Between five boroughs, a cool 26.2 miles, and finishers in the tens of thousands, there were bound to be inspiring moments from the 50th TCS New York City Marathon, especially following last year's in-person cancellation [1]. Ahead, we've rounded up some of those heartwarming and encourageing highlights for you to relive now that the confetti has settled and the ever-amusing, trusty runners' signs have done their job.
You'll see celebrations from pros and amateurs alike — because they were all winners in their own right — and even two marriage proposals! Though they sweat through a city that never sleeps, we hope these athletes got down time and shut-eye after a highly-awaited return of the Big Apple's marathon [2]. Keep reading to take a look at ten moments we'll make sure to remember.
Peres Jepchirchir Wins the Pro Women's Division at the 2021 New York City Marathon
Jepchirchir of Kenya finished the marathon in 2:22:39, and she became the first woman to win a major marathon the fall after taking home an Olympic gold medal [4], ESPNW reports. "My preparation was short, but I tried my best [5] . . ." she said, per The New York Times — and her best won her a title!
Madison de Rozario Wins the Women's Wheelchair Division at the 2021 New York City Marathon
De Rozario became the first Australian to win the women's wheelchair division of the New York City Marathon [6], and she finished in 1:51:01. She claimed T54 marathon gold at the Paralympics, making her the first woman athlete to win the Paralympic marathon and the New York City Marathon in the same year [7] since 2008, according to World Para Athletics.
Albert Korir Wins the 2021 New York City Marathon Pro Men's Division
In a time of 2:08:22, Korir, from Kenya, took home the pro men's title at the 2021 New York City Marathon. It's been two years since he came in second at the same major marathon. "I didn't imagine that I would win today," Korir said, according to New York Road Runners. "This journey began three months ago, when I knew that I would be running . . ." He added that his victory was a result of his hard work.
Shalane Flanagan and Abby Wambach at the 2021 New York City Marathon Finish Line
Flanagan planned to run in all six major marathons this fall — and when the Tokyo race was cancelled, she completed a marathon on her own to make up for it [8], The New York Times reports. She accomplished her goal by finishing the New York City edition in a time of 2:33:32, the 12th-fastest women's time that day.
Flanagan wrote on Instagram after the fact: "For 26.2 miles, every hair on my arms stood up [9]. I had chills with every step. Not because I was cold . . . but because of the deafening and overwhelming love and cheering from everyone on the sidelines. My legs may have kept me moving forward, but the city made me fly."
Flanagan caught up with retired professional football player and two-time Olympic gold medalist [10] Wambach at the finish line. Wambach completed the 26.2 miles in 3:44:25, and Flanagan proceeded to give her the medal [11]. Wambach tagged Flanagan on Instagram, writing, "it was a dream seeing you first [12] as I crossed the finish!!! You are amazing."
Marcel Hug Wins His 4th New York City Marathon Men's Wheelchair Title
Hug, from Switzerland, won the men's wheelchair division of the 2021 New York City Marathon in 1:31:24; it was his fourth title from the NYC major race. At this summer's Paralympics, he earned four gold medals [13]. "It's really crazy [to win] [14]. It's been such a tough fall with the Paralympics and then all these marathons," he said post-race, according to Athletics Weekly.