Runners in Sunday's TCS New York City Marathon were challenged by blustery winds and frigid temperatures, but many readers of THE DAILY overcame the elements and accomplished the 26.2-mile feat. We would like to congratulate all those who ran through N.Y.'s five boroughs, and thank those who shared their experiences with us. Below are the finish times, along with some personal anecdotes, from many of the sports business execs who participated:
NHL Associate Counsel Jessica Berman (3:44:41)
 |
| NASCAR's Matthew Braydich |
NASCAR Senior Account Manager
Matthew Braydich (3:48:55) -- "As a first time marathoner, it was an amazing experience that exceeded all of my expectations."
Yankees Account Exec for Corporate Sales & Sponsorships Matthew Comite (5:02:37) -- "Being a native New Yorker, I’ve always wanted to be a part of this day and running up First Avenue in Manhattan was exhilarating. I’m extremely proud to say I’ve completed the NYC Marathon."
ESPN Manager of Business Operations & Head of the Digital Media Associates Program Joslyn Dalton (3:02:54) -- "Running NYC for my first marathon was incredible! My dad and I always wanted to tackle a marathon together. Unfortunately, he died of cancer during my first week as a college freshman. ESPN's commitment to the V Foundation for Cancer Research fueled me in my quest to get to the starting line a decade after his death. Support from so many people joining together for a cancer-crushing mission made 26.2 miles truly remarkable."
United Airlines Managing Dir of Marketing & Product Development Mark Krolick (3:27:22) -- "It was a great race and very well executed by NYRR despite the challenging conditions of the wind. We are definitely looking forward to participating as the title sponsor of the United Airlines New York Half!"
 |
| USA Today Sports Media Group's Tyler Kupper |
USA Today Sports Media Group Dir of Properties & Sports Marketing
Tyler Kupper (4:52:12) -- "Completing my 4th NYC Marathon was hands down the hardest due to the conditions of strong winds and cold. However, it was still a spectacular day and great feeling of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line of the TCS NYC Marathon is one of the most fulfilling and emotional moments of my life and it never gets old!"
ESPN Senior VP/Strategy & Business Operations Lori LeBas (4:53:19) -- "Running the NYC marathon is like being at a 26.2 mile party. The enthusiasm and support for the runners is electric. I ran to achieve a personal goal. I had not run a step in 10 years before I started my training on June 1st. I wanted to prove to myself I could do this – and I did! I also wanted to raise money for a good cause. And I did that too raising almost $17,000 for The V Foundation. Amazing event!"
ESPN Multimedia Sales Dir Brian Mann (4:05:29) -- "I ran as part of Team V, and raised $4,747 dollars for the The V Foundation towards cancer research. It was my first marathon."
MLB VP/National Sales Chris Marciani (3:37:44) -- "Another great race. Wind was tough in a few spots but I'm happy with my effort and time. Thank you NYRR and all the volunteers. See you next year at the starting line!"
Engine Shop Account Exec Milam Miller (4:21:00) -- "For a guy from Texas that grew up not eating fruits or vegetables (I ate my first banana at the start line, no joke), completing my first marathon was a big feat. Months ago I was on a work trip in St. Louis watching an HBO Real Sports special on the Boston Marathon bombings, the OKC Marathon origins, and the correlation between the two. The story was so moving that I thought to myself, 'Get yourself outta this hotel room and get moving.' To say I was inspired is an understatement. Anyone can run a marathon if they have the willpower to do so. When I first started running, it was because I was inspired by the survivor stories of the Boston Marathon. Now, I run for so many other people and reasons, but especially for those who no longer can. Anything is possible. You've gotta want it, work for it and just do it."
JPMorgan Chase Senior Associate for Sports & Entertainment Marketing Nubia Murray (4:50:08) -- "Yes! After three triathlons and five half-marathons I finally decided to conquer the NYC Marathon! ... I celebrated a milestone birthday in October and considered the race the final destination on the Road to 30. Despite pharyngitis, a pulled hamstring (which took 8 weeks of PT to correct) and the dreaded black toe, I was determined to get this race DONE! A great friend and former teammate flew in from Chicago to run with me and thankfully, there were friends sprinkled throughout the course to cheer me on. ... If only I could bottle the feeling of completing a marathon. ... I would never have to run one again!"
 |
| Relevent Sports' Andrea Pagnanelli |
Relevent Sports Commercial Dir
Andrea Pagnanelli (4:20:25) -- "My boss, Matt Higgins, was the one who inspired me to run the 2014 NYC Marathon. Even with all his advice and my training, nothing could prepare me for miles 20-26. The first 20 miles I would describe as a complete adrenaline rush and an absolute blast. Which quickly turned into a pretty painful last 6 miles due to past soccer injuries. Overall, nothing was keeping me from crossing the finish line. Huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped on Sunday, and my work family who came out in the cold to cheer me on. Congratulations to all those who participated."
MLB VP/Recruitment John Quinones (5:22:00) -- "Without question, the NYC Marathon is the very best that New York has to offer! The diversity of runners, spectators, and volunteers brought together for one simple reason, but motivated by many, was both awe inspiring and emotionally overwhelming at the same time. As a first-time marathoner and cynical New Yorker, I was amazed at the outpouring of support by random strangers throughout my 26 mile journey. However for me, the highlight of the day, in a day filled with them, was hugging my family near the 26m mark to help push me over the finish line, which I did with tears streaming down my face."
 |
| NBA's Chris Russo with daughters Anna and Victoria |
NBA Senior VP/Facilities & Administration
Chris Russo (5:51:12)
MLB Network Host & Reporter Sam Ryan (5:38:20) -- "I knew from the start this would be a challenging marathon with the high winds. The first 2 miles over the Verrazano Bridge felt like running through a hurricane, or in quick sand with the direct head winds. Everyone was facing the same conditions, so no excuses. I was amazed by the crowd support, especially given the wind advisory and chill. I really feed off the crowd support and cheers when I'm struggling. NYRR did an incredible job as always. My time was 6 minutes slower than last year but nothing can beat the experience!"
NBA Senior Account Exec for Business Development Daniel Schachne (4:10:56) -- "The NYC Marathon was an amazing experience and one that I will not soon forget. The support of friends, family and the entire city was truly amazing."
Engine Shop Senior Account Exec Courtney Sergeant (4:03:27) -- "I wouldn’t have expected anything less from the NYC Marathon. The sights, the crowd, and the camaraderie from thousands of your closest friends just going out for a Sunday run were unlike anything I ever could have imagined. After getting separated from my friend, I spotted a NYRR 4hr pacer who gave me the encouragement I needed. I definitely have the marathon bug and I’m so glad my first marathon will always be New York. The experience was unreal and truly something everyone should experience. Milam and I were lucky to have each other!"
 |
| ESPN's Kristen Shaver |
ESPN Senior Manager of Events
Kristen Shaver (3:32:31) -- "First ever for me."
Octagon Group Dir Christine Wylie (4:37:00) -- "I've never felt winds like I did on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge before. It was insane!! Definitely added another challenge to the day. But it didn't keep the crowds down at all. New York came out in force -- breezed through the first 10 miles with all the support in Brooklyn! Another great NYC Marathon experience! Congrats to all the finishers out there celebrating!"
