Together, we made it an unforgettable experience.Wytse van der Wal, NYC Marathon Finisher
The Challenge
The road to the marathon was challenging. Months of training demanded a lot of my time, discipline, and energy. Yet, I kept reminding myself of my purpose: to cross the iconic finish line in Central Park and contribute to a cause that truly makes an impact. Just when I thought I could push myself to run even faster, I suffered an injury and had to rest for 12 weeks. During that time, I focused on training other aspects of my fitness, allowing me to quickly resume my training once I recovered. The final eight weeks leading up to the marathon were all about focus. My mindset was simple: “If it helps with the marathon, I’ll do it. If not, I’ll leave it.” During this period, I let go of many things to fully dedicate myself to my goal.
The elevation changes in New York are difficult to train for, as we don’t have comparable bridges here in the Netherlands. To prepare, I often trained on a treadmill set to a 3.5% to 4.5% incline at marathon pace. These sessions, sometimes lasting up to an hour, helped me tremendously but were also tough. Still, I reminded myself: the harder it is now, the easier it will be during the marathon.
The hardest part of running, for me, is managing energy levels. You often feel like you can run faster, but by the time you hit the 30-kilometer mark, you’re incredibly thankful you stuck to your plan. I believe that’s the key: staying consistent and sticking to your commitments. Pace, distance, rest, nutrition—you live like an amateur-professional runner (luckily, only temporarily). That’s how it feels, and it gives you extra energy and motivation to do your best.
Crossing the finish line with a time of 3:21:14 was indescribable. It felt like an adrenaline rush from start to finish, with the breathtaking course carrying me the entire way. Starting with Manhattan in the distance, knowing I had to run there, was a surreal realization. The route took us through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and finally Manhattan, each area with its own unique character, making the journey unforgettable—one I still replay in my mind.
I genuinely enjoyed the entire marathon without ever hitting a difficult moment. Even the elevation changes, which everyone warns about, didn’t faze me; I was able to maintain the same pace throughout. The feeling that everything you’ve worked for over the past months comes together in one seamless experience, and that you even exceed your goals, is truly incredible.
To share this moment with so many others, with supporters cheering you on along the course, made it even more special. You anticipate this day for so long, and then everything falls perfectly into place: clear blue skies, 14°C, and flawless execution of the race plan. I even surpassed my goal of 3:30, making the experience all the more unforgettable. And the best part: together with all the donations for the Monicares Foundation, we raised over €10,000. Absolutely amazing!
Wytse van der Wal wanted to do something meaningful for the Monicares Foundation. After inspiring conversations and hearing heartfelt stories, he decided to combine his athletic efforts with a special tribute in memory of the mother of a dear friend. Monica, with her big heart for children and her loving care, has held a lasting place in the Zwolle community since 2013 through the Monicares Foundation.
The Monicares Foundation, established by her husband Adri and son Dominique in collaboration with an amazing group of volunteers, supports families in Zwolle facing hardship due to cancer, a terminal illness affecting one of the children, or other immediate family members. Beyond the worry, fear, and grief, these families often face mounting expenses and reduced income.
The Monicares Foundation assists these families by covering expenses instead of providing direct donations. They do this by covering long-term costs for travel, groceries, recreation, or other essential needs when municipalities, insurers, or other agencies do not provide support. In this way, they aim to create a small sense of relief for families dealing with overwhelming challenges.
With a continuous sum of many small efforts, the Monicares Foundation makes a significant difference for children and families who desperately need it.
You can donate here: DONATE
I want to thank everyone for all the support and donations for this great cause. To the supporters along the route, my parents, family, friends, and everyone who followed digitally—your encouragement made a world of difference.
A special thanks to MCXess for their enthusiastic response to my request for sponsorship. I’m incredibly grateful to have had their name on my shirt. It made me feel like I wasn’t doing this alone, and that thought gave me extra energy to keep going. Together, we created an unforgettable experience. Thank you all!
Wytse van der Wal
