Becoming a Marathoner

What drives a runner to become a marathoner? In our new film series, we follow three people from around the United States as they prepare for the New York City Marathon. Each of them came to running for deeply personal reasons - but the stories they share will inspire anyone to go further.

[@SalawuIbrahim]

I actually cried. Damn! I just started running and did my first 5K a couple of hours ago. Someday I'll definitely run a marathon. The filmmaker is amazing!

[@MrSupernova111]

This was very emotional for me too. I started running 10 days ago after a roughly twelve year break. I'm so fat and out of shape but I don't let that stop me anymore. I ran 8 of the last 10 days and I hope to run a half marathon towards the end of the year and maybe a full marathon next year.

[@raethan190207]

You know what’s more amazing, you’re more amazing. For getting up to run, for taking that first step towards 42 km. You can do it bro, once this COVID nonsense is over, promise us you’ll run a marathon

[@invisibleman53]

Use Hal Higdon’s plan, it’s great

[@PlanetFin]

Signed up to a marathon yet?

[@SalawuIbrahim]

@@raethan190207 Yesss! Did a 16k 2 months ago. Been an awesome journey!

[@markpatrick5246]

I first ran nyc marathon in 1993 .. after overcoming agoraphobia where I had trouble leaving my apartment on a daily basis .. running saved me even now 26 yrs later and many relapses, I just ran 2019 nyc marathon❤️

[@lifelovejourney]

mark patrick I’m Getting to that point I think

[@markpatrick5246]

Kristin Whiting which point?

[@AcceleratorUlz]

I also have agarophobia and am struggling with exercise. I find the only thing that might work is walking or running. I still barely do 2 miles a day but I hope I can do better someday. I look forward to someday doing a marathon or trail run somewhere. @mark.. If you have anything.. Any advice at all that might help me.. I would really be thankful

[@eksdeeee4113]

Wow awesome. BTW, what's your age now?

[@alejandrabaidoc9314]

I feel you. I'm pushing hard to run and cycle to fight mine.

[@vic64583]

I did my first official marathon (Toronto TCS) on Oct 15 2023. Just a week after I turned 44 years old. I got 04:05 for the run time- a bit shy of my sub-4 hours goal. It's possible in all ages. I have mild hip arthritis, and it did not stop me!

[@melxdan]

Can relate to Matthew’s story. I lost my father one month before my first marathon Houston 2020. It ruined my training and I hadn’t accumulated enough runs that were over 10 miles. Got to the start line fearing I would fail and have to stop. I finished it all in one go and I remember thinking of him every mile marker I passed. He kept me going to the end. I didn’t finish that marathon, WE did. Miss him every day.

[@nomayim51]

Good

[@rachaellouise2666]

That's beautiful

[@Robert-Rojas]

Well said. This comment deserves more attention.

[@kbromdengts7919]

Im sorry for your loss Daniel. Im sure he is smiling and proud of you

[@nicks1938]

If there is one person that can tell a person’s story, it’s Billy Yang. What a beautiful film! Congrats to the runners!

[@Peter-ri9ie]

He's sooo good! 👍🏻

[@nellyioannidou5612]

He's awesome!

[@lizgreen2936]

@@nellyioannidou5612 he's pure dead brilliant!!..., 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏👏👏x

[@katieweiher]

I didn't realize he made this one! His films are excellent.

[@chelbasalo769]

I've been consistently running since Jan 2021. Last Aug. 21, I just ran my 1st half marathon. I went out that day with a goal of 10k (my usual). When I reached that goal I kept thinking, I'm not yet tired, my feet & legs are not sore...why can't I continue? And so I continued running. After every km, I kept telling myself I can still go on. I ran and ran until I was notified by the app that I just completed a half marathon. I was so happy and proud of myself at that moment because I didn't even know I can actually do it nor did I plan to. I always think I can only run upto a certain point and no more than that. I realized then that what we think can define what we can do. So now my dream is to run a full marathon. I'm not yet at that point but I know someday I will. I just have to think & believe that I can and work towards it. Here's to our love of running!

