New York City Marathon

New York City Marathon: Harlem

Asteria Claure, 61, cheers on the New York City Marathon Runners, with a cowbell in one hand and chewable vitamins in the other, as the ran through Harlem. By Astrid Hacker

Wearing a neon vest with the word “coach” plastered across the front, Asteria Claure, 61, cheered on the 2015 New York City Marathon runners for the 12th consecutive year, as they ran through Harlem today. She knew how it felt having run in the marathon for 10 years.

“I was 16-years-old when I started to run, I was a track runner, a sprinter,” she said “When I turned 40 I started to run marathons.”

Claure has attended the marathon, as either a runner or supporter, since 1994. Born and raised in Bolivia, she said she had always loved sports, but none of them resonated with her like track and field.

“Running was the best for me, I learned to challenge myself,” she said.   “When I was in basketball I used to get upset when I lost the game, I didn’t like it. I went into track, I was winning, I said it’s going to be on me.”

After graduating from college, Claure spent 20 years in Venezuela running and working as a physical education teacher and coach.

She said that it was a challenge that brought her to New York in 1994. A friend challenged her to run in the marathon and from there she fell in love with the New York City Marathon. She returned to Bolivia in 1995 and was invited to New York once again to take part in the World Champion Masters in Buffalo, N.Y.

“I came to the world champions and then after that I never went back to my country,” Claure said. “When I came to New York, the first thing I did is come to Central Park and look for the runners.”

Claure has since taken part in 15 marathons. She said that while she is still healthy she will continue to run and encourage others to do the same.

 

The New York City Marathon runners pushed through Harlem as they came to mile twenty-three with only three miles separating them from the finish line. By Astrid Hacker

The New York City Marathon runners pushed through Harlem as they came to mile twenty-three with only three miles separating them from the finish line. By Astrid Hacker

“Go Julie, don’t look down, hey, don’t look down,” Claure shouted to one of the runners. “Come on, don’t give it up.”

Armed with a cowbell in one hand, she screamed advice to the runners that were slowed down by leg cramps and encouragement to those weary from the run as they pushed on. This year Claure cheered as a member of the organization New York Road Runners (NYRR) Team for Kids. The organization encourages children to run, and she was there to support the members of the organization that were taking part in the race.

“I don’t just cheer them, I cheer to everybody because I’m a runner, I’m a coach,” she said and then pointed to her head. “Everything is here. If you are able to run 5k you are able to run a marathon, but you have to start training.”

She said that, for her, running is everything. It is her life.

“If I’m going to win it’s on me, if I’m going to lose it’s on me.”

New York City Marathon: Upper West Side

James Johnson, an adaptive athlete, competed in the 2015 New York City Marathon. Photo by Leann Garofolo

“I did it under two hours,” James Johnson, 60, said proudly as he held up his gold medal for the camera. “This was just an uplifting experience.”

The intersection of 72nd St. and Central Park West marked the finish line for racers competing in the wheelchair and Achilles Handcycle divisions of the 2015 New York City Marathon today, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Competitors were reunited with kisses, cheers, and balloons from loved ones as they crossed the finish line into the swarm of people waiting on the other side.

A former electronics technician for the U.S Navy, Johnson of Atlanta, Ga is a disabled veteran who was no stranger to the demands of a marathon, finishing the race with flying colors, as well as two prosthetic legs.

“I did the Marine Corps Marathon last week,” Johnson said. “I race with Paralyzed Veterans Racing Team, as well. It’s pretty much my passion, but I also like helping, like, other vets get involved and kids get involved in the sport.”

According to its website, the Paralyzed Veterans Racing Team assists disabled veterans with rehabilitation through competing at various cycling events and marathons across the country. Johnson is also involved in Achilles International, an organization that provides an environment of community and support to athletes with disabilities.

Johnson noted that prior to getting involved with adaptive sports, he “didn’t do anything but hang out at the bar” as he struggled to adjust to his new life.

But then he discovered adaptive racing.

