Courtesy New York Road Runners
An 88-year-old former dentist, Danil Farkash, is set to run his first marathon since 2009, inspired by his children’s participation and cherishing the shared experiences.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
With just days to go before the TCS New York City Marathon, the nonprofit New York Road Runners (NYRR) has unveiled Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners chosen for their remarkable stories—one for each mile of the race. Among the team members are local runners Danil Farkash from Forest Hills, Queens, and Larry Lewis from South Slope, Brooklyn.
Since its inception in 1970, more than 1.4 million people have completed the TCS New York City Marathon, which is expected to attract over 50,000 participants from all 50 states and more than 150 countries this year. The marathon is renowned for its inclusivity, with both the first and final finishers navigating the same course on the same day.
NYRR aims to foster healthier lives and stronger communities through running, serving nearly half a million New Yorkers annually via races, community events, youth initiatives, and school programs across the five boroughs. Over its nearly 70-year history, NYRR has evolved from a local running club to the world’s leading community running organization, producing over 60 races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon, held on the first Sunday of November.
Danil Farkash, at 88 years old, is among the oldest participants in this year’s marathon. Originally from Ukraine, he immigrated to the United States in 1979 but did not take up running until his 70s. Since 2009, he has completed every TCS New York City Marathon.
Farkash, who is a retired dentist, shared insights into his marathon journey, which began after his daughter inspired him to run her first marathon. He and his children have since participated in several New York City marathons together, cherishing those shared experiences.
Farkash emphasizes that every part of the marathon experience holds significance for him, from the start to the finish. He trains primarily on city streets, favoring routes like the Brooklyn Bridge and Queens Boulevard. Currently, he practices about two to three times a month.
A standout memory for Farkash is the time he ran the marathon alongside his children, relishing the moments spent together, including their ferry ride to the event. Having also completed marathons in states like New Jersey and Florida, he appreciates the camaraderie and excitement surrounding each race.
“Each part of all parts from the first race to the last one, it’s difficult to say what my favorite part is,” Farkash said. “When we all ran it together, that was probably a very good memory, because we went together in the morning to the Staten Island Ferry. We got to enjoy all of the activities before the marathon.”
For first-time marathon runners, Farkash advises them to enjoy the experience and the vibrant atmosphere of New York City, noting the numerous musical performances along the route. He highlights the health benefits of running, encouraging newcomers to embrace the journey.
Courtesy New York Road Runners
Larry Lewis, a seasoned marathoner, is returning to the race after overcoming a stroke, emphasizing the importance of community and support in his running journey.
Larry Lewis discovered running in 1982 when a colleague invited him to run the Boston Marathon as a bandit. He became captivated by the sport and ran his first New York City Marathon in 1983, completing it for 33 consecutive years—earning him Streaker status for those who have participated 15 times or more. However, his 34th marathon in 2018 was interrupted by a stroke, which required extensive rehabilitation and relearning to walk. Despite challenges, he is set to return to the TCS New York City Marathon this year, competing as part of a duo team with a guide from Achilles International, an adaptive sports nonprofit. For Lewis, the marathon is a cherished event filled with memories, and he currently trains regularly in Prospect Park.
Lewis reflected on his long-running history with the New York City Marathon. This year, with support from Achilles International, he is set to complete that milestone.
Achilles International helps athletes with disabilities take part in endurance events. Living near Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Lewis became involved with the organization after observing their athletes in local races. He now trains using a Hoyt running chair, participating in long runs with Achilles volunteers to prepare for the marathon.
A Hoyt running chair is a specially designed racing chair that allows athletes with disabilities to participate in running events, featuring a lightweight frame and safety harness for the seated athlete, while being pushed by a partner.
Lewis began his running journey in 1982, inspired by a colleague who suggested he join the Boston Marathon. After completing his first marathon in 1983, he continued his passion for running and registered for the New York City Marathon the same year.
What motivates him to run the New York City Marathon is the community he has built over the years, with friends and family cheering him on along the course. He finds the atmosphere exhilarating, noting how even strangers in the crowd support the runners.
“Even though there’s thousands of runners in this particular race, it’s a small community that I have built over the years,” Lewis said. “Complete strangers are out there screaming your name, cheering for you to complete this task of 26 miles.”
In preparation for this year’s marathon, Lewis has been training primarily in Prospect Park, taking advantage of familiar routes like the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, offering insights from his extensive experience to his training partners.
For first-time marathon runners, Lewis advises starting slowly in the first half to conserve energy for the latter part of the race. He warns that the initial excitement can fade, leaving runners to face the mental challenge of the later miles.
Lewis hopes to highlight the importance of community among athletes, particularly through organizations like Achilles International, which foster connections and support among endurance runners.
“The hope and possibility of doing this event for me is about building a community of athletes who I have come to know over the years of participating in endurance events,” Lewis said.
Team Inspire includes a diverse mix of first-time marathoners, experienced runners, and charity participants, all united by the transformative power of running. Representing the spirit of New York City, the team reflects the marathon’s essence and the city’s vibrant community. For more information, visit nyrr.org.
