With less than 24 hours to go before 50,000 runners set out to traverse New York City’s five boroughs, 10,000 got in on the TCS New York City Marathon action a day early at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K.
Participants enjoyed a stunning course on traffic-free streets, starting at the United Nations, traveling past iconic Midtown landmarks like Grand Central Station and Radio City Music Hall, and wrapping up their 3.1 miles with a climb to the famed TCS New York City Marathon finish line in Central Park.
First across that finish line was defending champion and two-time Olympian Donn Cabral in 14:18. He was quickly followed by fellow Americans Scott Fauble in 14:21 and Kyle Merber in 14:30.
On the women’s side, Norway’s Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal, also a two-time Olympian, took the tape in 15:40, followed by Alexi Pappas in 15:54 and Stephanie Bruce (USA) in 16:06.
While some participants in today’s 5K will also take on 26.2 miles Sunday; others appreciate the opportunity to be part of Marathon Week festivities while running a more manageable distance.
“The course was just the coolest thing ever,” said Roselyn Jin, a 23-year-old from New York who, along with two friends, all completed their final 9+1 race this morning and will run the TCS New York City Marathon together in 2017. “We’re used to running in Central Park or in other boroughs, so running down 42nd street was pretty great.”
Her friend, 26-year-old Sumit Gupta, also from New York, got a special surprise at the finish: “When I was right about to cross the line, they called my name out and wished me a happy birthday!”
David Grudzien, a 53-year-old from Atlanta, used the Dash as a shakeout run—as well as an opportunity to acclimate to NYC’s fall temperatures. “This is perfect. This is my running weather,” said Grudzien, who will take on his first New York City Marathon Sunday.
Just like the marathon, the Dash draws a large international field, many runners donning their country’s colors and racing with flags painted on their faces.
Ruth Situma, originally from Kenya and now an employee at the United Nations, ran with her husband and two sons and said she is happy to participate in an event that supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals --namely, health and well-being for all. “It was nice, we enjoyed,” said Situma. “It was very short for us! We’re from Kenya, we run a lot.”
“But I’m the fastest! I won!” Situma’s youngest son chimed in.
In addition to the UN, Tata Consultancy Services, title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, also had a big representation in today’s race, with some 200 runners taking part in the 5K. Those who crossed the finish line at the Dash this morning are looking forward to cheering on their Team TCS colleagues racing the marathon tomorrow.
This race is run through all five boroughs, has spectators cheering you on the whole 26.2 miles. The energy is amazing and it is truly a once in a lifetime experience.