“You feel good about finishing the race.” Johnson said. “You feel good about your buddies and everybody finishing, everybody’s safe.”

Although Johnson does not adhere to any strict rules to prep himself for race day, he said that he typically makes an effort to eat healthy during the week, avoiding pork and beef while loading up on seafood and turkey products. Hydration is also key.

“I don’t drink during the race. I don’t take any fluids in,” he said. “So I try to stay hydrated up until the race, and you know, a couple days before go a little heavy on the hydration.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of racing to Johnson had been the people and friends who helped to coach, train, and inspire him along the way. As he spoke, he pointed out a handful of people around him who had made a difference in his life as a disabled veteran.

“Ever since I started, they’ve been helping me, coaching me,” he said. “I do go to training camps and I’ve been blessed to go to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado.

He said it won’t be his last New York City Marathon, and is planning to return.

James Johnson's finisher medal along with his sweatshirt sporting the Paralyzed Veterans emblem. Photo by Leann Garofolo

James Johnson’s finisher medal along with his sweatshirt sporting the Paralyzed Veterans emblem. Photo by Leann Garofolo

“Oh, hell to the yeah.” he said, a smile spread across his face. “And the year after, and the year after, and the year after.”

He gazed at the newly acquired medal hanging around his neck.

“This was just simply awesome.” Johnson said of the marathon. “That is all I can tell you.”

NYC Marathon: No fear of danger, but extra security a hassle at finish line

Zac Nicholson, 30, calls his family to arrange meet-up location. Photo by Julia Shu

Zac Nicholson, 30, calls his family to arrange a meet-up location. Photo by Julia Shu

Amidst seas of orange capes and reflective blankets at the ING New York City Marathon finish line, runner Zac Nicholson waited for his parents and sister on the corner of 65th Street and Columbus Avenue. For Nicholson, 30, of the Upper West Side, the bombing at the Boston Marathon and any thoughts of danger were no deterrent to participating in today’s event.

“We live in New York City,” he said, “I watched the towers fall, I’m pretty used to that aspect of city life.” Although he has trained for marathons for a few years, this was his first due to last year’s cancellation.

Among other participants, the feeling was mutual. As runners and family members milled about, holding signs and congratulating each other, Matt Murton, 40, munched on a pretzel while waiting for his wife and children.

“I live in D.C., which is police and terrorism alerts all the time,” he said, “My wife is more worried about the Boston Marathon thing.”

Because of his wife’s concerns, the family agreed to meet away from the finishing line, outside the marathon route.

“I was impressed with the New York Police,” Murton said. He noted that the bag checks, barricades, and other measures were very thorough. Police blocked access to side streets for over a mile on the west side of Central Park, only allowing in residents. Family Reunification stations, divided alphabetically by name, were staffed by officers checking passes and searching bags.

Police check bags near the finish line of the NYC Marathon. Photo by Julia Shu

Police check bags near the finish line of the NYC Marathon. Photo by Julia Shu

For Nicholson however, the limited access to the finish line was creating extra headaches.

“You basically have to walk all the way up to 77th Street, and down to the 60’s,” he said.

Nicholson was in the first group of runners, starting at 9:40 a.m. But although he finished around 1 p.m. he had yet to meet his family an hour and a half later.

“I have no idea where they are,” he said, “You wish this aspect was done right.” Nicholson pointed out that the streets of the Family Reunification stations had been switched from the map he was previously shown. He borrowed a cell phone to call his parents, but only reached voice mail.

But despite the obstacles of extra security, more runners continued to stream out from behind the police barricades, to be greeted by the excited yells and cheers of parents, siblings, and spouses. Nicholson, not to be discouraged after over 26 miles, headed uptown in search of his family

NYC Marathon: Resilience in the Bronx

Laura Rodriguez, 34 from Bronx, ran the Boston marathon last year. This year she dressed up as a banana to support runners of the NYC Marathon. Photo by Lea

Laura Rodriguez, 34 from Bronx, ran the Boston marathon last year. This year she dressed up as a banana to support runners of the NYC Marathon. Photo by Léa Bouchoucha

On this windy Sunday morning, hundreds of New York City Marathon supporters came to the South Bronx to welcome and cheer 50,740 runners competing in the 26 mile race. This year, the race was marked by memories of the Boston Marathon bombings and Hurricane Sandy.

