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Park Slope Woman Finishes NYC Marathon as Millionth Runner

NYC Marathon Begins in Staten Island on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
NYC Marathon Begins in Staten Island on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

How many people have finished the New York City Marathon in the past 44 years? The answer is, “More than a million” and the millionth runner made history yesterday, earning herself guaranteed entry into the race for the rest of her life plus a shopping spree for marathon gear.

Katherine Slingluff of Park Slope, Brooklyn, won this special honor, finishing the race in 4 hours 43 minutes and 36 seconds, more than two hours after the first place finisher in the women’s division, Mary Keitany of Kenya. Keitany won the race in 2:25:07.
Slingluff is a mother of two, a photographer, and originally from Alabama.

“That’s a nice treat, to be the millionth runner!” Slingluff said. “I didn’t make my goal as far my pace goes, but I guess it worked to my advantage. That’s a nice cap to my run.”

Slingluff said she did not feel compelled to maintain a strict 10-minute-mile pace.

“I gave myself liberty to walk through water stations, I took pictures on the Queensboro Bridge” she said. “I decided to try and soak it in – I knew I wasn’t going to win the thing!”

James

James Allenby is the editor of Gowanus Lounge, bringing to his position a vast background on New York, and especially Brooklyn history, culture and lifestyle. Born and bred in the heart of "the County of Kings" James Allenby knows what it means to be a Brooklynite, and imparts this meaning at all times to his readers. Contact James at info(at)gowanuslounge.com.