New Jersey Marathon – Sunday, May 2, 2010

Congratulations to everyone who participated in yesterday’s races down the Jersey Shore! In addition to the finishers’ medals, we all took home sunburns and tired legs as souvenirs. The New Jersey Marathon provided many with battle stories and tales of woe, but for others it was a test of determination and perseverance just to finish. Runners battled temperatures flirting with 90 degrees. The stifling heat, along with the dying wind and relentless sun, forced many to significantly alter their racing plans. 


Many thanks to the police and EMS officials—they provided essential aid to a considerable number of suffering runners. Many were treated for dehydration, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion. Thanks is also in order for the volunteers who manned the water stations; hydration is always important during long races, but yesterday it was particularly crucial. Sprinklers, ice, and cold water along the course provided small bits of relief in the blazing heat. Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge the spectators who stood outside all day cheering. The creative signs and words of encouragement really made a difference!

The Flyers had some nice representation at yesterday’s events. We gathered by the bag check shortly before the race and hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as we thought. There was still a cool sea breeze in the morning hours, which seemed to put our minds at ease. Shortly after the start, we realized what we were in for. As early as mile three, it was obvious that race strategies would need some adjusting. Most of the course was away from the shoreline, where the breeze waned and shade was sparse. The second of the two-loop marathon course was especially difficult. Each mile marker passed was a step closer to the finish line. The women's winner was Lauren Uhler of the Manhattan Track Club. The men's winner, Mike Arnstein, of the Van Cortlandt Track Club, said, “it was like running in an oven.” I concur. 


In some ways, this race made it easy to feel like a failure. Being forced to walk the last few miles, I felt pretty defeated watching my time slowly increase. Several times I wanted to quit. I battled dehydration, wheezing, and stomach cramps. If not for the salt tablet that Nick J. gave me at the finish line, I might have needed medical attention myself. Luckily, all of the Flyers were safe and no one needed to be rescued in the ER. Finishing a race like this one required something deeper than what is needed for the average marathon. When it felt like we were swimming upstream, we gutted it out and thought of the glory of finishing. Thanks to everyone who was a part of yesterday’s toasty race! We couldn’t have done it without you. -Angela G.