United We Run

On November 4, 2001, the New York City Marathon took place less than eight weeks after the September 11 attacks devastated the city, the country, and the world.


This year, as New York Road Runners celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro New York City Marathon, "United We Run" tells the remarkable story of how the 2001 race took place at one of the darkest moments in New York City's history.

In the days after 9/11, New York City Marathon organizers and city, state, and federal officials faced an unprecedented question: Should one of the world's largest marathons move forward in a city still reeling from unimaginable loss?

Through the voices of race organizers, city officials, broadcast partners, athletes, first responders, and runners, "United We Run" explores the extraordinary planning, collaboration, and courage that were required to deliver an event that ultimately became a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.

No New York City Marathon—before or since—tested the spirit of NYC more than the 2001 race. The documentary takes viewers through the weeks between September 11 and November 4 as New York Road Runners staff and volunteers worked alongside its partners to prepare for a one-of-a-kind race.

Interwoven with behind-the-scenes stories are the experiences of a few of the more than 24,000 runners who would ultimately stand together on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge next to a banner reading "United We Run." Their stories reveal how the marathon became more than a race—it became a moment of collective healing and resilience for a city searching for hope.

Interview subjects include former NYRR President and CEO and New York City Marathon Race Director Mary Wittenberg; NYRR Board of Directors Chair Emeritus George Hirsch; NYRR Chief Event Production Officer & Race Director Ted Metellus; former Berlin Marathon Race Director Horst Milde, whose race donated the “United We Run” banner; 2001 top American New York City Marathon finisher Deena Kastor; 9/11 first responders; and more.