THE New York Marathon early this month had a runner from Logan among its 53,000 entrants.
The 51st event became a reality for Sharon Hansen, President of the Loganholme Rotary Club after a tour was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid travel restrictions.
Joining a group organised by Adventure Time Travel, Sharon and 35 others took on the largest marathon in the world.
The 42.2km course started at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island and passed through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park.
Temperature on the day is normally around 12 degrees but this year with the humidity around 85 per cent and temperature at 23 degrees it was the hottest marathon in 23 years — not ideal running conditions.
Sharon said there were endless drink stations along the way with volunteers continually handing out water, Gatorade gels, bananas and other snacks to keep the runners hydrated and sustained.
“The bands, singers and people in their thousands lining the streets cheering and clapping was the inspiration I needed to keep going, especially for the last few kilometres when everything was aching and sore,” she said.
“My legs just didn’t want to move any more — it was an atmosphere I have never encountered anywhere before in any other run I have done.
“Five-and-a-half long hours after I started I finally crossed the finish line at Central Park with a feeling of exhilaration and relief but vowing never to run a marathon again.”
Sharon said it was amazing how a nice long hot shower and some clean clothes can make you feel.
“Having celebratory drinks with other members of the tour that evening I realised I had achieved something special and unforgettable,” she said.
“Will there be another marathon, never say never.”