For Laura Rodriguez, 34, of the Bronx, the connection with the tragedy in Boston was personal. Though she escaped unscathed, she finished the marathon in April just an hour before the first bomb blast.The attacks killed three people and wounded more than 260 others.

On Sunday she was wore a banana costume and cheered her friends running in the marathon.

“It is very important for us to be here today and to show we are very resilient and very strong,“ she said.

“It was a scary experience,” she said of the Boston Marathon bombings. “So, we are here today to prove that we are not going to be scarred.”

The images of Boston bombings are also not a distant memory for Karin Ortiz, a resident of East Harlem. She came to encourage her four friends running the last six miles before beating the finish line.

Karin Ortiz, of East Harlem, holds a sign to encourage her four friends running the marathon. Photo by Léa Bouchoucha

Karin Ortz, of East Harlem, holds a sign to encourage her four friends running the marathon. Photo by Léa Bouchoucha

”This [the marathon] is very poignant,” Ortz said, “There is a big link between New York and Boston, the cities are pretty close and a lot of runners from the Boston marathon are also running in this race.”

Security in New York was high today, with unprecedented precautionary measures. Helicopters, scuba divers, police boats, K-9 dogs with explosive-detection capabilities and hundreds of cameras were deployed along the marathon route.

Alma Luccirnia, 70, a veteran runner from the Bronx said she had no trepidation of being at the race and did not feel anxious.

“I am not scared of coming,” she said, “We have a lot of police here, I have never seen so much protection.” Luccirnia has completed more than 11 marathons, but came today to support her two friends from Dallas, Texas who participated in the race.

Last year, the big race was canceled after Hurricane Sandy pummeled New York and it was still on the minds of many.

“This is a special day for New York City, we are back from Hurricane Sandy and we want to show that we are resilient and we keep doing what we do,” said Garry Stubbs, 61, of Mott Haven.

He held a sign to cheer his adopted 25-year-old daughter, Yvette Davis. It is the first time she was running the race.

NYC Marathon: The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band energizes runners

Band manager and percussionist, Lindsay Becker enjoys performing at city events like the ING New York City marathon. She says it feels good to motivate the runners with the band's songs. Photo by Kulsoom Khan

Band manager and percussionist, Lindsay Becker enjoys performing at city events like the ING New York City Marathon. She says it feels good to motivate the runners with the band’s songs. Photo by Kulsoom Khan

Amid the crowd of spectators attending the ING New York Marathon in Long Island City, Queens, a band decked out in purple and white uniforms and cowboy hats kept both runners and viewers energized with drums and blaring trumpets. A closer look revealed that this was no ordinary band. The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band proudly wore LGBTA ( Lesbian Gay Bisexual, Transgendered and Allies) and the iconic rainbow on their chest.

This is the first time the LGBAC is performing at the marathon. Band manager Lindsay Becker said it had been a very positive experience, with runners passing by waving and blowing kisses to the band members who gave them encouraging yells and fist pumps in return.

“Everyone running is just so inspiring and it’s thrilling to stand here and give them a little pep right here in the middle,” said Becker.

Dyanne Irby, a self-admitted “rookie”, joined the band only a few months ago when her roommate encouraged her to look into it.

“The cool thing about the Big Apple LGBTA band is that they allow anybody to come in at any level with no auditioning, “ she said. “You don’t even have to be gay.”

Irby, a sousaphone player in the group, is originally from Maryland and has lived in San Francisco as well, but feels more at home in New York City after moving here in 2001. She enjoys big city events like the marathon.

