Fred Lebow

Forget about all the doctors, lawyers, professional overachievers and millions of marketing dollars that make it easy to think that running isn't punk. There was a time when the only people who hit the pavement for exercise were boxers, who called it "roadwork." Beyond that, there were little pockets of nutjobs here and there who knew they were on to something good.

One such pocket was a small group who ran in NYC in the late 60's.
If the Sex Pistols' legendary first show in Manchester can be pinpointed as the cradle of punk rock music, this crew of weirdos can be credited for birthing the punk rock running scene.

Of these, there was one dude named Fred Lebow. A Transylvanian Jewish immigrant born Fischel Lebowitz, Fred wanted to get the word out, and turn people on to running. So he fought long and hard, battling city officials at every level until finally he got this little project called The New York City Marathon off the ground. Oh, and in the process, he helped launch a worldwide movement that to this day attracts doctors, lawyers, professional overachievers and millions of marketing dollars.
If that's not punk, I don't know what is.

NYC Hardcore

Yesterday's NYC Marathon was beautiful.
Unfortunately Supervictory's travel budget didn't allow for on-the-scene coverage, but hopefully we'll be there next year.

Sweaty mesh hats off to British badass Paula Radcliffe for going out strong and dominating the race the whole way through for her 3rd NYC victory.

And can I get a "hell yeah" for Brazilian Marilson Gomes dos Santos for running a smart strategic race and going in for the kill in the final mile.

And lastly, much respect to every last runner and wheelchair competitor who filled out the roughly 39,000 strong crowd.
Each and every one of you rocks.