The 42nd New York City Marathon is off and running with runners from around the world competing in the prestigious race through the Big Apple. Arizona Wildcat softball and media star Jennie Finch is among the runners. You can follow Finch as she makes her way through the course via the Twitter feed of her corporate sponsor here.
↵Finch is running less than five months after giving birth to a child and is running for charity. She partnered with Timex who pledged $1 dollar to the New York Road Runners' youth programs for each person she passes. She's starting behind 45,000 other runners in the field.
↵Jennie explained her motivation and approach to the New York marathon on this interview:
↵↵↵Softball star Jennie Finch pre ING New York City Marathon interview - National Running | Examiner.com
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It’s my first marathon and I’m excited to be running for an incredible cause, the New York Road Runners' youth programs. Ultimately, I want to raise as much money as I can, but I’m going to try to enjoy it too. Of course, I’m an athlete and I’m competitive and I have a goal, but it’s a win win situation.
Finch has been described as the most famous softball player in history by Time Magazine and recently retired from the sport in 2010. Finch's career started in Arizona where she led the Wildcats where she set an NCAA record with 60 consecutive wins over the 2001 and 2002 seasons. She won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2004 and Silver in 2008.
↵For all the details about the 2011 New York City Marathon, visit SB Nation New York.