In the heart of Central Park, located at 90th Street and 5th Avenue, stands a life-sized bronze statue that holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and runners worldwide. This is the statue of Fred Lebow, the co-founder of the New York City Marathon and former president of the New York Road Runners Club (NYRRC). Created by sculptor Jesus Ygnacio Dominguez, the statue captures Lebow in his signature running suit and hat, checking his watch as if timing runners as they cross the finish line.
The Fred Lebow statue, also known as "Forever at the Finish Line," is not just a tribute to the man who revolutionized running in New York City but also a symbol of the marathon's enduring spirit. Every year on November 5th, the statue is temporarily moved from its usual spot to the finish line of the NYC Marathon to greet thousands of runners who cross the line, reflecting the enduring legacy of a man who transformed a simple race into one of the world’s most famous marathons.
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| The Fred Lebow Statue in Central Park Source: Flicker |
Fred Lebow: The Man Behind the Marathon
Born Fischel Lebowitz on June 3, 1932 in Arad, Romania, Fred Lebow lived through some of the most tumultuous times in modern history. As a young Jewish boy, he hid from the Nazis during World War II and later fled the Communist regime, traveling through various European countries before settling in the United States. Once in New York City, Lebow made a successful career in the garment industry before discovering his true passion: running.
Lebow initially took up running to improve his stamina for tennis, but soon realized that running was his true calling. His passion for the sport led him to co-found the first New York City Marathon in 1970, which at the time was a small event held entirely in Central Park with only 127 participants. Using his own money, Lebow personally purchased prizes for the top ten runners.
However, his vision for the marathon extended far beyond Central Park. In 1976, he orchestrated a transformation that would put the race on the world map, rerouting the marathon to pass through all five boroughs of New York City. The race quickly grew in size and reputation, eventually attracting more than 30,000 participants each year and gaining support from major corporate sponsors.
A Visionary for All Runners
Lebow had a groundbreaking vision for the NYC Marathon—he wanted it to be inclusive, open to everyone regardless of their gender, race, or ability. In his eyes, the marathon was a race where anyone could achieve their own personal victory, whether by winning, setting a personal best, or simply crossing the finish line. His commitment to this vision helped make the NYC Marathon one of the most prestigious running events in the world.
During his tenure as president of the New York Road Runners Club from 1972 to 1993, Lebow introduced numerous programs and initiatives that popularized running as a sport in New York. Under his leadership, the NYRRC grew into the largest running club in the world, providing a safe and supportive environment for runners of all levels.
A Life Cut Short But Well-Lived
In 1990, Fred Lebow was diagnosed with brain cancer. Yet, even in the face of this devastating illness, he continued to inspire the running community. In 1992, during a temporary remission, Lebow ran his final marathon alongside legendary marathoner Grete Waitz in celebration of his 60th birthday. Sadly, Lebow passed away two years later on October 9, 1994, but his impact on the world of running remains indelible.
The Creation of the Fred Lebow Statue
To honor Fred Lebow’s contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy, Daniel Mitrovich formed the New York City Marathon Tribute Committee and commissioned the creation of the Fred Lebow statue. The statue was unveiled on November 4, 1994, at the marathon's finish line on West Drive at 67th Street in Central Park. The ceremony was a celebration of Lebow’s life and achievements, attended by his family, friends, 23 former NYC Marathon winners, and hundreds of running enthusiasts.
In 2001, the statue was permanently reinstalled at its current location on a black granite pedestal at 90th Street and the East Drive in Central Park, where runners gather daily to train and pay homage to Lebow. However, each year, the statue is temporarily relocated to a position near the marathon finish line, allowing Lebow to symbolically oversee the race he helped build, forever at the finish line.
The Legacy of Fred Lebow
The Fred Lebow statue serves as a lasting reminder of a man whose love for running transformed New York City and inspired runners around the globe. His vision of inclusivity in the sport of running is reflected in the NYC Marathon’s continued popularity, which now attracts over 50,000 participants from all walks of life, each pursuing their own personal goals.
Lebow’s legacy is not just tied to the race but also to the broader running culture he cultivated in New York. Thanks to his leadership, the NYRR remains a vibrant organization, and Central Park continues to be a haven for runners year-round. The annual pilgrimage of the statue to the marathon finish line stands as a tribute to Lebow’s enduring spirit and the boundless energy he gave to the sport he loved.
