NYC Marathon 2025: Debuts, Determination, and Diverse Stories Across Five Boroughs

New Faces Join Marathon Legends on NYC Streets

On Sunday, November 2, the world’s attention turns to New York as thousands lace up for the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon. Among them are not only seasoned marathoners chasing records, but also fresh faces making their debuts, each with a story as vibrant and complex as the city itself.

Four American athletes—Hillary Bor, Charles Hicks, Joe Klecker, and Amanda Vestri—will tackle 26.2 miles for the first time, joining a stacked elite field that includes icons like Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan. But the field is not limited to professional runners. The marathon’s pulse beats strongest in the stories of everyday New Yorkers, like Meredith Casey, a third-grade teacher from the Bronx, who will run her first marathon after overcoming medical hurdles from birth.

Elite Debuts: From Track Stars to Road Warriors

Hillary Bor, once celebrated as one of America’s top steeplechasers, brings a decorated resume to his marathon debut. With a personal best of 8:08.41 in the steeplechase, Bor ranks as the fourth fastest American ever in that event. In recent years, he’s shifted focus to the roads, notching wins in US 10 Mile Championships and a blazing 59:55 half marathon. Now, eyes are on Bor to see how his stamina translates to the marathon’s relentless distance.

Joe Klecker made the full transition to road racing in 2025, opening his year with a 1:01:06 at the Houston Half Marathon and later finishing eighth at the US Half Marathon Championships. He’s consistently placed in national road races, but the marathon distance is a new frontier.

Amanda Vestri, whose 2025 season saw her excel in both track and road disciplines, arrives with impressive half marathon and 6K road titles. Her versatility and tenacity suggest potential for a standout debut.

Charles Hicks, quiet since his European U23 5K title in 2023, is poised to surprise. He’s tackled progressively longer races, with the Boilermaker 15K marking his furthest effort to date. The marathon promises a new chapter for Hicks—and a long road to home in New York City.

They’ll run alongside world-class competitors: Kipchoge (Kenya, 2:01:09), Kenenisa Bekele (Kenya, 2:01:41), Sifan Hassan (Netherlands, 2:13:44), and more. For these debutants, sharing the start line with legends is both a challenge and an honor.

Everyday Heroes: Meredith Casey’s Marathon Journey

For Bronx teacher Meredith Casey, the marathon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of perseverance and family legacy. Casey, who teaches third grade at P.S. 103 Hector Fontanez, has been a runner since childhood, but her journey began with unique challenges. Born premature, weighing less than three pounds, Casey faced a range of medical complications. Braces on her legs and years of physical therapy taught her to walk, run, and ultimately dream of conquering New York’s marathon.

“I’m just so nervous, but I’m also so excited,” Casey shared with Bronx Times. “Not every person gets this opportunity and I’m just so beyond grateful.”

Running became Casey’s sanctuary—a way to release stress and reset after a tense day. “It’s kind of like my mind would be so tense and then once I’m done running it’s like I let it all out,” she explained.

Her family’s support was crucial. Casey’s mother and grandmother, both avid runners, inspired her to push through adversity. Her grandmother, Rosemary Ducey, still runs well into her 80s. This legacy of movement, resilience, and encouragement forms the backbone of Casey’s marathon story.

Selected as one of 50 educators nationwide to run as part of Team TCS Teachers—a contest recognizing inspiring teachers—Casey embodies perseverance. Hundreds applied, but Casey earned her spot through grit and gratitude. She credits her high school track coach, Henry Leone, for nurturing her passion and guiding her marathon training.

“I know they need me,” Casey said of her students. “But as much as they need me; I need them.” The marathon, for her, is both a personal milestone and a tribute to everyone who helped her take those first steps.

NYC Marathon Logistics and Elite Fields

The marathon’s schedule is meticulously orchestrated. The men’s wheelchair division starts at 8:00 AM ET, followed by women’s wheelchair at 8:02 AM, and other divisions in staggered waves through the morning. The elite women’s race kicks off at 8:35 AM, with the men’s elite following at 9:05 AM.

Fans can track runners in real time via the New York Road Runners app or online browser. National coverage airs on ESPN 2 starting at 8 AM ET, with Spanish-language broadcast on ESPN3 and potential local coverage on ABC.

The elite entries read like a who’s who of international marathon running. For men: Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, Benson Kipruto, and more. For women: Sifan Hassan, Sharon Lokedi, Hellen Obiri, Emily Sisson, and Amanda Vestri debuting alongside established stars.

The Marathon’s Meaning: Beyond Time and Distance

The NYC Marathon is more than a test of endurance—it’s a tapestry of personal battles, family traditions, and the relentless drive that defines New York. Each runner, from Bor to Casey, brings unique motivation. For some, it’s about breaking records; for others, overcoming adversity and honoring loved ones.

As the city cheers, these stories unfold mile by mile—reminders that the marathon is not just about finishing, but about the journey, the community, and the spirit that binds athletes and spectators alike.

In the swirl of elite times and emotional milestones, the 2025 NYC Marathon stands as a testament to resilience in all its forms. Whether you’re watching world champions chase records or everyday heroes cross the finish line, this race is a living mosaic of determination, hope, and human connection. The true victory lies not only in speed, but in the courage to start—and the heart to finish.