race with Meb. The following is his account of the experience from LetsRun.com. Good Luck to CU Racing Team this weekend! #live4XC

"This is the type of moment you only dream about. The scene had played out in my mind countless times before: me, having the race of my life, gracefully passing Meb in Central Park en route to a stunning victory. It’s one of those wild fantasies that get you through the solitary 7 am 10 milers."

"As I eased up on his shoulder, I looked over and said, “Let’s go Meb.” He responded, promptly picking up his pace and we entered Central Park at 90th Street, shoulder to shoulder. The next three miles were the most surreal I have ever experienced. “Let’s finish this together,” he said. ..."

" ... I couldn’t help but feel giddy at the absurdity of it all. I was running with Meb Keflezighi. New York City Champion. Olympic Silver Medalist. Arguably the greatest American marathoner ever. MEB. And I was doing it in the last three miles of the New York City Marathon, with the whole world watching. It was like getting to play basketball with Michael Jordan. Only it was Game 7 of the NBA Finals and he had just passed me the ball. ..."

"... Running the last three miles of the New York City Marathon with Meb was the highest honor of my career. They will be other days for PR’s, other races to win, other chances to qualify for the Olympic Trials. But it’s only once you get to cross the finish line of your hometown race holding hands with your hero."

- Staten Island native and Olympic Trials qualifier Mike Cassidy writing about finishing the NYC Marathon last Sunday with Meb Keflezighi