Courtesy Photo | Navy Lt. Chris Culp holds his medal shortly after completing the 2013 ING New York...... read more read more
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BETHPAGE, N.Y. - Completing a marathon is a crowning achievement for many runners, and a moment to treasure for a lifetime. But coming down the last few miles into New York City’s Central Park, Navy Lt. Chris Culp wasn’t thinking about savoring the moment.
“I was so tired the last few miles are really a blur,” Culp said after the race. “The only thing I really remember is the sound of the crowd, especially in Central Park. They were great all the way through the course, really encouraging all the runners. It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when so many people are cheering for you.”
On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Defense Contract Management Agency Northrop Grumman Bethpage contracts administrator was one of 50,740 entrants in the 2013 ING New York City Marathon. Culp ran the course through all five of New York’s boroughs in 4 hours, 21 minutes, placing 26,145th overall and 1,668th in his age group.
“My overall time was a little bit slower than my original goal of 4:15, but I am mostly just glad that I was able to finish,” said Culp. “I started off at an unsustainable pace and paid for it later on.”
Culp’s journey to the finish line began when lottery entries opened for the 2013 running of the marathon. “I had always thought about doing a marathon,” he said, “and since I am stationed so close to New York City, I figured why not take a shot at one of the biggest races in the world.”
More than 33,000 entrants vied for 4,500 local spots in the race. The odds were higher than usual for Culp to be selected, as many entries were carried over from 2012 when the race was canceled due to Superstorm Sandy.
“I didn’t think I had much of a shot,” he said, “I was pretty shocked when I found out I was going to run.”
Culp began training in earnest after receiving his entry information in July, following an 18-week program to prepare him for his first marathon. “Training was difficult. I really had to stay focused on the day-to-day grind of running all those miles,” he said, noting that the program had him running four days a week at increasing distances. “I was really glad for all the support I received from the commander and everyone at the (contract management office).”
“We were all very impressed with how hard Chris trained for the marathon while balancing his other duties,” said Navy Cmdr. Jeff Carty, DCMA Northrop Grumman Bethpage commanding officer. “It wasn’t really a surprise, though, as he brings a high level of focus and dedication to his daily work within the CMO. On race day, it was pretty motivating to see him and the other entrants running the course.”
On the morning of the race, Culp felt as ready as he could be. “I felt great before the run,” he recalled. “I got to spend the day before with my family in Manhattan, which was fun. I slept well, and I really felt good and rested when I got to the starting corral.”
Even with all the preparation, race day was not without a few challenges. Circumstances led to Culp and a few others starting with a later wave of runners than originally planned. “Because of the change and my lower bib number, I ended up right in the front at the start of the fourth wave, which was surreal,” he said. “I think that’s why I ended up starting a little faster than I had planned.”
The marathon route started on Staten Island, immediately crossed the Verrazano Bridge into Brooklyn, headed north through Brooklyn into Queens, then across the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan. The route then went north into the Bronx, before turning back south through Manhattan and finishing in Central Park.
“The Queensboro Bridge was the toughest part for me,” Culp stated. “It’s a pretty long and steep incline – very quiet, no crowds. Then I got over the bridge and saw the ‘16 mile’ sign and knew I still had ten miles to go.”
Despite the challenges of such a grueling event, running the New York City Marathon was a once in a lifetime experience for Culp. “It’s something that I will never forget,” he said. “To run in such a famous race through this great city, with my family there to celebrate and the amazing crowds cheering me on – it’s a truly great experience. I think it really brings out the best in the runners and the spectators alike.”
One question remains for Culp, now that this item is crossed off his personal bucket list, would he consider running in a marathon again?
“I would definitely like to do it again,” he said, “just not anytime soon. I still have a goal time to beat.”
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2014 09:22 |
| Story ID: | 120264 |
| Location: | BETHPAGE, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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