h. nazan ışık–

Nov 17, 2013 —

Today, November 17, 2013. This is the day of the 35th Istanbul Marathon. Running from one continent to the other one – from Asia to Europe – it must be a unique experience for the runners.

Two weeks ago, November 3, New York celebrated the 43rd ING New York City Marathon. After the 2012 NYC Marathon’s cancelation in wake of the Superstorm Sandy, and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, this one was very important for New Yorkers and marathoners. According to the information given by New York Road Runners (NYRR) more than 50,700 runners started this years race (last year it was 47,340), and 50,304 of them finished it.

I love the marathon day in New York. That’s the only one that I can talk about, since I haven’t been to any other marathons to compare. I love that day in New York City; such a happy, joyful day it is. The people of New York line the 26.2 miles across the city to encourage runners.

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The official fluid and food station, on First Avenue and 61st Street.

Every year, I like to stay close to the 60th Street on First Avenue, which is the entrance into Manhattan after the Queensboro Bridge – also known as the 59th Street Bridge. Manhattan is ready for the runners at that spot. Portable toilets are located under the bridge, an official fluid and food station on First Avenue and 61st Street is set up there, a band is ready, waiting, New Yorkers, fans and runners’ relatives are there with flags, signs and bells to cheer them on.

This year I decided to get there earlier than the previously to see the preparations and the first comers. It wasn’t very crowded yet.  The fluid and food station was getting set up, volunteers at the station were practicing how to hand off the cubs and/or clapping and cheering.  People were on the side making signs read, “GO……GO!” “RUN……RUN!”

First, the wheelchair athletes arrived.

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A wheelchair athlete, on First Avenue and 60^th Street.

Wheelchair athletes were like bullets: boom, boom, boom; so fast.

Well! The female and male athletes who entered Manhattan first, were not different than the athletes on wheelchairs; they were very fast too.  And even some of them had smiles on their faces, as if they just started to run.

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The winner of the female race Kenyan Priscah Jeptoo on First Avenue.

Then, the male racers arrived. 

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(From left to right) Tsegaye Kebede (finished 2nd Place), Jackson Kiprop (7th), Peter Cheruiyot Kirui (8th), Stanley Biwott (5th) and Julius Arite (4th).

Following were five male runners who arrived first in Manhattan: Tsegaye Kebede who completed the race in 2ndplace, Jackson Kiprop (7th), Peter Cheruiyot Kirui (8th), Stanley Biwott (5th) and Julius Arite (4th).And the winner of the 2013 New York City Marathon Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai was not among these five athletes.

The road was getting crowded with runners as well as those on the sidelines. There were relatives who knew their loved ones’ running time and were trying not to miss them. People around me were waving different flags and yelling in different languages.

Spectators were very cheerful and encouraging all the racers no matter what country they were from…

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An athlete giving kisses to spectators.

The reactions coming from racers were different: some were smiling, others were thanking people, some were giving high fives and one wheelchair athlete was giving kisses.

It was a wonderful day to remember!

The next day on the streets of New York City, I saw some people wearing their commemorative medals – mostly, I guest, visitors. I told them, “Congratulations!” with a big smile.  Some came, shook my hand and replied: “Thank you! And thank you for your encouragements.”

Even the next day was wonderful!

I hope the Istanbul Marathon will be as happy and joyful as the day of the New York City Marathon.

 

All photos © h. nazan ışık / nkendiken

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