The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most diverse and inclusive major sporting events in the world. It has become so much more than just a competitive race since its inception in 1970, when it was held exclusively in Central Park. It is a nearly weeklong gathering of people of a multitude of nationalities, ethnicities, spiritual faiths, genders and physical and developmental challenges.
Many runners participate in the marathon, traversing the 26.2 mile course that encompasses all five boroughs of the city, to raise money for and or generate attention to various charitable organizations such as Experience Camps, a nonprofit that works with grieving children nationwide. Ann Morin of Berlin, N.H., was one of two runners who represented Team ExCamps for Experience Camps, at the Nov. 4 race.
When Morin’s husband died at the young age of 36 in 2002, he left behind two relative babies, a four-year-old son Keith and a seven-year-old daughter Christina. Several years later, still experiencing the hurt of the loss of his father, Keith attended the Manitou Experience in Oakland, Maine, a free one-week camp for boys and girls who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. It was the first Experience Camp held in the United States.
“I am running for the kids to raise awareness of grief resources for children dealing with loss,” said Morin. “It is hard to deal with the death of a loved one at any age, but to be a child and experience the death of a parent is life-changing. I am also running in memory of my late husband, as I know he would be thankful for the positive impact Experience Camps has made on my son’s life.”
Although Daniel Romanchuk and Manuela Schar weren’t racing for a charity, their resilience, talent and determination are inspiration for the numerous men and women, boys and girls, who have physical disabilities. The 20-year-old Romanchuk became the first American and youngest marathon champion ever in the men’s wheelchair division when he crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 36 minutes and 21 seconds.
The 33-year-old Schar, from Switzerland, came in at 1 hour, 50 minutes and 27 seconds. It was the second straight victory in New York for the three-time Paralympic medalist and six-time European champion after three consecutive runner-up placings.