In the latest installment of “On The Run at the 2013 ING New York City Marathon,” we broadcast from the Dash to the Finish Line 5k, a run from the United Nations to the marathon finish line in Central Park. More than 5,000 runners joined the race, including a stacked field of Olympians.
We bring you the race and chat with some of the favorites including Shalane Flanagan, Molly Huddle, Sally Kipyego, Evan Jager, Lopez Lomong, and Nick Willis.
Plus, the amazing story of Bryan Steinhauer: after languishing in a coma following a life-threatening attack, Steinhauer re-learned to talk, walk, and run. Now he’s taking on the ING New York City Marathon.
Join Tim Hutchings, Carrie Tollefson and and me as we cover a world-class field of athletes on marathon eve.
From left, Carrie Tollefson, Karla Bruning, Tim Hutchings, Tom Glick and Zach Starr. (Photo: On The Run/NYRR)
In this episode of “On the Run,” we travel west for a peek inside the lives of top American distance runners Alisha Williams and Jason Hartmann, who are each hoping for a big breakthrough here in New York.
Alisha holds down a full-time job as an accountant while also training as a professional runner.
Jason Hartmann runs unsponsored, despite the fast that he finished fourth as the top American at the Boston Marathon in both 2012 and 2013, and coaches one of America’s top high school runners.
“On The Run” visits Jason Hartmann. (Photo: On The Run/NYRR)
Joining us at the desk, ING New York City Marathon champions Geoffrey Mutai and Meb Keflezighi talk about the thrill of winning and the pressure of staying on top.
Mutai is the fastest marathoner in history with his unbelievable 2:03:02 finish at Boston in 2012, and Meb is the perennial American favorite who manages to keep running on top at the age of 38.
Journalists David Epstein, author of “The Sports Gene,” and Weldon Johnson of LetsRun.com, share their podium predictions for the professional fields in this year’s race.
Digging in at the On The Run desk. From left, David Epstein, Carrie Tollefson, Karla Bruning and Tim Hutchings. (Photo: On The Run/NYRR)
And wheeler Tatyana McFadden is poised to make marathon history. She’s just one win away from a Grand Slam of victories in 2013. She’s already won the London, Boston and Chicago marathons. All that’s left is New York.
So join Olympians Tim Hutchings, Carrie Tollefson and me as we go On The Run.
“On the Run” chats with with “The Apprentice” winner and “Giuliana and Bill” star Bill Rancic as he talks marathon running with Dean Karnazes.
We also meet two documentary filmmakers who traveled to Kenya with Boston Marathon champion, Kenyan parliamentarian and philanthropist, Wesley Korir.
Marathon legends Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter and Joan Benoit Samuelson talk about the growth of the sport, and “Runner’s World” Editor-in-Chief David Willey gives us his perspective on the men’s professional race.
Plus, runners from the Lakota Nation share their inspiring story as they prepare to run the 2013 ING New York City Marathon.
From left, David Willey, Carrie Tollefson, Karla Bruning and Tim Hutchings get ready to start the show. (Photo: On The Run/NYRR)
Join me and Olympians Carrie Tollefson and Tim Hutchings as we give you an all-access pass to the ING New York City Marathon. More to come tomorrow!
This episode includes a look back at the runners who helped at Staten Island, an insider glimpse at New York’s fastest lady, and a conversation with a spirited drummer from Harlem who will play to the cadence of 45,000 runners.
Plus, one wheeler pushed 3,000 miles across America and another runner is hoping to become the race’s oldest finisher—at 93-years-young.
All these stories and more in this episode of “On The Run.”
Buzunesh Deba prepares for the ING New York City Marathon. (Photo: On The Run/NYRR)
It’s marathon week in NYC! Even if you’re not running the 2013 ING New York City Marathon, there are lots of ways to be a part of the excitement. Here are just a few.
On The Run
Shooting the Brooklyn Half with “On The Run.” (Photo: nyrr_ontherun/instagram)
I’m back at it, catching the action with New York Road Runners’ “On the Run at the 2013 ING New York City Marathon.” We’ve got five race week episodes coming to you starting tonight, Wednesday, October 30. Joining me this year are Olympians Carrie Tollefson and Tim Hutchings as we give viewers an inside look at the largest marathon in the world.
What in store “On The Run?” We’ve got stories about runners from the front of the pack, in the middle and the back. The motto of this year’s race is “YOU make it the marathon,” and our show reflects that. Sure, we’ll talk to the pros, including World Champion Edna Kiplagat, defending champion Geoffrey Mutai and American challengers Meb Keflezighi and Jason Hartmann. Shalane Flanagan and Lopez Lomong will stop by before they run the NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K on Saturday morning. And a few marathon legends will stop by the “On The Run ” desk too.
But we’re also focusing on some of the 45,000 runners who may not be pros, but whose stories are inspirational, heart-warming, or just plain enjoyable. A competitive eater? Check. The oldest NYC Marathon runner in history? Check. Celebrity runners? Check.
