The New York City Marathon. A course that is 26.2 miles long, taking the runners through all five boroughs of the Big Apple. Starting in Staten Island, the course will take the runners across the water to Brooklyn. Then it routes them through Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and finally, Manhattan. Roughly 131 countries have sent their runners to participate in this edition of the marathon.

For Juan Mejia, MPH, President of the NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, the New York City Marathon takes on added significance. The Hospital, situated on 6th Street, is not that far from the course the runners would have to take on Sunday, November 5. One of the participants of the marathon has close personal ties to Mejia.

A quest to fulfill a lifelong dream

Juan Mejia’s cousin from Mexico is one of the runners who will take part in the 2023 edition of the New York City Marathon. He flew in all the way from the United States’ southern neighbor Mexico, traversing upwards of 2,084 miles to participate. Mejia took to X to share an image of the two standing side by side near the finish line. He extended his good wishes to all the runners on the race’s eve but spared a special mention for his relative.

People struggle with a multitude of things that hold them back and keep their dreams out of reach. Juan Mejia’s cousin was no different. Amidst the struggles of his daily life, he had harbored a secret desire for a long time. He would finally get the chance to live out his dream. It was to be a part of the spectacle that is the New York City Marathon. Mejia gave him a special shout-out for that same reason. It is presently unclear whether he is targeting a specific position or timing. Considering the prestige associated with the race, a participant’s tag is almost as valuable as a finisher’s medal.

The New York City Marathon, the biggest race of its kind

The New York City Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors. The others on the list are the Tokyo Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, the Berlin Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. In the current edition of the New York City Marathon, over 50,000 runners are expected. It is also considered the biggest of the lot, according to Olympics.com.

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Juan Mejia’s cousin will get to fulfill a longstanding dream in New York City on Sunday. Among many, the NCAA’s most decorated athlete, Edward Cheserek, will make his marathon debut in the New York City Marathon. Regardless, it is hoped he and the rest of the runners have an unforgettable race ahead.

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