Los corredores aprovechan que la lluvia no aguó la fiebre maratónica
“We’re getting the rain out of the way before next week,” joked Jim Heim, SVP, Event Development & Production, Race Director, TCS New York City Marathon, as he got the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff (5M) underway on Sunday morning.
New York City’s balmy fall weather was interrupted by torrential rain on Sunday, but for over 4,000 runners, it didn’t deter them from having a great time as TCS New York City Marathon week got off and running (literally).
With many of those 4,000 runners currently residing in “taper town,” the race was a chance for them to give their legs—and tapering minds—a shake out, ahead of the marathon next Sunday. Saturday may have been about the last 10 miles and the last long run for marathoners in waiting, but today belonged to the five miler and the rain, hard as it tried, didn’t put a damp squib on the excitement of what’s coming!
As Heim alluded to, marathoners will also be hoping for clearer skies and dry roadways next week, but on this day, they soaked up the atmosphere in Central Park—with many knowing the next time they race through the park, it will be on TCS New York City Marathon day.
The finish line at the five miler started and finished near the famed marathon finish line at Tavern on the Green, giving runners an extra bit of motivation and encouragement as the rain continued to fall down. For those running next week, it was a shakeout run, but for many others, personal records were chased and 9+1 goals realized, despite the weather conditions.
In a hotly contested battle on the men’s side, Urgesa Kedir Figa broke the tape in 25:10, just two seconds ahead of his West Side Runners teammate Aduna Lelisa Gemechu.
In the women’s race, Rebeka Stowe raced into an early lead and kept pushing on, as she finished in 27:52, a minute and three seconds in front of second-placed Caroline Yarbrough. Check out the full official results for all finishers on our results page.
With number pickup taking place inside the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, runners also got a chance to sample the amenities ahead of a packed lineup of events next week at the venue.
Post-race, runners could pick up a free Poland Spring water bottle (while supplies lasted), rehydrate at a hydration truck provided by Poland Spring, and much more.
Before the TCS New York City Marathon takes center stage next Sunday, NYRR’s next race will come a day before the 26.2 extravaganza, with the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K and USATF 5K Championships, before the main event on Sunday. Watch the TCS New York City Marathon as it’s broadcast live locally on WABC-TV, Channel 7 and nationally on ESPN2, and see why it will move you!