Celebrities Hit Their Stride in the 2024 New York City Marathon

More than 55,000 people ran in New York City’s annual marathon on Sunday. Although they traveled the same path, some finished sooner than others.
The runners included actress Jennifer Connelly, 53, who completed the race in just under 3 hours and 46 minutes at an 8:37 mile pace.
“For someone with a demanding career, that’s impressive, especially for a person in their 50s,” personal trainer Michael Betts told The Epoch Times.
Betts is a director at TRAINFITNESS.
Connelly is known for portraying Penny Benjamin in “Top Gun: Maverick,” Alicia Nash in “A Beautiful Mind,” Marion Silver in “Requiem for a Dream,” Janine in “He’s Just Not That Into You,” and Sarah in  “Labyrinth” with David Bowie.
The marathon runs through the five boroughs of Manhattan, including Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
Connelly’s time suggests she maintained a solid pace and shows that she has strength and stamina, according to Sarah Pelc Graca, a personal trainer and nutrition coach.
“Jennifer’s performance in the New York City Marathon is impressive,” Graca told The Epoch Times. “Finishing with such a solid time on this course highlights her endurance and mental toughness.”
Graca is a lead instructor at the boutique indoor cycling studio Cyclebar Northville in Michigan and head coach at Sarah Weight Loss Coaching.
Sheila Chepkirui, from Kenya, won the female division after finishing the 26.2-mile run in under 2 hours and 25 minutes. The men’s winner was Somali-Dutch long-distance runner Abdi Nageeye, from the Netherlands, who completed the race in 2:07:39.
“Women tend to start races slower and pick up speed as they go, while men often start faster,” JAG Physical Therapy CEO John Gallucci Jr. told The Epoch Times.
Gallucci’s JAG Physical Therapy is based in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
New York City’s marathon is known for its course over hills, bridges, and varying terrain that can test even seasoned runners.
TV personalities Amy Robach, 51, and her boyfriend T.J. Holmes, 47, both formerly of ABC News, also participated.
Running so many miles in one day can be tough, depending on the runner’s fitness level. Factors like not hydrating enough, not eating enough, or overexerting can cause medical issues.
Long-distance runner Latoya Shauntay Snell advises beginners to prepare for a marathon between 16 and 20 weeks in advance.
Snell has completed 29 marathons.
“Make sure you have medical clearance before starting your training program and, if possible, hire a coach to assess where you presently are and build up your program over time,” Snell told The Epoch Times.
“The key is to incorporate a blend of easy runs, speed work, and hill repeats to train for the bridges that the NYC Marathon course has to offer, and to consider things like strength training and mobility work.”
Gallucci, who believes recovering from a marathon is just as important as preparing for one, recommends hydrating appropriately and eating well afterward.
“You need to get rid of the inflammation in your body,” he added. “The next day, 24–48 hours later, take a walk around the neighborhood, get on a stationary bike, or take a swim in a pool. Low-level active movement is the most important to start muscle repair.”
Holmes, Robach, and Connelly did not respond to requests for comment.