Month: May 2017

A Brief History of the New York City Marathon

New York City Marathon pic
New York City Marathon
Image: tcsnycmarathon.org

Sharyn O’Halloran, the George Blumenthal professor of political economics at Columbia University in New York, is a leading professional in topics relating to economic growth, international trade, and political representation of minorities. In addition to numerous publications, speaking at various seminars, and teaching, Sharyn O’Halloran is an avid marathon runner and was one of 16,211 runners accepted into the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon.

The TCS New York City Marathon began in 1970 and was organized by Vince Chiappetta and Fred Lebow. It was held entirely in Central Park and only had 127 entrants. Of those, just one was female, but she ultimately dropped out of the event due to sickness. The entry fee was $1, and the 55 who completed the marathon were given recycled bowling and baseball trophies and inexpensive watches to commemorate their success.

Within six years, the event had grown to include over 2,000 entrants and moved from Central Park to the city streets. The new course went through five boroughs in New York City and included five bridges. Miki Gorman and Bill Rodgers won the event that year and surpassed previous event records while doing so. In 1978, Grete Waitz, a Norwegian track Olympian, set the marathon world record of 2:32:30 at the event.

Today, the race continues to serve as an exercise in community spirit as it takes thousands of entrants through one of the most diverse cities in the world.

The Academic, Civic, and Economic Benefits of Educational Inclusion

Sharyn O’Halloran

Sharyn O’Halloran serves as the George Blumenthal Professor of Political Economics at Columbia University. Outside of work, Sharyn O’Halloran remains involved with her community through several organizations, including New York Appleseed. New York City has among the most segregated school systems in the country, and this organization fights to change this fact.

Diversity and inclusion in the classroom have many benefits for all students. Academically, more diverse school systems have higher rates of college enrollment and higher average test scores. Diverse schools can help close racial achievement gaps while giving all students the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need for success later in life.

Civically, diverse classrooms reduce racial bias and help eliminate common stereotypes. Students in racially inclusive school systems have greater self-confidence and demonstrate stronger leadership skills. Also, students from these school systems tend to seek out integrated environments throughout their lives.

Economically, racial inclusion is an effective and inexpensive way of improving academic performance. Students who learn in diverse environments are better prepared to take part in the increasingly diverse global marketplace.