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Montero, 77, was one of 127 runners who finished the first race in 1970. He has run almost every year since. These days, it is the only marathon he still runs. While he understands and agrees with the decision, he also wonders if it might be his last one.
“I was surprised,’’ Montero said. “I trained very hard and it was all for nothing. I’m one year older, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it next year.”
Motnero has run the race 29 times, and has not missed it since 2004. He finished fourth in his age group each of the past two years, finishing in less than five hours. In the first race, he finished in just more than four hours. He has finished the race in less than four hours 13 times.
“I’ve run marathons in a lot of tough conditions before,’’ Montero said. “I finished the Boston Marathon when it was near 100 degrees, I ran one in Connecticut in the snow. But when I saw what happened in Brooklyn and Staten Island, and the people with no food and water, I knew it was the right decision. We would’ve had to pass through some of those neighborhoods. I don't think that would've been right.”
Montero said well-wishers contacted him last week before the race was canceled. He also was planning to run the race with his son for the first time. For most runners, it’s not a terrible ordeal to wait until next year. Montero hopes he can get there, too.
“I’m going to start my training after a little break,’’ Montero said. “I feel all right, but you never know how much you have left. Maybe my tires will be worn out by then.”
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