David Obelkevich, an 83‑year‑old former public‑school teacher, is gearing up for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, his 51st appearance in the race. The event will also represent his 116th marathon overall, a milestone that underscores a lifetime of dedication to running.
Local roots and a lifelong love of running
Born and raised in an active family in Binghamton, New York, Obelkevich moved to New York City in the 1960s to attend Columbia University. While a student, he entered his first marathon on a whim in 1974, when the race was confined to Central Park. When the New York City Marathon expanded to all five boroughs in 1976, he ran that historic edition and has never missed a subsequent race.
According to the New York Road Runners, Obelkevich is the only runner to have completed every single New York City Marathon since that expansion. His marathon résumé also includes more than 110 races in other major cities such as Boston and Tokyo.
Family, faith, and perseverance
Obelkevich attributes his enduring stamina to the people he has met along the way, especially his wife, Lyn. “She was coming towards me, and I was going up, so I said, ‘Hi Lyn,’ and she said, ‘Hi Dave,'” he recalled in an interview with WCBS. “Fell in love with her during that date.” The former teacher, father and grandfather says that the support of his family and the friendships forged on race routes keep him motivated.
Even a serious health scare in 2020—a blood clot in his leg—did not break his streak. He says his fastest marathon time was two hours and forty minutes in 1982, eight years after his first race. While he doubts he will ever match that pace again, his advice to newcomers is simple: finish, no matter the speed.
“If I run a quarter of a mile, I get completely out of breath. So my walking is going to be what I do in the marathon,” Obelkevich said with a laugh while walking in Central Park. “That’s OK. Other people walk too … Anyone can start it, but it takes a good person to finish.”
Running as a model of perseverance for the community
Running organizations estimate that less than one percent of the global population has completed a marathon since the year 2000. Obelkevich’s story offers a tangible example of how dedication, faith in one’s abilities, and a supportive community can enable extraordinary achievements at any age.
As the 2026 marathon approaches, Obelkevich remains focused on the race itself rather than the accolades. “I’m just grateful to be out there with the crowd, the volunteers, and the other runners,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be part of something that brings people together across generations.”
His participation also highlights the broader appeal of the New York City Marathon, an event that draws runners from around the world and showcases the city’s diverse neighborhoods. For local residents, seeing an 83‑year‑old athlete stride through the streets serves as a reminder that perseverance and community spirit are timeless virtues.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