So please check out the show. They will be available online daily at OnTheRun.NYRR.org after the following times:
Wednesday, October 30: 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 31: 8:00 p.m.
Friday, November 1: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 2: 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 4: 4:00 p.m.
ABC in New York
If you’re in the New York metro area, be sure to watch ABC7 on Saturday night at 7:30 for a 30-minute special “Countdown to the Starting Line.” I filmed a short segment for the show highlighting the top professional runners to watch in Sunday’s race. Read the rest of this entry →
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 20, 2013 was my seventh marathon in as many years. Put on by Canada Running Series, the entire event was top-notch with a flat course around Canada’s largest city.
Hugging much of the city’s waterfront, the course is known as a fast, but sometimes windy, race.
But this year, runners couldn’t have asked for more ideal weather. The temperature at the start hovered around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, warming up to 55 later in the day. Clear skies brought plenty of sunshine, and wind was negligible. It was a perfect day to run a marathon.
More than 20,000 runners tackled races at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon: 3,655 runners finished the marathon, 10,094 finished the half-marathon, and 6,493 finished the 5K. Runners came from every Canadian province, more than 40 U.S. states, and 60 countries around the world. I heard runners speaking a myriad of languages, and heard even more end their sentences with, “Eh?” Only in Canada. Read the rest of this entry →
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Course Map
Well, this is it folks. In a little over 60 hours I’ll be at the starting line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. You’d think that after running six marathons, wrapping my brain around that prospect would get easier. But somehow it never does.
As always, it’s been a long and winding road to get to this point.
Running the Kaua’i Half Marathon (Photo: RunKarlaRun.com)
I started off marathon training season the wrong way: with a hip injury I sustained from falling off a horse. One month of physical therapy and two triathlons later, I was finally ready to focus on running long again.
I’ve logged 470 miles and 10 races, with three of them as specific training runs for this event: the Kaua’i Half Marathon, Direct Edge Newport Liberty Half Marathon, and 20 miles of the Yonkers Marathon. In the process, I’ve notched personal records at 3 miles, 5K, 4 miles, 5 miles, and 10K, the last three of which I nailed during a track workout. I’ve gotten a lot faster this year, especially over the middle distances. Read the rest of this entry →
But I’m not just running the race. I’m also taking part in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Media Challenge, a race-within-a-race where reporters, editors, producers, photographers and assorted media folk face off against each other for charity. I’m running on behalf of the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada in memory of my cousin, Laura, who died last year from a sarcoma cancer.
The Hamza family won Best Dressed Costume in the 5K. (Photo: Canada Running Series)
It’s all part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, an initiative that raised $4.3 million for 181 charities in 2012.
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon hosts 25,000 runners from over 60 countries for the event’s three race distances: the marathon, half-marathon and 5K.
The marathon course is known as a flat and fast, but sometimes windy, run around Canada’s largest city, with 150,000 spectators cheering runners on.
Whatsmore, more than one-quarter of the race’s runners register to support one of the event’s 180 official charities partners.
Stephane Hetherington won Best DressedCostume in the marathon and a Guinness World Record for fastest marathon in a superhero costume. (Photo: Canada Running Series)
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge
The Scotiabank Charity Challenge has lots of competitions to encourage people to raise money.
Charities can earn bonus money for placing in the top three in each of these categories: most participants, most money raised, most money per participant raised. It’s an extra incentive Scotiabank gives charities to get as many runners as they can out on the course.
But that’s just the beginning of the challenge.
Costume Challenge
Perhaps the most fun is the Best Dressed Costume contest. Runners can win extra money for their charity of choice by taking home the best-dressed prize. Scotiabank donates $5,000 to the costume winners’ charity picks. Read the rest of this entry →
Spicy Fish Tacos with Pineapple Slaw. (Photo: The Runner’s World Cookbook)
‘Runner’s World’ & ‘No Meat Athlete’ Offer New Cookbooks For Runners
If you are kitchen-challenged like me, you might need the help of a recipe or two to feed yourself and your family. Even if you are an expert at-home chef like my husband, sometimes it’s easy to get caught in a food rut.
So I appreciated the thoughtful care that went into two new cookbooks for runners that hit shelves this month: “The Runner’s World Cookbook,” a collection of 150 recipes from the monthly’s pages; and “No Meat Athlete: Run on Plants and Discover Your Fittest, Fastest, Happiest Self”byrunning blogger Matt Frazier with Matt Ruscigno, featuring 55 recipes and a guide to running on a meat-free diet. Read the rest of this entry →
Many runners have a love-hate relationship with shoelaces. I love that they come in fun colors and keep my shoes on. I hate tying them. When it comes to running shoelaces, I like to make like Ron Popeil: set it and forget it.
When I get a new pair of running shoes, I tie the laces a few times until I find the “perfect fit.” Then I never tie them again. I put a double knot in and just slip my running shoes on and off for the rest of the life of the shoe.
I know that’s a cardinal sin of running, but it works for me.
