For many runners, completing this year’s marathon was an amazing accomplishment and an experience that will last a lifetime (well, at least until November 2009). Whether new to the world of marathon running or experienced and trying to set a personal record, NYC played host to more than 38,000 individuals, each with his or her own story.

On the professional side, this was the year of repeats. For the men, Marilson Gomes dos Santos once again prevailed, beating Abderrahim Goumri to claim his second straight victory. For the women, dominant veteran Paula Radcliffe made a defining statement with her third NYC win (second straight) in as many tries. Given Paula’s success, it is impossible not to consider her as the greatest female marathoner in the world. Though her victory margin was roughly two minutes, Paula was undoubtedly challenged by rookie marathoner Kara Goucher. Finishing in 3rd place, Kara’s time of 2:25:53 is a debut record for an American woman and the best finish by an American woman in NYC since 1994.

On the local scene, RUN NYC had its largest turnout in marathon history. With more than 85 runners completing the race, spirits were high and personal bests were prevalent. When the group joined together for its regular Tuesday night run session following Marathon Sunday, runners exchanged tales of fighting off the head wind on 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, the roaring crowd on 1st Avenue and of course, the final turn back into Central Park. They then took off for an easy two-mile jog in Central Park, medals hanging around their necks.

For members of RUN NYC who never thought about running a marathon, the stories of triumph left a sense of encouragement and desire to pursue the challenge next year: conquering 26.2 miles and establishing themselves as the next wave of rookies looking to take on those seasoned veterans.

RUN NYC Top 5 Finishers

MEN: (Place - name - official time - pace per mile)

1095 - Matthew Woods - 3:01:45 - (6:56)
1412 - Minh Do - 3:06:10 - (7:06)
1418 - James Gray - 3:06:13 - (7:06)
2288 - Nyles Garrison - 3:15:08 - (7:26)
2304 - Graham Rowbottom - 3:15:22 - (7:27)

WOMEN: (Place - name - official time - pace per mile)

1170 - Beth St. John - 3:02:52 - (6:58)
5406 - Carolyn Braff - 3:33:25 - (8:08)
5762 - Emiko Ichimura - 3:35:02 - (8:12)
7317 - Ronit Kinbar - 3:41:26 - (8:27)
8220 - Missy Capone - 3:45:13 - (8:35)