Running News Daily

At 83, retired music teacher Dave Obelkevich is preparing to achieve an extraordinary milestone that reflects nearly half a century of dedication, resilience and an enduring love of running. On November 1, 2026, he is set to take on the TCS New York City Marathon for the 50th time, adding another chapter to a remarkable journey that began in 1976.

For Obelkevich, the road to this achievement has never been defined solely by finishing times, personal records or podium finishes. Instead, his story is about consistency, a passion for the sport and the determination to keep moving forward, even when life presents its toughest challenges.

Since making his New York City Marathon debut five decades ago, Obelkevich has completed 49 editions of the iconic race. His remarkable running résumé also includes 15 other marathons and approximately 200 ultramarathons, demonstrating a level of endurance and commitment that continues to inspire runners across generations.

The 2026 edition would mark his 50th completion of the New York City Marathon, a milestone few runners ever approach, let alone achieve in their eighties.

However, his journey has not been without adversity. In 2020, Obelkevich survived a life-threatening aortic aneurysm that required emergency surgery and weeks of intensive care. Such a medical crisis could have brought his running career to a permanent end, but he refused to let the setback define his future.

Remarkably, he returned to the New York City Marathon in 2021, making his way back to the starting line and proving that his determination to run remained stronger than the obstacles he had faced.

His comeback was a powerful reminder that resilience is not about avoiding difficult moments, but about finding the courage to move forward after them.

Now, as he prepares for another 26.2-mile journey through New York's five boroughs, Obelkevich represents something far greater than longevity in sport. His story illustrates how running can remain a source of purpose, happiness and human connection throughout a lifetime.

For him, the appeal extends beyond the finish line. It is found in the experience of moving through a city he loves, meeting fellow runners and sharing in the collective spirit that makes the New York City Marathon one of the world's most celebrated road races.

At 83, his determination also challenges conventional ideas about ageing and athletic achievement. While younger runners may focus on chasing personal bests or breaking records, Obelkevich's remarkable journey offers a different perspective: there is immense value in remaining active, embracing challenges and continuing to pursue what brings joy.

His story is not simply about the number of marathons he has completed. It is about the decades of commitment behind that number, the courage required to return after a life-threatening illness and the passion that has kept him connected to the sport for nearly 50 years.

On November 1, thousands of runners will take to the streets of New York in pursuit of their own goals. Among them, Obelkevich will have a particularly meaningful milestone in sight: his 50th New York City Marathon.

At an age when many people have long since stepped away from demanding physical challenges, he continues to demonstrate that determination does not have an expiry date.

Fifty New York City Marathons. Approximately 200 ultramarathons. Five decades of running. One extraordinary example of perseverance.

Dave Obelkevich's journey is a reminder that success is not always measured by how quickly we reach the finish line, but by our willingness to keep going, even when the road becomes difficult.

At 83, he is still showing up, still moving forward and still finding reasons to run.

And sometimes, that is a victory more powerful than any medal.