[@wilfordmurray]

Wonderful Video! I ran my first marathon in my sixties.

[@madr309]

I've been thinking it would be cool to see Billy Yang do a film on non-elite, back-of-the-pack runners. Just as many good stories as among the elites. Now I'm inspired for my long run tomorrow!

[@herbststurmxo]

I'm not crying. You're crying. This brings back so many memories. Ran my first marathon in New York in 2018. Haven't stopped since.

[@hosannanoot9678]

Crying watching this… I ran the NYC marathon for my mama who had cancer but she passed away the day of the race ❤️😭 but I’m PROUD TO SAY I DID IT FOR MAMA

[@HH-fw4nl]

Why do all running docs make me cry

[@tapirvorpal4236]

I know right?

[@kmatso3625]

same

[@DevanshiRuparel]

dude i know right

[@patrickherzer6285]

I'm with ya! There is always a story behind the challenge and pain of running. There's just something about overcoming those obstacles and seeing people be there best that gets me!

[@gaborlengyel369]

I cried as well, it’s insane, it just totally moved me

[@AshishYadav-eo8du]

when so much public is there to support you then marathon gives a sense of unity.It is a sport where "everybody wants everyone to win."

[@danielminutilli5372]

I came back from blindness and lung problems from toxic poisoning, a 14 year process. I couldn't even run 2 houses and it took 4 months of training to get up to 2 miles. This year is my 32nd consecutive NYC marathon and my 33rd year to run one, Pittsburgh being my first, where i finished last, but finished. 😁.

[@aquicktake]

I think the running community is blessed to have a committed cinematographer and storyteller like Billy Yang. Kudos Strava, we need more and more videos like this one. Well done.

[@jasminesanchez9035]

hagakuru Knowing that Billy Yang created this video makes me love this 10x more!

[@kaenova]

If I can do it, anyone can. The NYC Marathon changed my life. I ran for my dad, ( he has Huntington's Disease) I ran for the people who wish they could, I ran for everyone that's ever been bullied about a disability. I'll never ever be the same. I can't describe the feeling. I hope everyone gets to experience a marathon, especially the NYC marathon, at least once in their life.

[@JamesLacher]

Very inspiring! Takes me back to my first Marathon twenty months ago. I went from 403 pounds in 2014 to running a full marathon four years later. Makes me want to get out there and do another!

[@jonathanfranco4116]

James Lacher that’s awesome! Inspiration my friend. I was 290+ until I decided it was time to do something about it and so I Wen t out for a run. I lasted .5 mile before I felt like dying. The next day I did it again but went a little further. I’ve lost 60lbs this year. And I’m training for my first marathon 3/2020

[@phildavey3135]

Jonathan Franco Best of luck to you Jonathan. Remember the event itself is just the ‘victory lap’ which you’ll have earned from all that training. Be sure to soak up that atmosphere as you crush the final 200 metres. I did my first marathon (New York) in 2016 when I turned 50...looking forward to Chicago 2020 this October!🏃‍♂️🎉🎉

[@157dodgers]

amazing!

[@davebryandacoron455]

A marathoner is a marathoner. Wellsaid ! Thank you ! im running 100k ultramarathon this year ..

[@afordan]

They all finished strong! My first marathon was LA 2011 and it rained from start to finish. It started coming down hard, so I went into a fast food restaurant at around Mile 15 to warm up, dry off a little, and get something to eat. Ended up finishing in 6 hours and 20 minutes I think. There were supposed to be bands and cheerleaders along the course, but most didn't show up because of the rain. Fun times. I've done 14 more marathons since then including NYC, Berlin, and Chicago.

