New York Central Park Marathoners Begin Their Weekend

Walking around Central Park on a perfect fall day I was joined by a league of nations. Runners from every country flying flags along the marathon route. Many stopped to have their picture taken with their nationality's flag.

The New York Police Department was out... and ready to play.

Some of the visitors were eyeing that marker they'd be facing this coming Sunday after running, and for many walking.

I walked past the bleachers I sat in, on a rainy night in 2017. My husband had trained for his first marathon; at age 60. My daughter and I waited here, and over 6 and 1/2 hours had passed. As we waited for him to round the bend, a large contingent of Achilles International Guides and Runners came in.

Achilles International was founded by Dick Traum, the first amputee to run in the New York Marathon. I did an article on this non profit that supports all athletes and works with Wounded Warriors and other organizations.

So, before I saw my husband come over the finish line I saw guides with Achilles International tshirts on assisting marathon runners, one with crutches to finish this grueling marathon. There wasn't a dry eye in the bleachers above, and it wasn't because of the rain.

Here's how we looked at the end of that journey.

My husband's volunteering this coming Sunday, waking up at 5:30 for the kids race, which runs beforehand. He's also training for the 2020.

Here's the marathon map

Enjoy the competition of nations, of skills, of the grit of these runners.