From Popsugar · Tianna Soto · · 1m 30s
Why We Run: 3 NYC Marathon Stories
Three runners share why they run the NYC Marathon: overcoming disability, mental health, and refugee activism.
In brief
Three runners share why they run the NYC Marathon: overcoming disability, mental health, and refugee activism. Nicole Ver Kuilen, Smita Rajgopal, and Shaden Awad each run the NYC Marathon to overcome physical barriers, mental health challenges, and refugee activism respectively. Originally reported by Popsugar.
Nicole Ver Kuilen's Marathon Journey
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Nicole Ver Kuilen, 35, runs the NYC Marathon after overcoming bone cancer and a leg amputation.
“It was a very challenging time in my life.”
Running Prosthesis Struggle
Ver Kuilen needed a running prosthesis for years due to insurance limitations before getting one.
“I was running on something that wasn't built to withstand that energy.”
Prosthetic Breakthrough
Ver Kuilen received her first running prosthesis after a year of advocacy and 26 appointments.
“It felt like I finally had my leg back.”
Smita Rajgopal's Mental Health
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Smita Rajgopal, 45, runs the NYC Marathon to manage bipolar disorder and mental health challenges.
“I had been fine for about five years, living my life as normally as possible, but then, I had an episode at the end of last year.”
Mental Health Marathon
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Rajgopal compares her mental health struggles to hitting a marathon wall and pushes through one run at a time.
“It's like the wall: You try to push past it, and eventually, you get past it.”
Shaden Awad's Refugee Story
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Shaden Awad, 27, runs the NYC Marathon as a Palestinian refugee and activist with her brother.
“26.2 miles is longer than the length of Gaza, which is something people don't even think about.”
Activism and Running
Awad uses running to manage stress from activism and to advocate for Palestinian rights.
“It feels remiss not to mention that fact, and how I'm able to live and go run outside.”
Marathon as Political Act
Awad sees running the marathon as a political act to support Palestinian refugees and future generations.
“Showing up to the start line, I'm showing up for myself, but it's also an investment in planting for the future.”
Next Steps for Runners
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Ver Kuilen advocates for insurance coverage for running prosthetics nationwide, while Awad continues activism.
“When people see someone like myself running a race with a disability or prosthesis, oftentimes, they say, 'You inspire me.'”
The headline
Nicole Ver Kuilen, Smita Rajgopal, and Shaden Awad each run the NYC Marathon to overcome physical barriers, mental health challenges, and refugee activism respectively.
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