So when I heard about Hickies, I thought I’d give it a try. Hickies elastic lacing system is a different concept than most elastic shoe laces, which look just like traditional laces. For starters, Hickies come in 16 color combinations. Yes, they promise you’ll never have to tie or untie your laces again. But for $19.99, you get a pack of 14 smaller, individual elastic shoe laces in your color choice plus two bonus Hickies in another color, instead of two regular old long elastic laces. Different? Yes. Better? I’m undecided. Worth a try? Certainly, if you’re thinking about going tie-free. Read the rest of this entry →
The start of the 2012 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. (Photo: Preston Mack/runDisney)
Mwah-ha-ha-ha-ha! The Disney villains, ghouls and goblins have their night out at The Twilight Zone Tower or Terror 10-Miler Weekend at Walt Disney World in Florida from Friday, October 4 through Saturday, October 5.
The race is an ode to Disney villains and things that go bump in the night.
First up is the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday morning.
Then 10,000 people will run under the cloak of darkness at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler at 10 p.m. on Saturday night.
After the race, the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash keeps Disney’s Hollywood Studios open until 4 a.m. for runners and their guests. If it’s anything like the Epcot after party at Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon, which I ran in 2011 and am running again in November, it’s sure to be epic.
2013 Yonkers Marathon and Half Marathon medals and bib. (Photo: NYCRUNS)
The Yonkers Marathon is the second oldest marathon in the U.S., running for the 88th time on September 29, 2013. The race has a storied history going back to Thanksgiving Day in 1907. Two-time Olympic marathoner John Kelley dubbed it the “marathoner’s marathon” and the moniker stuck.
The Yonkers Marathon has gone through many iterations and course changes over the years. After its initial run from 1907-1917, the race died, but was resurrected in 1935. It’s been run every year since. In decades past, the race was home to the national championships and Olympic Trials. Running legend Ted Corbitt ran the race 26 times.
This year, nearly 800 runners finished the Yonkers Marathon and Half Marathon. I used the marathon as a 20-mile training run for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 20, and my final test to help me decide if I would stick with the marathon or switch to the half marathon there. Read the rest of this entry →
Nike’s Just Do It NYC: House of Innovation showcases their latest running technologies. (Photo: Nike)
Last night I had a chance to get a sneak peek at the Nike Just Do It NYC: House of Innovation, an art/commerce installation that showcases the brand’s new running gear for winter through video, lights, and sensory objects.
The Nike Hyperwarm shirt floats in a sea of icicles. (Photo: RunKarlaRun.com)
The project is housed in New York’s Skylight at Moynihan Station, NYC’s historic James A. Farley Post Office turned event space. Guests walk into a completely blackened space, ushered through by Nike employees also glad in black. Lights are kept to a bare minimum—just enough to safely walk to the starting point of the installation.
From the pitch black of the warehouse-like space, a video on two screens straddling a walkway begins the presentation. When the video ends, lights rise on the first part of the exhibit: a collection of shoe forms and Nike Free Flyknit shoes hanging from the ceiling.
We’re encouraged to touch and walk through them before proceeding to the next stop on the tour, a similar presentation of Nike’s Pro Hyperwarm Hybrid shirt surrounded by field of floating icicles. Read the rest of this entry →
The fifth anniversary of the Kaua’i Marathon and Half Marathon on September 1, 2013 had 1,700 runners tackling the 13.1- and 26.2-mile courses. I ran the half marathon on a tropical morning made for running: 77 degrees and overcast, with a light intermittent drizzle that kept me perfectly cool. Read the rest of this entry →
Everyone has seen images of Pamela Anderson running on “Baywatch.” Now she’ll be running a marathon.
From the sounds of the New York Daily News article, she’s not doing a ton of training. But Anderson is running to raise $500,000 on Crowdrise for Sean Penn’s J/P Haitian Relief Organization.
“The charity wanted her to simply hug their elite runners crossing the Central Park finish line, but Anderson, who has visited Haiti twice since the devastating disaster, suggested taking it a step further,” the New York Daily News reports.
Training or no training, kudos to her for challenging herself to bring the spotlight to a cause that needs it. I actually love reading about celebrity runners for a multitude of reasons that I named in an article earlier this year.
Pamela Anderson isn’t the only famous name running the ING New York City Marathon. A big list of professional runners are in it to win it.
Meb Keflezighi and Ryan Hall are still in. Kara Goucher is out. Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Firehiwot Dado are returning once again to defend their crowns from the 2011 ING New York City Marathon after the 2012 race was cancelled in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Altogether, the race will include 23 Olympians from 23 countries and will serve as the deciding showdown in the 2012-2013 World Marathon Majors series. Here’s a look at the professional field in both the women’s and men’s races. Read the rest of this entry →
I’m not the fastest runner and I’m not the slowest, but I am a running nerd. A journalist by trade, I love to research, read, learn and cogitate. So stick with me. Like all good nerds, I’ll do the homework and share it. But the running is up to you!