[@zavias4294]

Well, thats how you make a grown man cry... So inspirational

[@InkidLoke]

I'm not not a fast runner but I always hope and dream of running a full marathon in 1 of the big race around the world such as the New York marathon. Wish all the best to all the marathoners and stay safe from now on till the next run. Greetings from Malaysia

[@peterrowley7019]

Whilst watching I thought, this is like a Billy Yang film - turns out it is! Great work.

[@MultiViya]

What's possible after running a marathon? I think that's just a beginning. So so true!!

[@anub7977]

Thank you Strava for a great story. Joined Strava a year ago. Yet to run a marathon. Liked the quote " a marathoner is a marathoner irrespective of the time"... there is hope for me. 👍

[@leopoldocorredor319]

I was there, running my first Marathon, it was a great experience and I hope to run the next NYC. Marathon.

[@Mybrightidea22]

This made me cry, I lost my Mum to ALS/MND a few years back and I completed my first marathon last month. Love the quote at the beginning, as I have been told my time was slow. Thanks Billy for another great film !

[@edgarr_com]

Thank you for choosing Monique and raising ALS awareness. Hopefully we find a cure soon. Wish a lot of health and happiness to Monique’s mom.

[@ahmetalperenyildirim6184]

Today I ran my first marathon and thank you for sharing this, loved it!

[@ottovonbismarck4959]

I just love running ! It’s that simple.

[@RinaLoProduction]

Cried watching this! Super inspiring. I only started in my journey to a 5k but hearing stories like this is really uplifting.

[@MrPacome34]

Billy Yang does best movies

[@zahidahmd5933]

Bro would you love to earn Bitcoin?

[@jbdlr13]

I just finished my first spartan beast 2 days ago to complete my first trifecta medal and it was so hard...next year my goal is to finish a marathon...🙏🏽

[@giorgialain1308]

I’m just 5 minutes in and I have the chills. I love the energy of these people EDIT: I finished the video and I’m crying. Thanks guys. Great video.

[@martinfleischmann9787]

I've just got something in my eye, OK? Seriously, as someone who applied for one of those 5 Strava free NYC spots I can say these 3 definitely deserved it more! Great documentary. I'm over 50 and PR'd at the Atlanta Thanksgiving Half by 2.5 mins over an already decent 1:40, so that and this film make me want to finally go tackle the marathon, starting with NYC!

[@zahidahmd5933]

How are you doing?

[@RunningInMakeup]

This was beautiful and inspiring. I’m setting out for my first marathon next month and I can identify with an aspect of each of their stories. I needed to see this. Thank you.

[@harleyretinol]

RunningInMakeup Go girl! All the best and have a great run! 💪🏼 you can do it!

[@ErinHoffman7]

i cry every damn time i watch anything about people running, especially marathons. makes me so happy

[@kevinpatel6602]

You should also run marathon 🎉🎉🎉

[@cassiebrown7933]

I relate to the guy so much. I lost 60 pounds last year and ran my first ever mile without walking, and it was HUGE for me. Then I ran my first 5k, 10k, and last week I completed my first ever half marathon. So so inspiring. The love for running is just something else.

[@hardworkpays1929]

It's crazy I'm on the same path longest I've ran so far ot 8.2 in 1 hour and 10 mins yesterday. I'm almost to the half marathon mark 💪 keep going

[@miguelantonfaigal6113]

Ah just finished watching this, almost cried! So inspirational; I've been overcoming an ankle injury for well over a year, and all I can think I can't go past 5.6 miles....but after watching this I feel so inspired to run a marathon one day!

[@DarkGlass824]

Proud to see someone from the Lone Star State there!!! Texas Strong!!!!

[@bug3ater1]

If you like this vid, watch Billy Yang's 'THE WHY | Running 100 Miles' here on KZbin. It inspired me to run my first 100 miler. Shortly after finishing my first, I watched the vid again and ran another 100 miler 7 weeks after my first.

[@CasaBenny]

can you play dota 2 tho?

