Queens Resident Joel Kaufman, the Official Last Finisher of the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, Returns to the Start Line
When Joel Kaufman of Queens walked across the TCS New York City Marathon finish line last year past 8 p.m., after most runners and spectators had long since left Central Park, he earned an unusual honor.
The Official Last Finisher
"I got a call the next day from New York Road Runners," Kaufman told The Post about the organization that produces the 26.2-mile race. "[They] said, ‘You’re the official last finish.’ I said, ‘That is so great. I got a title that nobody can take away from me.’ It’s not like being the 57,000th finisher."
Kaufman’s time of 8 hours, 43 minutes, and 34 seconds – a pace of 19 minutes and 59 seconds per mile – was his slowest in the decade he’s been walking the NYC Marathon to support people battling leukemia and lymphoma blood cancers.
A Decade of Walking for a Cause
The 66-year-old retired high school math teacher, known as "Whammy," will be back for Sunday’s marathon – and this time he’ll be starting two hours earlier as a nod to his inspirational story.
"I’ll be starting at 9:10, 10 minutes after the elite runners, with three-hour marathoners next to me," Kaufman said. "I’ll be all the way on the right side of the road, walking with my cape and 50,000 people will run past me shouting, ‘On your left.’"
A Symbol of Inspiration
Kaufman wears a cape spotlighting leukemia patients and those who have helped him raise over $150,000. He also sports an American flag headband, a Jewish star, a military-style dog tag calling for the return of Israeli hostages, a shirt highlighting the Team in Training fund-raising program for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and a necklace of colorful feet that celebrates his pal’s recovery after a stem cell transplant.
A Personal Story of Perseverance
A longtime hiker, Kaufman was inspired to start walking the NYC Marathon in 2015 by a childhood friend who developed leukemia and has since died. He finished the race in 7 hours and 40 minutes.
"Once I got in marathon shape, I couldn’t just go back on the couch, and it certainly filled my days and gave me something to do during the day as a retired teacher," Kaufman said.
Training and Preparation
Kaufman typically trains by walking 5 miles every other day. He walks instead of runs to reduce the chance he’ll get injured. That means he’s on the course for a very long time. His fastest NYC Marathon was 6 hours, 53 minutes, and 4 seconds in 2017. His "dream time" is 6 hours, 30 minutes.
Marathoners have until 10 p.m. to complete the five-borough course no matter their start time.
Conclusion
Kaufman’s story is one of perseverance, inspiration, and dedication to a cause. As he returns to the start line of the TCS New York City Marathon, he’s ready to take on the challenge once again and continue to raise awareness and funds for those battling leukemia and lymphoma blood cancers.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of being the official last finisher of the TCS New York City Marathon?
A: It is an honor that no one can take away, and it serves as a reminder of Kaufman’s dedication and perseverance.
Q: What motivated Kaufman to start walking the NYC Marathon?
A: A childhood friend who developed leukemia and has since died inspired Kaufman to start walking the marathon to support people battling leukemia and lymphoma blood cancers.
Q: How does Kaufman train for the marathon?
A: Kaufman typically trains by walking 5 miles every other day, preferring to walk instead of run to reduce the risk of injury.
