Tommy Rivers Puzey runs New York City Marathon, reminds us to celebrate life
"Today felt like magic," shared beloved endurance athlete Tommy Rivs
Endurance athlete, iFit trainer, and Instagram poet Tommy Rivers Puzey joined the masses at the 2022 NYC Marathon on Sunday, once again reminding the world of the power of the human spirit. “This one wrecked me, but it’s such a beautiful thing to feel my legs in absolute tatters,” he shared on social media post-race, and fans the world over celebrated.
Puzey, or ‘Rivs’ (as fans and friends call him), has for years been an inspiring force to the endurance world and regular runners alike. Once known for being an elite marathoner, ultrarunner and triathlete, Puzey told Sports Illustrated that this year’s marathon wasn’t about running fast. Rather, it was about celebrating his incredible recovery from a rare type of lung cancer. Puzey finished the marathon in 6:13:54, more than three hours faster than last year’s time–a time fans were astounded to see was possible from a man who had been close to dying.
Heading into Sunday’s race, Puzey shared: “To everyone lining up tomorrow–embrace this moment. Don’t miss it. Don’t defer this joy. It’s all happening right now. There is cause to celebrate. Seize it while you can.” His words remind us all that forward is a pace, that gratitude matters, and that being present is the best part of a marathon.
“This could be as good as it will ever get. And that is good enough,” he added.
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In July 2020, the running community was shocked to find out that Puzey had been diagnosed with primary pulmonary NK/T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. For a time, Puzey’s social media, known for his eloquently worded posts that touched on everything from children to love to athleticism, went silent.
The global running community rallied in an astounding way at a strange and devastating time–COVID-19 was disrupting and impacting lives worldwide–contributing to fundraisers, sharing their #teamrivstuesday runs, and sending messages of encouragement as his family posted updates of Puzey’s progress.
Met one of my running heroes today and I might never get over it. @tommy_rivs, thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/3fH6NdpHyG
— Jesse Eli S. (@jesse__eli) November 4, 2022
Last year, fans were shocked to see Puzey’s post before the 2021 edition of the NYC Marathon. Less than a year after taking his first steps after treatment, the beloved athlete completed the New York City Marathon in 9:18:57.
The runner, easily recognizable with his beard, signature black skull-and-crossbones hat and ever-present kind smile, slowly made his way through the city’s five boroughs, high-fiving spectators as he went. Once an aspiring U.S. Olympic trials marathoner, he called completing the 2021 marathon “the single most difficult athletic achievement” he’d ever accomplished.
“On Sunday I’ll be on the start of the NYC Marathon saying the same thing I’ve said every day since then.
Keep moving.
You’re still here.
We all are.
As long as you’re moving you’re still here.”
— Tommy Rivs @tommy_rivs
— Runner Bliss (@RunnerBliss) November 17, 2021
This year’s race was different. Puzey told SI that his focus now is on “building enough mass and endurance and building enough strength and fortitude so that, if and when I do get sick again, I have enough meat on my bones to give the doctors something to work with.” In the last year, followers of Puzey have watched as he gained strength, cheered on friends and teammates, and celebrated life with his family.
His ever-present gratitude is a reminder in almost everything Puzey shares. “It’s rare to find a more distilled, purified version of that beautiful humanity than in a place like NYC on the morning of the marathon. Look for it. You’ll find it. I promise,” he told his legions of followers on Instagram pre-race.
You might be cool, but you’re probably not @tommy_rivs back from the brink of death, running NYC marathon in a crop top and booty shorts cool. ??
?: @Miguel_Rua pic.twitter.com/t5F2cItxg2— Jacob Hopkins (@Jacob_Hopkins) November 7, 2022
Puzey’s three daughters and wife Steph Catudal often feature in his social media posts, and Catudel accompanied him during last year’s marathon, a slow walk. This year Puzey ran solo–but with legions of fans on the race course spectating and following along.
“I was carried by the incredible humanity on display over every single mile of this brutal course,” Puzey wrote on Instagram. “I’m so grateful that we all get to do life here together at the same time.”
We feel the same way, Rivs.
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