David Obelkevich to run his 116th marathon at age 83

Marathon participation remains rare globally, with estimates suggesting fewer than one percent of the population has completed a full race since 2000. David Obelkevich, 83, defies that statistic as he prepares to run his 116th marathon this Sunday.

Obelkevich lives on the Upper West Side and will finish his 51st New York City Marathon on October 25, 2026. He moved to the city in the 1960s to attend Columbia University. His first marathon took place in 1974, a race held entirely within Central Park.

The New York Road Runners recognize Obelkevich as the only person to finish every New York City Marathon since 1976. That year marked the expansion of the course to all five boroughs. His total mileage includes races in other major cities such as Boston and Tokyo.

A former public school teacher, Obelkevich credits the people he has met over five decades of running for his continued participation. He met his wife, Lyn, in a chance encounter while running. He recalls greeting her as he passed, and the interaction led to a romantic relationship.

His consistent record survived a blood clot in his leg in 2020. Obelkevich posted his personal best time of two hours and 40 minutes in 1982. He does not expect to replicate that speed in his eighties. He advises new runners to focus on crossing the finish line rather than the clock.

Obelkevich notes that his current fitness level requires him to walk during the race. He describes his pacing strategy in Central Park, stating that walking is acceptable because many participants do the same. He believes anyone can start the race, but finishing requires a specific character trait.