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.