October 31, 2009 - [Story] [Video]
Nearly as old as the marathon itself, the Continental Airlines International Friendship Run is a festive, colorful event that celebrates running throughout the world and gives marathon participants a chance to complete a non-competitive, 2.5-mile shakeout starting at United Nations Plaza and ending at the marathon finish line in Central Park. |
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Continental Airlines manager Jeff Jones and United Nations representatives Warren Sach and Doug Mercado, who will make his ING New York City Marathon debut Sunday, welcomed the crowd at United Nations Plaza.
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Nine-time New York City Marathon champion Grete Waitz of Norway presented former NYRR president Allan Steinfeld with the Abebe Bikila Award, an honor Steinfeld and the late Fred Lebow (marathon co-founder and former NYRR president) created for legendary runners who make an outstanding contribution to the sport. Steinfeld dedicated the award to all of the runners present.
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Spectators listened as NYRR president and CEO Mary Wittenberg addressed the crowd. “You define this race. The streets of New York are alive and well with you here,” she said. “Thank you for bringing your passion, your color, and your enthusiasm to New York.”
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His Royal Highness Pieter Christian, the prince of Orange [right] was the Dutch flagbearer.
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Approximately 19,500 runners jogged past the iconic Grand Central Station.
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Mexican flagbearers included two-time New York City Marathon champion Gérman Silva, 1994 New York City Marathon runner-up Benjamin Paredes, and Samuel Gershevich.
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Among the crowd were running legends Tegla Loroupe, two-time New York City Marathon champion and United Nations Ambassador for Sport; Samuel Wanjiru, Beijing Olympic Marathon gold medalist; Steve Jones, 1998 New York City Marathon winner; and Orlando Pizzolato, two-time New York City Marathon champion.
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Runners made their way past the marathon finish line bleachers—a sight many of them will look forward to on Sunday.
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Dutch runners donned traditional garb, and one unorthodox version of the Statue of Liberty crown.
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France is beloved around the world for its wonderful cheeses; these Frenchmen, dressed as cows, proudly displayed their senses of humor.
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Japanese runners dressed as sushi rangers enjoyed a breakfast of fresh fruit and bagels after the run.
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