The 52nd edition of the New York City Marathon is all set to make a comeback on November 5th and the participants are gearing up. The 26-mile route in the majestic city of the Big Apple has been preparing to welcome the entries running for a charitable cause for days. However, the event hasn’t been the only side in anticipation.
Around 50,000 people from across the world are said to be participating in the event. A marathon of its size takes all the strength and grit from a performer to land a spot. Unfortunately, in the process of doing so, one of the contenders was obliged to withdraw and all for no fault of his.
The New York City Marathon loses on a contender
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The marathon to be held is popularly known to incorporate the division of wheelchair participants. Mike Millar, the Triathlete National Champion was one such participant to be competing with the use of racechair. However, as the athlete was headed to New York after undergoing staunch training, Millar was met with yet another unfortunate incident. With a mishap from an airplane staff, the athlete was forced to draw away. “Sadly no race chair arrived. @flyswiss so no marathon for me. Best of luck to all taking part, have a great race!!,” the athlete wrote on his Instagram story.
Imagine training for months for a marathon adapting training due to knee surgery & you don’t get to race because the airline didn’t put your chair on plane! Then they tell you they will have it to your hotel about 2am race day & then lose your racechair somewhere in New York!🤬 pic.twitter.com/ScNiqI3vBi
— Heather Ardis (@heatherardis5) November 5, 2023
Mark Millar suffered a life-changing accident back in 2018 at the age of 42. Though the athlete was obliged to a wheelchair, he knew how to turn it around for his benefit. Making his debut ever since Mark has only looked forward to competing and staying determined.
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The impressive journey of Mark Millar
Four years after Mark took to a wheelchair, the athlete tried his hand at the Commonwealth Games. In late July of 2022, Millar participated in his 4th ever wheelchair marathon in Birmingham. Impressively, Millar earned a sixth spot, stopping the clock at ?1:58:48; recording his personal best. ?It has been a tough journey back but also a very rewarding one coming into wheelchair sport and progressing as quickly as I have,”?he told Newsletter. co.
Also Read: ?I?m Running ?: New York City 2023 Marathon Witness Mayor Lace Up and Take Charge
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Prior to his marathon career, Mark was a cyclist. It was while competing in the cycling contest that Mark encountered a wheelchair-confining injury. Despite the accident, Mark was determined to continue with the sport. Having watched the London Marathon many times, Mark was aware of wheelchair racing. ?I?m definitely going to keep going,? he said after his win in the Commonwealth. Mark now has a personal best record of 1:33:50.
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