Marathoning has transformed from an elite activity, done only by the most passionate of amateurs, into a mass-participation event. A decade ago around 80,000 people entered the lottery for the chance to run the NYC marathon. This year over 200,000 did. As interest has grown, so too have mile times.

making his NYC Marathon debut. Also in the field are Evans Chebet, the 2022 champion, and Albert Korir, the winner in 2021. The female field is also strong, with 2023 champ Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi, who came in first in 2022, expected to challenge ...

Before he was Hal Wilkerson and Walter White, Bryan Cranston ran two respectable New York City Marathons. In 1985, at 29 years old, he ran a 3:20 and then slowed a little the following year with a 3:41. (We all start to slow down in our 30s, right?)