Dave Obelkevich to Run 50th New York City Marathon
The 83-year-old athlete will compete in the 26.2-mile race on November 1, 2026, marking his 50th finish.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Running
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Dave Obelkevich is set to reach a historic milestone by running his 50th New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. At 83 years old, Obelkevich holds the record for the most finishes of the five-borough race.
Why it matters
Obelkevich maintains his active streak to support his cognitive and physical well-being, viewing the event as a vital anchor in his life. His participation serves as a testament to lifelong fitness, especially as one of fewer than 100 marathon participants aged 80 or older in 2026.
Obelkevich has completed 115 career marathons and 200 ultramarathons, including a personal best time of 2 hours and 40 minutes set in 1982. He will navigate the 26.2-mile course alongside roughly 50,000 total participants.
The players
Dave Obelkevich
He is an 83-year-old runner who holds the record for the most finishes of the New York City Marathon.
Maria T. Finch
She has served as the marathon guide for Obelkevich for the past two years.
The details
Despite undergoing emergency surgery for a popliteal aneurysm in 2020, Obelkevich continues to compete by registering as an athlete with a disability. He utilizes a guide, Maria T. Finch, to assist him with balance issues throughout the race.
Timeline
1973: Obelkevich first ran in the New York City Marathon.
1976: Obelkevich began his continuous five-borough marathon streak.
1982: Obelkevich ran his fastest New York City Marathon.
2023: Obelkevich registered as an athlete with a disability.
November 1, 2026: Obelkevich will run his 50th New York City Marathon.
Season Trajectory
Obelkevich's upcoming run is a capstone for his historical franchise standing within the race's legacy. His continued participation preserves a unique continuity from the 1976 New York City Marathon five-borough race format that defines the modern event.
Obelkevich will navigate the 26.2-mile course with the assistance of his guide to manage balance concerns. His participation underscores the accessibility of the event for athletes registered with disabilities.
The takeaway
Obelkevich demonstrates that consistency is the key to maintaining a long-term commitment to physical health. His ability to adapt to health challenges by using a guide highlights the importance of seeking support to continue one's passions.
Further reading
Learn more about the local event history in the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Post.
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