Lebow, who died in 1994, would be proud of how much the marathon has grown. The first race in 1970 had 55 finishers. Lebow finished 45th running it in 4:12:09. Two years after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 1990, Lebow ran the marathon at 5:32:35. He was 60 years old at the time.
In 2009 there were 43,660 finishers in the NYC marathon. It is a totally different race today and even more of an amazing accomplishment. The marathon is now one of the largest in the world.
Lebow was inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame in 2001. He also formed the Empire State Building Run Up, the Fifth Avenue Mile, and the Crazy Legs Mini Marathon. He served as the president of the New York Road Runners Club for 20 years.
After his death 3,000 mourners came to the finish line of the NYC Marathon where a memorial service took place. There is now sculpture of him East Side Central Park Drive at 90th St. But every year the statue is moved near the finish line of the Marathon.
Lebow is remembered by runners everywhere. He should also be remembered as an amazing Jewish athlete and inspiration for Jews everywhere.
For more information on the New York City Marathon click here.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
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