Local runner bound for storm-ravaged NYC
It's not the way Joanne Van Bibber-Widrig had imagined it playing out.
It's not the way Joanne Van Bibber-Widrig had imagined it playing out.
For over a decade, the Yukoner has had her sights set on running the New York Marathon. She will finally get her chance this Sunday.
On her third attempt to register for the race, she got in, and has been looking forward to running her 53rd marathon in 14 years for some time.
That was prior to Hurricane Sandy sweeping through the metropolis, wreaking havoc that included a shutdown of the city's subway system.
"The New York Marathon has been on my radar for 11 years 鈥� when they had the big terrorist attack,鈥� Van Bibber-Widrig told the Star Thursday from the Vancouver airport.
After two attempts of applying through the lottery system, the 55-year-old bought a package through the Running Room, reserving her spot through the tour company.
"Right now I'm of two minds,鈥� she admitted. "One is that I'd rather not go because of the transportation chaos. I'm not looking forward to that part. On the other hand, I think that the marathon will be really good for the city 鈥� just for morale, and bringing in the money.鈥�
Van Bibber-Widrig is a well-known local runner, winning the Masters female division of the Mayo marathon and participating in popular runs such as the Victoria Marathon in B.C.
She and her husband Chris Widrig run Widrig Outfitters, a local horseback hunting outfitter company.
Despite Sandy's effect, the New York Marathon is expected to go on this Sunday as planned.
The 42.195-km run is one of the major marathons in the United States, attracting upwards of 40,000 runners annually.
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