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Brooklyn woman is millionth person to finish New York City Marathon

NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpiTodd Maisel/New York Daily News More than 50,000 runners start at the NYC Marathon out of Staten Island and over the Verrazano Bridge on Sunday morning.


She finished in 1,000,000th place.


Katherine Slingluff of Brooklyn crossed the 44th annual New York City Marathon finish line into the history books Sunday as the millionth person to complete the storied race.


The photographer and Alabama native scored guaranteed entry into the race for life and a shopping spree for marathon gear.


“That’s a nice treat, to be the millionth runner!” Slingluff, of Park Slope, told the Daily News. “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.”


The mother of two had hoped to finish in four hours, but she came in at 4:43:36. That’s more than two hours slower than Kenya’s Mary Keitany, who crossed the finish line in 2:25:07.


Slingluff said she opted to savor the race rather than push herself to maintain a 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!”


After the long day, she was ready to hit the hay.


“I just got out of a hot bath, which I’ve been thinking about since 6:45 this morning,” she said. “I think I’m going to sleep well tonight.”

NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpiAndrew Savulich/New York Daily News Wilson Kipsang of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the New York City Marathon on Sunday.


Slingluff was among roughly 50,000-plus competitors who attempted the 26.2-mile route from Staten Island to Central Park.


Wilson Kipsang of Kenya won the men’s race with a thrilling show of dominance in the final stretch. He finished in 2:10:59.


The Kenyans’ triumphs came on a sunny, chilly day with winds hovering around 25 mph. Gusts were as high as 50 mph.


The blustery weather didn’t deter the thousands of spectators who, per tradition, brought food, drinks, signs and loads of encouragement for the runners.


Spectators lined Lafayette Ave. in Fort Greene for one of Brooklyn’s best marathon viewpoints between miles 8 and 9.


“The energy is incredible,” said Mark Wickens, a 33-year-old photographer who shot pictures for his portfolio.

NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpi Marcus Santos/new york daily news Wilson Kipsang, making his New York City Marathon debut, won in 2:10:59. Enlarge
Mary Keitany finished first for the women. Marcus Santos/new york daily news


Mary Keitany finished first for the women.

Enlarge


Celebrities were also among the runners.


“It was amazing. I kept saying, ‘This is awesome.’ After 15 kilometers, I said, ‘I got to do another one,’ ” tennis star Caroline Wozniacki said, adding that she changed her tune once she crossed the 20-mile mark.


“I’m never doing another one again,” she joked. “I saw the finish line. I sprinted with all the strength I had left.”

NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpiAndrew Savulich/New York Daily News Tennis champ Caroline Wozniacki said the race was tougher than her most grueling matches.


Cops were everywhere along the route.


Carol Schoen, 56, and her husband Werner Schoen, 56, said they felt safe while cheering their 28-year-old son, Kevin.


“He could not sleep last night,” Schoen said of her son.


“He’s already a winner for us. If you run the marathon, you already won.” 

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