Each year I serve as the Co-Chaplain for the Religious Services start of the New York City Marathon.

I no longer run the race. (I ran NYC 12 times and completed 27 marathons in my running “career.”) Still, I return to Staten Island to be present at the start to to share God’s love, and to talk and pray with the runners who attend our services.

This morning I helped to officiate five different services. I miss the big race. It still holds a special place in my heart, but I am also glad to be able to inspire the runners before they embark on their own 26.2 mile journeys.

The following is my sermon from this year:

NYC Marathon Sermon 2026

Today is a glorious day, one of the best of the entire year, we are at the start of the greatest race and were are in the greatest city in the world. 

Today you are all about to embark on something wonderful and awe-inspiring and very special.

And to help you along the 26.2 mile trek, through five boroughs, over five bridges, and past millions of people, I am going to share some wisdom from the Book of Proverbs with you.

I will begin with an easy one that needs no explanation:

Proverbs 4:25 – “Look straight in front of you to see clearly where you are going.”

Next, Proverbs 14:23 says, “If you work hard, something good will come.”  In order to reach the finish in Central Park, and you all will, you’re going to have to work hard.  If a marathon was easy, everyone would run it.  Most people don’t or can’t and won’t.  You’re among the special people who do and will.  Something good is coming for each of you.

Let’s move on to Proverbs 15:30. “If someone smiles at you, it makes you happy.  Good news makes you feel strong.”  Today you will see many smiles.  When you need strength, look to the crowds, they will help you along.  They will remind you how very strong, and tough, each of you are.  Return their smiles with a smile of your own. 

Along the same lines, is this idea of appreciation and gratefulness.  This will also build you up as you cover the marathon course.  I’ll paraphrase from Proverbs 16:24, “Kind words bring health and strength.”  Encourage your fellow runners on the course – and also thank the many volunteers handing out water, Gatorade, Gu, and so much more.  When you give your appreciation, it makes you stronger. 

Every year I share a secret about my own running, one I used in each of my 27 marathons, and on every single run I run, I pray with every mile.  At each mile, I recite the Lord’s Prayer.  I say the words, and as I say them, I often feel God’s very presence lifting me along and helping me cover the miles. 

I also add in some words from Psalm 23, “Yea, as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me – thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” 

Although I believe I invented the idea of praying with each mile, I have found that this idea is also spelled out specifically in its own way in the Book of Proverbs. 

Proverb 15:8 states that God “is pleased when good people pray to him.”  Pray to him as you run.  Let God be part of your journey.  Share your race with the Lord both when you’re struggling and also when you feel great.  Give thanks for the joy you feel and this wonderful day that he has made. 

Also, Proverb 29:25 tells us, “If you trust in the Lord, he will keep you safe.” 

And he will. 

God is with us all, no matter where we go, and he will be with you today, but I believe he’ll be even a little closer to you if you welcome him as part of your race.

It’s a long race.  Remember “Wise people are patient.” (29:11)

Also, bask in the cheers because, Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let other people praise you.”

You deserve the cheers, the joy, the wonder, and the happiness that comes from today.

God Bless the New York City Marathon and

God Bless each of you!