When Dave Obelkevich first wandered onto the New York City Marathon course in 1973, he wasn’t a competitor—he didn’t even have a bib.
At 30, he simply thought it would be “fun to be a part of” after watching the race on television the year before.
Little did he know, that spontaneous decision would spark a remarkable journey spanning over five decades.
Fast forward to 2025, and Obelkevich, now 82, is preparing to tackle the course for the 50th time.
His first unofficial six-mile loop in Central Park left a lasting impression, and it was just the beginning of a historic streak.
The Official Beginning
Obelkevich officially entered the marathon in 1974, finishing the 26.2 miles in 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 27 seconds, placing 221st out of 259 runners.
The following year, dizziness and exhaustion forced him to take multiple breaks, and he ultimately accepted a ride to the finish line from race director Fred Lebow.
Obelkevich laughs about it now, blaming Lebow for not pushing him to finish the last three miles.
Redemption came in 1976, the first year the race spanned all five boroughs.
He completed the marathon in 3 hours, 22 minutes, and 44 seconds—and that race would become the cornerstone of an extraordinary legacy.
A Record-Breaking Streak
This Sunday, Obelkevich will step onto the course for the 50th time, marking his 49th official entry and 48th consecutive marathon—making it the longest streak in the 55-year history of the race. For him, quitting has never been an option.
“Running a marathon is part of my DNA,” he says. “If I stop, people are going to wonder why. So, as long as I can, I’m going to keep doing it.”
His friends, including Tucker Andersen, who once ran alongside him for decades, have always admired and supported the streak.
Triumphs, Setbacks, and Perseverance
Obelkevich’s journey hasn’t been without challenges.
From denied applications in the 1990s to a leg aneurysm in 2020, he has faced obstacles that might have ended lesser runners’ streaks.
But timing, luck, and persistence have always helped him keep going.
He also treasures the camaraderie and competition along the way.
Tucker Andersen, his longtime running partner, still holds the second-highest number of completed NYC Marathons for male runners, tied with another competitor and just two behind Obelkevich.
A Life Devoted to Running
Obelkevich first laced up his running shoes in high school, competing in the 100-yard dash near his hometown of Johnson City, New York.
He jokes about his early attempts: “I didn’t come in last, I came in next to last. I’d rather run 100 miles than 100 yards.”
Over the decades, he’s run 1,257.6 miles just in the New York City Marathon alone and logs 30 to 50 miles a week to stay in peak condition.
He’s completed the Boston Marathon multiple times and has tackled the South Africa Comrades Ultramarathon, covering 54.6 miles in 11 events.
Signature Style and Marathon Memories
Though he won’t be wearing his iconic South African flag shorts this year, Obelkevich will sport his trademark shirt and bright Fifth Avenue Mile shorts.
Over his lifetime, he has finished 115 marathons and more than 200 races longer than a marathon.
With his 49th official race on the horizon, Obelkevich remains as determined as ever: “It won’t be my last, it will be my last one until the next one!” His dedication, resilience, and passion have made him a true legend of the New York City Marathon