The New York Road Runners' five-borough series concluded Sunday with the Staten Island Half Marathon. NY1's Natalie Duddridge filed the following report.
Ten thousand runners took off from St. George Sunday, racing the New York Road Runners 30th Staten Island Half Marathon.
Participants of all ages and abilities took part in this last leg of the five-borough series.
One runner, Fiona Bayly, was not only in the masters over-40s category, she actually was the first place female overall with a time of 1:22:53.
"By about mile 10, I began to think, 'Maybe you have it, maybe you have it.' And so by the time I came to the last mile, I was like, 'Oh my God.' I was almost crying inside," Bayly said.
It was a test of endurance, and of pushing the limits. Some used the race as an opportunity to train for the TCS New York City Marathon, including Charles Katherine, a legally blind runner, and his guide, Matt Leibman.
"I became blind about three years ago as well, and I signed up with Achilles International, and they paired me up with a few guys that are about my level, and Matt was one of them," Katherine said.
"We run very well together," Leibman said. "He trusts me as far as when I say, 'Go to the left, go to the right.' At times, I'll pull him in the direction we have to go, but we've gotten very used to running together.
New this year was a 5K for more casual runners looking to enjoy the scenery and do their personal best.
"I was running for me only and not for a time," said one 5K participant. "It was fun."
It's also for a great cause. Over the last 14 years, New York Road Runners has raised more than $40 million for "Team for Kids," funding youth running programs in the city and beyond.
"It just feels like you're part of a bigger enterprise, helping kids," said Dan Fleischer of Team for Kids,
The road does not stop here for a lot of these runners. Many will be taking part in the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, which kicks off on Staten Island.