“I love New York,” she said. “You come to a marathon and think everybody’s going to be wearing running clothes, but then you see people that are dressed up as characters and it’s a lot of fun.”

Band member, Leslie Becker offers words of encouragement to a runner in between songs. Photo by Kulsoom Khan

Band member, Leslie Becker offers words of encouragement to a runner in between songs. Photo by Kulsoom Khan

The marathon draws thousands of runners from all over the world.

“It’s cool to see people from different countries,” Irby said, “It brings people together.”

The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps, which is made up of 85 members, was formed back in 1979, ten years after the Stonewall Riots said Leslie Becker, percussionist and band resource coordinator.

Becker said the LGBAC plays at many events in New York City throughout the year including the New York City Gay Pride Parade, the Fourth of July Parade, and the Washington Market Children’s Halloween Parade. But one event in particular stands out in Becker’s memory.

“We marched as part of the National Lesbian and Gay Band Association for President Obama’s inauguration,” she said with a big smile, “That was amazing.”

NYC Marathon: Snapshots from Park Slope

Christopher Neal Rommelmann, 50 of Brooklyn Heights, cheers on runners alongside mile eight of the course at the NYC Marathon. Photo by Reuben Jones

Christopher Neal Rommelmann, 50 of Brooklyn Heights, cheers on runners alongside mile eight of the course at the NYC Marathon. Photo by Reuben Jones

Bundled up in a scarf, jacket and black beret Christopher Neal Rommelmann, 50 of Brooklyn Heights, took the job of cheering on runners in the NYC City Marathon pretty seriously. He’s run 20 marathons all over the world, but a recent injury sidelined him today.

Standing alongside mile eight of the course, near Park Slope, Rommelmann said this is the part of the race where runners start to lose some of the initial nervousness and begin to start “hitting their stride.”

According to Rommelmann, the hardest part of the race is the beginning, but the end result is very rewarding.

“It’s euphoric, you feel like you can do anything,” Rommelmann said, “[You feel like] all the other problems in life you can conquer.”

Rommelmann said this year’s run is special because of the recent memories of the Boston Marathon bombing.

“Everybody is all in support because of Boston,” said Rommelmann, “We will bend, we will not break.”

The NYPD beefed up security for the race this year after the Boston Marathon bombing last April that killed three people and injured over 250 . Police used baggage screenings, helicopters, surveillance cameras and bomb-sniffing dogs to make sure the 26-mile race that featured more than 47,000 runners went smoothly.

Rommelmann said for people watching, the marathon is an experience that should not be missed.

“You gotta bundle up a little bit, but it’s so worth it,” he said.

Jennifer Henry, 46 of Park Slope, cheers in joy after she runs a few steps with a fellow "Ausie." Photo by Reuben Jones

Jennifer Henry, 46 of Park Slope, cheers in joy after she runs a few steps with a fellow “Aussie.” Photo by Reuben Jones

The screams of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” from Jennifer Henry aren’t hard to hear even over the band, the voices of the crowd and the runners’ footsteps hitting the ground one by one.

Henry, 46, has been a resident of Park Slope for five years, but it’s clear she hasn’t forgotten where she is from.

Decked out in an Australian hat and holding high her home country’s flag, Henry said one of the reasons she comes to watch the New York City Marathon is to support her compatriots.

“Thought it might be nice for them [Australians] to see something they recognize,” said Henry, “They will see the flag and find me.”

It wasn’t hard for runners to spot or hear Henry. As one runner passed, she joined him for a few strides down the street and let him knew loudly there was another Australian in the crowd.

Henry, who works for a scientific non-profit and came to the United States because of her job, said she has never run the race, but the joy for her is watching those people who might be running their first or last marathon.

“You can see all walks of life going past,” Henry said, “Inspiring to see people who have had a journey.”
She was referring to those runners in the race who might have or are overcoming injuries.

Henry said she had not missed a race since she moved to the States and is motivated by wanting to help those runners that need more support.

“Makes me feel good,” she said.