Gorka Marquez Finishes New York City Marathon

The former Strictly Come Dancing pro completed his first marathon in 3:44:14 weeks after an ankle sprain.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Running

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez finished his first New York City Marathon in 3:44:14, three weeks after an ankle sprain. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Gorka Marquez ran the New York City Marathon for the first time, finishing in 3:44:14. The run came three weeks after he suffered an ankle sprain and shortly after he announced he would leave Strictly Come Dancing.

Why it matters

The result follows Marquez's April 2026 announcement that he was leaving the BBC show after a decade, marking a new public chapter for the dancer. His finish shows a completed endurance challenge despite a recent injury.

Marquez finished the New York City Marathon in 3:44:14, his first marathon, completed three weeks after an ankle sprain. Official placement and field comparison were not reported.

The players

Gorka Marquez

A professional dancer best known for his decade on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing, where he partnered many celebrities.

The details

Marquez ran the New York City Marathon and shared his results and photos on social media. He said it was time to hang up his dance shoes as he left Strictly Come Dancing after joining the show in 2016 and partnering celebrities including Tameka Empson, Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton.

2016: Marquez joins Strictly Come Dancing.
End of April 2026: Marquez announces he will leave the show.
Last weekend before November 4, 2026: Marquez runs the New York City Marathon.
September 2026: Strictly 2026 series is scheduled to begin without him.

Season Trajectory

Marquez's marathon follows a recurring pattern in which Strictly Come Dancing alumni pursue high-profile personal challenges after leaving the show. The 2026 exits of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas suggest a broader turnover in the cast.

Marquez's departure from Strictly leaves an open dancer spot on the 2026 series, which is scheduled to begin in September. Fans following his race can track his future public appearances through the show's coverage.

The takeaway

Completing a marathon weeks after an injury shows that a planned training timeline can absorb setbacks. Readers training for a first race can take the same lesson: rest injuries early and build back gradually before race day.