New York Marathon Entry Closes … Havana Marathon Opens

It’s less than a week before the famed New York Marathon closes its port to entries into the world’s largest marathon.  I for one have never run the New York Marathon, but I’ve heard nothing only great things which comes as no surprise.  Afterall, it’s New York and who doesn’t “Love New York.”  “I Love New York,” and I came from its neighboring metropolis, Philadelphia … with very little grudge.  There are two things I do know about New York — the largest isn’t always the best and two, getting into the New York Marathon is a little like being able to run the entire stadium steps of a 100,000 seat stadium with a guy on your back (an old Penn State Wrestling Conditioning Routine).  It’s not for the strong, but the mighty.

Thanks to Bill Bowerman who inspired a running movement in the 70s and 80s that took on a life of its own these past 20 years, there is an increasing number of mighty runners vying for those NY asphalt spots, but don’t fret.  For the first time in 50 years, one can say, “Getting into the Havana Marathon Is Easier than New York.”  And so that’s my plan on the 20th anniversary of my 3:04 marathon run in Atlanta.  I’m headed to Havana to run what I believe is a marathon … an experience … of a lifetime where I will run free for 26.2 miles of peace, history and disguised euphoria.