Zoe Koplowitz - New York City Marathon

[Wolf Hopper]

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031103/APS/311030570

Zoe Koplowitz completed her New York City Marathon mission Monday, reaching the finish on crutches more than 27 hours after the first runner crossed the line.

"I'm overwhelmed," Koplowitz said after sinking into a chair in Central Park. "I'd give my kingdom for two Advil."

Koplowitz, who has diabetes and multiple sclerosis, was the last marathoner to complete the race, finishing in 29 hours, 45 minutes. This was the 16th NYC Marathon she has finished. The 55-year-old New Yorker has also finished marathons in Boston and London.

Diagnosed 30 years ago with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, Koplowitz used the two purple crutches to help get through the race.


Any thoughts on Zoe?

[Ytown Tribe fan]

In a word, "awe".

As a marathoner-in-training, I have run with many athletes in many stages of physical ability (including those who use wheelchairs and walkers) and many age groups, from under-10 to over-90.

When I was 21 and in really good shape, I was beaten in a 110-mile bicycle race by a man with one leg. He came in 7th out of 80 cyclists.

I have found (in my very limited experience in races over 10K) that the longer the race, the greater the number of "challenged" people who will rise to the challenge.

I would be damned proud to run with Zoe in Cleveland next Summer in my first marathon.

[Wolf Hopper]

She was on ESPN Radio the other morning with Mike & Mike - - basically, she said that her MO is that you keep doing something until you get it done.

That's a great attitude IMHO.

Proof that the race does not always go to the swift; but, sometimes to those that keep running.

[KCBOOMER]

I am amazed that anyone was there when she finished.

[WiredTiger]

That is pretty impressive. I doubt I could finish a marathon.

[Craig S.]

Incredible determination on her part. I think that some people are just able to handle obstacles better than others, and she's an extreme example. She deserves all the kudos given to her.

[Ytown Tribe fan]

Something else that happened in that marathon: P Diddy ran it. Yes - THAT P Diddy. He ran well, too: 4 hr 14 min, give or take. And raised about $2 million for a local charity in the process.