On the first Sunday in November, Barnard students will compete in the iconic New York City Marathon — a course that spans all five boroughs and features over 60,000 runners, 2.5 million spectators, and deafening cheers at the finish line in Central Park.
For all runners, the marathon is an emotional feat of endurance, athleticism, and mental toughness. But for the Barnard students who run, there is special significance. The course is their backyard, and the spectators are their neighbors and friends, not to mention the achievement of training for a marathon while studying for midterms.
We caught up with three runners ahead of the race to learn more about what it means to be a Barnard student and NYC Marathon participant.
Isabella Romagnoli ’29
Economics Major
What has this semester looked like, between marathon training and academic life?
I’m a transfer student, so this is my first semester at Barnard. It’s been hectic with the transition of starting a new school and being in peak training around midterm season. But I wanted to run it because I’m a New Yorker and this is the quintessential thing to do.
Overall, it’s taught me how to time-manage, and it’s showed me all of the resources that are available to me, like the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being. I run four days a week, and then I’m at the Fitness Center strength training a few other days.
Most runners do a final “long run” a few weeks before the race. What did yours look like?
On “Peak Week,” I ran 22 miles — starting here [at Barnard], then running down to FiDi, across the Brooklyn Bridge, through Queens into Long Island City, over the Queensboro Bridge, and then back up to campus.
How does it feel to be running the marathon in New York City?
I’m really looking forward to finishing in Central Park. That’s such a New York moment. And so many people here are coming to support me. I know a few of the other Barnard girls running, and I’m so excited to take the Staten Island Ferry with them, and to start the race together.
Margaux Vasilescu ’28
Computer Science and Philosophy Double Major
What made you want to run the New York City Marathon?
This will be my first marathon. At the end of high school, I started getting into running as a fun side activity, and then it snowballed. I ran my first half-marathon last year and absolutely loved it. I was able to get a spot with the New York Road Runners Team for Kids [a nonprofit supporting youth and community programs in New York City]. So, in addition to my marathon journey, I’ve fundraised $4,000.
What part of the race are you most looking forward to?
I grew up in Midtown East, right below the Queensboro Bridge. That was the spot my family and I would go to first when we watched the marathon, before we’d drift toward Central Park. It’s one of the best things about the race. It’s considered where the mental battle begins because your body starts to lose its energy, around mile 15. You’re coming off of two miles of pure silence. Then you start to hear the roar of First Avenue. I know my parents are going to be there. It’s going to be a goosebumps moment.
How have you balanced training with schoolwork?
It’s been a long training process — 21 weeks. But I feel very ready for it. I feel confident. Around the start of the semester, I was working up to my longest run, a 20-miler. It’s been a lot of discipline and preparation, and it’s changed my perspective on how to approach bigger goals — starting small, keeping the purpose of why you’re doing this true at heart. And there’s been such a sense of support here with the Columbia University and Barnard communities.
Kate Matthews ’28
Physics Major
When did you start thinking about running the marathon?
This is my second marathon. I ran the Philadelphia Marathon last fall, where I grew up. There will never be a perfect time, but this feels like the right time to run [the New York City Marathon], while I’m at Barnard. I have friends who will be able to come cheer and support, which is so nice. I’m part of the Columbia Road Runners club, which has really helped. I’ve had people to run with, and it’s a huge part of why I did the Philadelphia Marathon last year. Some people in the club had done it, and it put the idea into my mind.
Do you have a favorite training route?
[To enter the marathon], I fundraised for the Central Park Conservancy, which felt so good because that’s where I do so much of my running. I just love running in New York City. Most often, I’m doing Riverside Drive to the West Side Highway. Running at home, I need music, I need something to motivate me. Here, I can just enjoy it.
To you, what would be a successful race?
I would like to improve from the Philadelphia Marathon, which I ran in 4 hours and 19 minutes. And I’m excited to be able to say that I’ve run through all five boroughs. I mostly want to try to enjoy it. It’s so hard to spot people while running, so I want to be able to see everyone who’s come to support me.