A marathon’s 26.2-mile course can humble even the best of the best—just ask Eliud Kipchoge! Widely hailed as the greatest marathoner to ever lace up, the Kenyan legend holds two Olympic golds in the marathon and once held the world record for five years until Kelvin Kiptum shattered it last year. But even Kipchoge has felt the marathon’s sting; this year at the Olympics, he faced nature’s brutal hurdles and couldn’t finish the race. A harsh ending! And the upcoming TCS New York Marathon 2024? It’s shaping up to be a 26.2-mile reality check for even the toughest out there.

Throughout the five boroughs, the marathon race in the Big Apple will make the runners think about their decision to carry on. That viciousness might get a few victims as well. But one runner is brushing off the naysayers and gearing up to race with a noble purpose. She’s not just here to conquer the course; she’s on a mission to send a powerful message, limitations and all.

The runner faces multiple challenges, bigger than a marathon 

Just like last year, the New York Marathon 2024 will witness more than 50,000 individuals running with a target to cross the finish line. Data says that the New York Marathon sets an example in having the most number of participants crossing the white line at Central Park. However, Kelly Corley will cross the finish line, not just for the sake of a position in the coveted list of finishers. On November 3, her target will be to magnify the message of the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). The message is all about spreading awareness about brain injury and the treatment for it. She has been doing this for the last several years. But why? Being a sufferer of brain injuries, Kelly knows the bitter part. 

Yes, Kelly Corley has experienced four concussions in her life and the last one of them came in August 2022. But did not those menaces inhibit her normal life? As per her words to Ida Siegal, the breaking news and general assignment reporter for NBC 4 New York, those concussions left a bitter mark on her. She had to experience post-conclusion syndrome, which led to epileptic activity in her brain. A stalemate in the normal thought process. Not only that, the injuries put a lid on her daily life. How? Kelly revealed, “I had to stop running. It was affecting my work. I had panic attacks.” The pale situation cornered her, limiting her hobby of running. But Corley couldn’t let her suffering overwhelm her, suppressing each of her happy places. Result? 

Kelly Corley started to take medicines and made sure not to forget her hobbies. Soon, she started to return to the regular path. In fact, last year, she picked herself up and registered for the New York Marathon. With that, she decided to advocate for awareness regarding concussions. That made her choose the Brain Injury Association of New York State and voice its message in the race. She made her mission clear and tasted success in it. This time around, Kelly’s message remains the same—but she’ll have a like-minded runner joining her for the journey.

The New York Marathon 2024 stands to be more than just a 26.2-mile race affair 

The TCS New York Marathon 2024 has a lot of things in its bag. With Gabby Thomas as the Grand Marshall of the race and Tamirat Tola and Helen Obiri as the participants, the race this time is eyeing to achieve a bigger attendance. Did we add about the stars entering the race? Well, Randall Park, Jennifer Connelly, Claire Holt, and many others will be on the streets of NYC to promote their messages. Among them, the Vampire Diaries star will advocate for the awareness program of mental illness. She will represent NAMI in the New York Marathon 2024. Apart from her, Jenna Sperling will also run in the race. 

Just like Kelly Corley, she will promote BIANYS’s messages to spread awareness about brain concussions. Unlike Kelly, she doesn’t have any experience running a marathon. Nor does she have any history of facing brain concussions. So, why take on the grueling course? For Jenna, it’s all about her two friends: one recovering from brain surgeries, the other from a stroke. On November 3, she’s hoping they’ll be cheering her on as she conquers the streets of New York, finding inspiration to one day lace up and join her. It’s a test of emotions, really—stories like these make the marathon more than just a race; it’s a journey of heart and resilience.