This past Sunday, math teacher, Student Government advisor, and Cross Country coach Mr. Connelly participated in the New York City Marathon. This was his fifth major run of the year. Earlier, he ran four half-marathons in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Long Island.
Mr. Connelly successfully completed the race, wearing a "Free Omer Neutra" pin. (R. Persaud)
The New York City Marathon has been "running" since 1970. Each year, the New York Road Runners organize this annual race, and this year, there were around 50,000 participants. The runners ran through all five boroughs, totaling the entire run to 26.2 miles.
Mr. Connelly shared that the marathon was “the most exhilarating experience of [his] life.” His goal was to run the marathon in under five hours. It took him five hours and fourteen minutes, so he added, “That means I have to get out there and do it again.”
Connelly stated, “I would 100% do the New York City marathon again. It's hard to get into, so I will never pass up the chance to participate.”
One of the most challenging parts of the run, Connelly said, was running slowly in Brooklyn in order to avoid burnout at only six miles in. Another challenging part of the race was “the 59th Street Bridge from Queens to Manhattan, which was also pretty challenging because of the steep incline and the fact that it was mile 16.” He added, “At the same time, I enjoyed the bridge because of how quiet it was without spectators. All I heard was heavy breathing and shoes pounding the pavement.”
Connelly said that “The NYC marathon is special because it brings you throughout each part of the greatest city in the world. Each borough has a personality and a culture unique to it, and that was on full display on Sunday.” He added, “I've never seen such a diverse group of people come together and support and encourage others.”
Connelly stated, “I would 100% do the New York City marathon again. It's hard to get into, so I will never pass up the chance to participate.”
One of the most challenging parts of the run, Connelly said, was running slowly in Brooklyn in order to avoid burnout at only six miles in. Another challenging part of the race was “the 59th Street Bridge from Queens to Manhattan, which was also pretty challenging because of the steep incline and the fact that it was mile 16.” He added, “At the same time, I enjoyed the bridge because of how quiet it was without spectators. All I heard was heavy breathing and shoes pounding the pavement.”
Congratulations on crossing the finish line, Mr Connelly! (J. Connelly)
Connelly said that “The NYC marathon is special because it brings you throughout each part of the greatest city in the world. Each borough has a personality and a culture unique to it, and that was on full display on Sunday.” He added, “I've never seen such a diverse group of people come together and support and encourage others.”
In December, Connelly is running a 9.3-mile race in Central Park. Additionally, he is considering "taking on the challenge of running a marathon a month for the year of 2025.”
Mr. Connelly would like to thank the Cross Country team for “sending encouraging texts throughout the whole run on Sunday.” He added, “They gave me energy when I was tired, and I'm grateful for having them in my corner.”
Mr. Connelly would like to thank the Cross Country team for “sending encouraging texts throughout the whole run on Sunday.” He added, “They gave me energy when I was tired, and I'm grateful for having them in my corner.”
As we continue to keep the hostages on our minds, Mr. Connelly wore a "Free Omer Neutra" pin to keep Omer in his heart and mind throughout the race. The pin provided Mr. Connelly with the reminder that we must remain strong and hopeful.
Connelly concluded, “Running makes you a better version of yourself. I hope more people get out and run. You don't have to run a marathon to call yourself a runner.”
Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org.
Connelly concluded, “Running makes you a better version of yourself. I hope more people get out and run. You don't have to run a marathon to call yourself a runner.”
Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org.
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