[@Themata]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boq6qpSZZr-Xqbc

[@distancerunner6211]

Awesome man keep up the good work I recently ran 13 miles on October the 2nd in 2 hours 2 minutes 31 seconds😎

[@marcelofaria3730]

Gezzz, just watched and now I’m crying. Incredible film and inspiring histories. One day I will run the NYC marathon. It’s a promise (and I never broke one in my entire life).

[@Themata]

Came here to talk smack about Strava stopping HR recording, but wow what a great video! Awesome!

[@Zanizee]

What a beautiful inspiring film. I'm ready to work towards a marathon.

[@joeljenkins5873]

Billy Yang does it again!!

[@dash1985]

This was so inspiring. What an awesome job by Billy Yang. Thank you!

[@louiealmario5754]

Why am I crying? I have run 10 marathons in Europe already and this documentary made me want to run the NYC marathon more for the first time, hopefully next year when the pandemic is over 🙏

[@kevinpatel6602]

Best of luck🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍

[@alexiss.2373]

I m on this journey to 26.2 and I am terrified! I think I am more terrified of giving up the “fun” college life. The self discipline this task takes. I am friends with people that will push me and motivate me but I am scared to say no to my friends. I feel like they will think less of me

[@kparsa1]

I have to run MCM virtually this year. Thanks for motivating me to just push through it.

[@cherie8099]

So so inspiring!!!! Thank you .. I'm doing NYC marathon this year. My first full Marathon.

[@count7340]

I was thoroughly absorbed whilst watching this. Great film.

[@abbieburke2945]

I went to see the New York marathon this year and it was something different the people that you met I was standing at mile 16 and I met a pros mom and we just talked about how that pro became so good and why he started to run

[@guidosanchez4516]

Beautiful, I wanna run a marathon next year, watching these inspiring stories gives me the strenght

[@zahidahmd5933]

How are you doing brother?

[@shiraflowers5882]

An absolutely lovely film!

[@marvintorres3938]

Thank you, great video. I hope to share that experience with my wife and run with her for the first time the new york marathon.

[@190Michael190]

Billy Yang, thanks for the great story.

[@PCKA1987]

So awesome. There’s something about running in honor of someone. I lost my mom days before a fall 5K when I first started running. It was super emotional for me. I felt her memory so strongly and lost it. Ugly cried hopefully without witnesses. 😂 Such a special thing. 💗

[@JakeBarraza1]

been crying the entire video.. im running the la marathon in 2023.. much love to everyone

[@revjoespivey]

This!!! Thanks Strava! I’m with you every day! Changed my life!

[@savourearnaud5871]

So inspiring life stories of incredible runners, every person finishing a marathon look changed. Proud of the runner community

[@zahidahmd5933]

How are you doing brother?

[@sedcanlas2420]

I'm beginning to believe that Billy Yang is the Ninja cutting onions of the running community.

[@staciapotempa1091]

@billyyangfilms That was really moving. The power of doing hard things, honoring the people we love, and the heartwarming sea of support experienced at these events is so touching! Well done, Billy, crew, and runners! It makes me want to sign up for another marathon.

[@markdalton3900]

Ran for 35 yrs justs when life gets really hard running is there for me and fixes me humbles me and makes me who i am ! I love you running lets be together forever!

[@evaschmidt6416]

This is awesome. Thank you, made me emotional, in a very very good way

[@rave112]

Well done congratulations runners!

[@cristians9997]

Touching video,i hope to run NY marathon in the future!

[@TUCANGRA]

Un maratón es un reto personal, espiritual, fisico y mental que al final vale la pena 💪🏼

[@abhilashradhakrishnan]

This is my workout track as I recover from my ACL injury. I'll run again someday. I believe it.

[@marsme7511]

Thanks strava! This guys really deserved it.

[@steveisolis]

I cried my eyes out watching this, great video 😭😭😭

[@flamingdelta9853]

running my first marathon this year, cannot wait!

