42nd New York City Marathon

It took him two hours, five minutes and six seconds dashing throughout New York’s five boroughs. 30-year-old Kenya native Geoffrey Mutai holds the new record as the fastest to complete the 26.2 mile course in the Iron G New York marathon.

Not too far behind was 24-year-old Ethiopian native Firehiwaot Dado finishing for the women in just 2 hours, 23 minutes and 15 seconds, .

[Elle Bakish, NTD News Reporter]: 

“And, while it may be cold here in New York, that didn’t stop hundreds of fans from coming out to support who for them may be their personal winner.” 

For many attending the 42nd annual marathon, the event was about more than just a shot at first place. 

Proud parents of New York marathon runner, Eugene Karaffa can be spotted at several races throughout the year. 

Their son runs with hopes of helping others make their dream come true. 

[Mr. and Mrs. Karaffa, Parents of Eugene Karaffa]:  

"H ran for Make-A-Wish and he raised 7000 dollars for Make-A-Wish in that marathon, which is great. And he sent a young man to Alaska with his family as his last wish as his Make-A-Wish and he was able to do that.” 

For this New Jersey family, they’re excited to see their dad, a first time marathon participant, achieve a dream he’s had for a long time. 

[Karen Lorenz, Wife of John Lorenz]: 

“I guess it was on his bucket list, you know you just want to try and do something, and push yourself a little bit further than what you're used to doing. And it was something he always dreamed of doing.” 

[Teddy Lorenz, Son of John Lorenz]:

"Every weekend he would go up by each mile and it was really cool to see that he would increase each time and I couldn't believe how far he would be running."

[Karen Lorenz, Wife of John Lorenz]:

"His diet did change, he was running, he had a pattern of when he ran whether it was short running, distances. On the weekends he runs 22 miles. A lot of times, he'd come early in the morning and he'd run all around Central Park or down on the river and then shower and go to work from there. He'd get up extra early just to come in the city to train. Go John!”

And although it was Luke McCarthy’s first time competing, his family and friends were in full support of his hopes for breaking a world record. 

[Patrick Dixon, Friend of Luke McCarthy]: 

“This is his first marathon, we’re pretty excited for him…We rarely see each other during the week because he is practicing for the marathon 24/7. It's very exciting. He wants to be the top of the marathon world…and we think he can do it!” 

[Family and Friends of Luke Mccarthy]:

“Way to go Luke!” 

This year's marathon awarded $650,000 in cash awards in over five divisions with the two first place winners taking home more than $130,000 dollars.. 

And although not all 47,107 participants were able to take home cash awards, well to those who came out to cheer them on, they were all champions.

Elle Bakish, NTD News, New York