New York City Marathon Gets Its Own ?Ironman? After Track Veteran Finds the Perfect Way To Bring Robert Downey Jr?s Marvel Character to Life

The world is excited to run in the 52nd New York Marathon 2023, which will take place on November 5, 8 a.m. ET. The anticipation among the runners and viewers is leading the charts. However, the excitement doubled this Sunday. It is because, along with 50,000 runners, Teaneck?s Iron Man will also be participating. Wondering what is so special about him?

Picture this: a guy tackling grueling races not just in any athletic gear, but a full-blown Iron Man costume. And here’s the kicker?he’s the spitting image of Robert Downey Jr., the man who brought the iconic superhero to life on the big screen. A 55-year-old Ironman from New Jersey, eerily looks similar to Robert Downey Jr. He is making waves across the world with his experiences and reason for running.

Iron Man of New York Marathon 2023 runs for happiness

David Roher has defied norms. The NYC’s own superhero figure has completed 11 marathons & 11 dressed as Iron Man. But this year, Roher will be dressed in a polyester rendition of Tony Stark’s vibrant red and gold ensemble. His outfit has solidified his status as a beloved figure on the 26.2-mile route. A recent X account showcases how not Robert, but Roher brings Marvel characters to life. Along with a picture with Roher, the tweet reads, “No, Robert Downey Jr. is not running the NYC Marathon. That?s Teaneck?s Iron Man.”

In addition to this, kids scream after taking a look at the mistaken Ironman. He once mentioned, “I always stop to high-five the crowds, and especially the kids. Almost every child on the street screams out ‘Ironman’ and wants me to fist pump them, which I have to do”. With this, he is a special education teacher & a father of two. The veteran athlete also aims to inspire and uplift others through his traditional running style. In 2021 he finished the marathon with a personal best score, of 5:14:04.?

It all started 18 years back when he was spurred by his father’s heart attack at 91. Roher, then being a couch potato, decided to get into shape and started running. He now runs from Teaneck to White Plains regularly. He once shared his motivation while saying, “Seeing people happy makes me want to work harder. I get a buzz from it”. He loves to please the crowd. But there lies a major goal behind this.

It’s not just a race, it’s life

Josh Lipowsky might not be the instant standout in the New York Marathon 2023, but he runs with a purpose. Lipowsky is Roher’s fellow. As he ties his shoelaces on Staten Island, thoughts of his late mother, Trudy, guide him. He was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumor at 5. The major part of his childhood went only to visit hospital corridors. However, he was constantly supported tirelessly by his mother, a Ph.D. in pathology.

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Today, Ironman and Lipowsky race through the boroughs for a major cause, and inspire people. Beyond personal achievements, runners will find them on a mission to raise funds for Chai Lifeline.

Having overcome childhood challenges, Lipowsky, now 42, finds solace and purpose in running?a journey he never envisioned during his high school chess days. In his pursuit, he dons the cape of a superhero, occasionally transforming into Superman. Now, the world awaits for the marathon to begin and break the internet with new updates.

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