[@Adventurevictoria]

This is a perfect example of how IT service is possibly located in people's hearts and contributes. Good Job Strava. I would like to make something for a tennis player and their story.

[@stravainc]

🧡🧡

[@elinaq750]

Yes, billy wang you could do a documentary on non elite runners, that would be so inspiring

[@TheSingingRN]

I love this so much. Thanks, Strava...for the inspiration.

[@patdavidmusic]

Beautiful story telling, lovely

[@arieorange]

i plan to join NYC Marathon this year, 2020, wish me luck, my first Marathon, greeting from Indonesia

[@damar1137]

wow.. tinggal di NYC atau berangkat dari indo bro? daftar nya brp $ tuh

[@arieorange]

D a m a r ' berangkat dari Indo mas bro, daftar lari nya 300 dollaran

[@damar1137]

@@arieorange mantab,, semoga sukses mas.. 2 jam bisa lah ya 👍

[@arieorange]

D a m a r ' amin amin klo bisa dua jam abis itu rawat inap ya mas hahaha

[@liyusang]

Guess that didn't work out

[@ViswanathanMahalingam]

This one was so inspiring! Please make one for cycling Gran Fondo!

[@stephenlacysullivan2463]

Great doc! Brought me to tears! Good stuff 👏

[@stephaniedotsonluckow3137]

I love this. Crying tears of joy. #oneday

[@sandracespedes965]

Gosh, I cried! This is better than This Is Us!

[@jikalau8753]

I LOVE IT SO MUCHHH. I AM GOING BACK TO RUNNIN, MATE !!!

[@VandanaMegaStar]

NYC Marathon is one of the best Marathons with huge participation of runners from across the globe. Great share, thanks 🌞❤️💐 #Positive #Marathoner #Journey #Runner

[@KonfuzeOfficial]

I love New York and running the NY marathon is one of my life goals! One day.. :)

[@TheDawestsider]

Good run - great life!

[@philipmemm]

athletics is one of the few things that gets me emotional.. maybe because its really a shared experience that everyone is going through shit in their lives, and after finishing the race, you really have this sense of accomplishment and a sense that you actually can do anything you set your mind to..

[@stravainc]

💯 We feel that on so many levels. Thanks for being a part of the team.

[@rjclloyd]

Love this. Awesome and inspirational!

[@legendsofmyself]

What's Possible after running a marathon?..... EVERYTHING!!!

[@midgicegg874]

Awesome...congratulations to the runners.

[@crjcostomo]

1:29 I felt that deep in my heart.

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

That first marathon, brings back memories

[@alexrambharose9267]

I teared up a couple times

[@prajwalshetty6123]

Running a marathon has always been my dream and I'll achieve it at any cost

[@Furanisu]

Tears down, joyous tears, in my eyes.

[@the.stylish.runner]

As a marathon runner, I simply cried. 🤗🥰🥰🌹🌹🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

[@AlanLim228]

Good work STRAVA. More please to keep more people moving! Kudos

[@caroledobson6852]

So loved this video - and yes, I also got all emotional as I watched.

[@wueskew169]

Awesome! So sweet!! Yay!!!

[@davidcolorado1968]

The last couple of year's I've been lost because I haven't had a goal in life for a long time. Run my first and hopefully multiple in the future is the next big task for me.

[@Tu-nak-tu-nak]

Who else is watching this during lockdown and carving to run an event.... oh that feel of freedom ......world please get well soon.

[@ashleymarin3928]

Seriously crying I'm training for my first half Marathon in a couple months. I'm so scared haha

[@maksymshpakovskyi4009]

he best movie, i ever saw, its my dream to finish New York marathon, amazing

[@8strings]

Have been running for more than 35 years and have tried to enter the New York Marathon on 4 occasions, including their money raising random draw lottery. Finally given up as you would have to be either extremely lucky to legitimately score a BIB or have deep pockets to pay a travel agent with allocated entries.

[@Jimmy911ism]

Is there a field limit?