Founded in 2009 by Steve Lastoe, the mission of New York City Runs (NYCRUNS) is to create the very best running events in New York City and to develop their flagship Brooklyn Half Marathon into one of the most iconic running events in the world. In doing so, NYCRUNS wants to be a relentlessly positive part of their customer's lives — a meaningful partner to local businesses, causes, and runners, and a great employer to their diverse team.
NYCRUNS puts on about 20 running events annually in New York City (and one in New Jersey) for over 75,000 athletes.
On September 23, 2023, teamed with fitness and running enthusiasts, Shefik served as a Fluid Station Worker for the 2023 Newport Liberty Half Marathon & 5K. The event was held in Jersey City, New Jersey, and he was stationed at Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, inside of Liberty State Park. At the station, Shefik handed out water supplied by Poland Spring, cheered on participants, and engaged with the athletes and corral runners.
Despite grueling weather conditions in the area due to Tropical Storm Ophelia, Shefik was encouraged by the perseverance of the runners, as they remained steadfast in their goal of crossing the finishing line. New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Saturday, September 23, 2023 through Sunday, September 24, 2023. According to the National Weather Service, New York City experienced a long-duration rainfall event over that particular weekend. Widespread areas of low lying and poor drainage flooding occurred during periods of heavy rainfall, as well as isolated flash flooding.
Starting and finishing in the Newport neighborhood of Jersey City, the half marathon course took runners on a tour of historic Jersey City and featured world-class views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the stunning Manhattan Skyline.
The term "marathon" comes from the legend of the Greek messenger Pheidippides. The legend states that, while he was taking part in the Battle of Marathon, which took place in August (or September) 490 BC, he witnessed a Persian vessel changing its course towards Athens as the battle was near a victorious end for the Greek army. He interpreted this as an attempt by the defeated Persians to rush into the city to claim a false victory or simply raid, hence claiming their authority over Greek land. It is said that he ran the entire distance to Athens without stopping, discarding his weapons and even clothes to lose as much weight as possible, and burst into the assembly, exclaiming "we have won", before collapsing and dying.
Annually, more than 800 marathons are organized worldwide.
Credits
- Fluid Station Worker: Shefik
Last Updated: September 27, 2023
