Marathons

For the sixth consecutive year, in 2014 the Foundation has been represented in the New York City Marathon, continuing a tradition of participating in the New York Road Runners’ Community Charity Program. This year, we had two runners registered but due to injury only one, Garett Levy, was entered. Garett ran an awesome race despite adverse weather completing the race with an excellent time! While training, he found time to manage a highly successful fundraiser on behalf of the Foundation, which included an innovative approach for seeking donations.

Michael Ludwig was a terrific athlete, however, he tended to have trouble with sustained running. The marathon is perhaps the best example of sustained running, and we believe it is a fitting way to honor his memory. We again wish to thank the awesome runners who as noted below participated on behalf of the Foundation not only for 2014 but also in the prior 2013, 2011 and 2010 ING New York City Marathons and in particular for those who trained and fundraised for the 2012 Marathon, which was cancelled due to the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

In 2009, Michael’s father began what has turned into a tradition of running in the New York City Marathon on behalf of the Foundation and the American Heart Association. His appearance on the NBC Today Show aired the week of the 2009 Marathon. In 2010, the Foundation was accepted as part of the New York Road Runner’s Community Charity Program and fielded a team of five marathoners under the banner: ‘Running for Young Hearts.’ The Foundation was again in 2011, 2012 and 2013 selected by the New York Road Runners as an eligible charity, and with the runners completing the marathon with times ranging from 3 hours 44 minutes to 4 hours 49 minutes.We have been especially touched by the people who did not know Michael who requested to run for this cause and by those who ran in memory of a loved one.  While not officially running the NYC Marathon, we were approached by a first time “ironman” triathlete who graciously offered to race on behalf of the Foundation, and who then completed his marathon after a 112 mile bike race and a 2.4 mile swim…we do not expect anyone else to offer to do that again!  Another marathoner has run on behalf of the Foundation for 3 years with its mission resonating in memory of his father and brother.