Tag: NYC Marathon

An American Woman Wins NYC Marathon for the First Time in 40 Years

 

Shalane Flanagan pic
Shalane Flanagan
Image: usatoday.com

For more than two decades, Sharyn O’Halloran has worked as a professor at Columbia University in New York City. She serves the school as a George Blumenthal professor of political economy and a professor of international and public affairs. An avid runner, Sharyn O’Halloran was accepted to participate in the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon.

For the first time in four decades, an American woman was the winner of the New York City Marathon. With a time of two hours, 26 minutes, and 53 seconds, Shalane Flanagan topped the women’s field ahead of Mary Keitany, a Kenyan marathoner who won the race in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

The 36-year-old Flanagan was the second-place finisher in 2010, which was the last time she participated in the event. Prior to the 2017 NYC Marathon, Flanagan hadn’t run competitively in a marathon since she finished sixth place at the Rio Olympic Games.

Miki Gorman was the last American woman to win the New York City Marathon. She did so in 1976 and 1977.

Charities Supported by the NYC Marathon

Sharyn O’Halloran serves Columbia University as the George Blumenthal Professor of Political Economics. Beyond her work as an educator, Sharyn O’Halloran pursues ways of giving back to the New York City community and staying in shape, ultimately combining the two by training for and running the New York City Marathon.

Individuals running in the TCS New York City Marathon have an opportunity to compete on behalf of numerous charities, including several philanthropic organizations with close community ties. Some of these community groups include area schools, the New York City Ballet, and local chapters of national charities like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America.

Team for Kids is one of three Gold Charities supported by the NYC Marathon. Runners who contribute to Team for Kids not only enjoy automatic entry into the marathon, but also play an important role in raising funds for various New York Road Runners (NYRR) youth programs. Additional Gold Charities include NYRR Community Champions, which constitutes a near-$2,700 donation to NYRR community projects by each runner, and Fred’s Team, a group benefiting cancer research programs.