New York City Marathon: ‘You’re my 1st, my 19th, my everything’

By Gerald Tabios

“These streets will make you feel brand new,

Big lights will inspire you,

Let’s hear it for New York.” – Alicia Keys

Since 2004, I’ve crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon 19 consecutive times. This race has become more than just a marathon; it’s an ongoing journey that began decades ago with a simple fascination with the sport.

My first glimpse of the marathon world was in college, flipping through old issues of Runner’s World and Running Times magazines. I used to buy them at a “PX” store where U.S. military bases in the Philippines sold American goods. I’ll never forget reading about Oprah Winfrey’s marathon finish in 1994, which led me to discover the New York Road Runners organization.

In 2001, when my wife and I first visited Central Park, I made a point of stopping by the historic New York Road Runners Club headquarters on East 89th Street, also known as Fred Lebow Way. I picked up a pamphlet detailing the club’s race schedule, and it wasn’t long before I signed up for my first NYRR race, the Dash and Splash 5K, on July 29, 2001. I finished that race in 48 minutes and 23 seconds, and though it was a modest start, it fueled my drive to eventually run the New York City Marathon.

In 2003, I secured a spot in the New York Marathon through the lottery, but as I worked as a live-in houseman in Connecticut at the time, the demands of training were overwhelming. I realized my preparation wouldn’t be adequate, so I postponed my entry to the 2004 race.

Arthur Ashe’s words come to mind whenever I think of that time: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Those words echoed in my head as I stood at the start line on November 7, 2004, ready to take on my first marathon. Five hours, one minute, and seven seconds later, I crossed my first finish line.

From that day forward, the New York City Marathon has been an unbreakable tradition for me. Year after year, I return with new goals, renewed motivation, and an unshakeable love for this city. Less than 200 runners hold streaks as long as mine, and New York Road Runners honors the commitment of those who have completed 15 or more NYC Marathons in a row. I feel lucky to be among them and to have earned the “marathon streaker” designation, as we’re known by NYRR.

“I love New York,” I often say, calling this city my second home. Since my first marathon, there have only been two years when the race didn’t go forward—2012, due to Hurricane Sandy, and 2020, due to the pandemic. I’m grateful I’ve never missed a year since I began my streak.

Running the New York City Marathon has shaped me, building my discipline and resilience. It’s a challenge I embrace no matter the conditions—whether it’s sweltering heat, biting cold, pouring rain, or even the occasional snow. And year after year, I find new goals to chase as I grow older, grateful for each mile.

Injuries and setbacks are part of every runner’s journey, and the line between staying healthy and getting hurt is thin. So far, I’ve been fortunate, and I know this streak can only last as long as my body holds up. But until the day comes when I can no longer race, I’ll keep showing up for the New York City Marathon simply because I can.

Next year, on November 2, 2025, I’ll be back for my 20th New York City Marathon. This race has been my everything, and I’m committed to keeping my streak alive as long as possible. One day, I’ll reach a point where I can’t run, but until then, I’ll be grateful for every mile of this extraordinary journey.