The New York City TCS marathon ceremonial line painting was moved inside on Wednesday, resulting in City officials using their imagination to make their marks with rollers.
While the painting itself was rained out, TCS executives and city agencies charged that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Sunday’s marathon is all about unity. According to Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, the event will see some 50,000 runners from 50 countries and all 50 states make the trek along the 26.2 mile course through the five boroughs.
“It’s a truly inspiring day where everyone comes together, creating an experience like absolutely none other,” Simmelkjaer said. “We’re excited to come together to showcase the diversity and the energy of the greatest city in the world this Sunday.”
Race Director Ted Metellus echoed this sentiment, stating that although runners come from far and wide all across the world, lifelong bonds are forged annually, along with a sense of belonging.
“When you think about community, there’s never been a time that we want to see people come together as one and move in a common goal as now,” Metellus said.
Amidst the assertion of solidarity, the NYPD and FDNY are continuing their friendly rivalry in an effort to beat each other’s times. This competition was heated up with jovial trash-talking on both sides.
“Members of the FDNY and members of the NYPD run shoulder to shoulder to help everyone in New York City,” Assistant Chief FDNY Paul Miano said. “But I’m sorry, Mr. Commissioner, Sunday we won’t be running shoulder to shoulder, your guys will be looking at our backs.”
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella is running the marathon on behalf of her father who is currently battling stage 4 cancer. For Kinsella, this run will be extra special since she says she will not only be just jogging for her father but she will also beat the FDNY.
“We are bringing it back home this year,” Commissioner Kinsella told amNewYork Metro.
