Photo above, taken in Tavern on the Green: Deena Kastor, American Record holder in the women's marathon, chats with her agent Ray Flynn in the media room on race day. The 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist signed autographs at the Expo, and her foot has recently been given a clean bill of health. Learn the latest from Deena by reading her blog at DeenaKastor.com

Jim Hage, a two-time Marine Corps Marathon champion (1988, 1989) with a law degree, has written a behind-the-scenes account, "Inside the New York City Marathon"


First photo below, taken after the race in the Mixed Zone: Josh Rohatinsky (26) is a member of the Alberto Salazar-coached Nike group of athletes in Portland, OR. His 2008 Olympic Trials debut in the marathon last November yielded a strong performance (2:15:22); he placed seventh (2:14:23, second American) in the 2008 ING New York City Marathon.

Second photo below, taken in Tavern on the Green: Nine-time female champion Grete Waitz of Norway, a school teacher, remains an active participant in NYRR programs that support youth running at the grass roots level. She was first recruited to race the marathon distance by Fred Lebow, co-founder of the New York City Marathon.

First photo below, taken in Central Park past mile 5 of the 2008 USA Olympic Team Trials-Men's Marathon course: American patriot Alexander Hamilton stands watch in a grove of apple and crabapples trees near East Park Drive behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His words are a fitting way to remember marathoner Ryan Shay, who did not cross the finish line in 2007: "There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism."

--Ryan Shay's shoe sponsor, Saucony, recently dedicated a bench in Central Park in Ryan's memory during a private ceremony. Read More
--Weldon & Robert Johnson have an extensive list of articles and photos on their Web site LetsRun.com related to the death of Ryan Shay in Central Park last November. Ryan's wife, Alicia, provided an incredible Photo Album for the running community.

Second photo below: Lidia Simon of Romania, who finished eighth (2:30:04) in this year's race, also finished eighth (2:37:39) in 1995 at age 22. She placed eighth (2:27:51) in the Beijing Olympic Women's Marathon in August. Lidia has placed in the top five in the past three Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile races; she won an Olympic silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Games marathon. She trains with Brendan Reilly's Boulder Wave group in Colorado, where Beijing Olympic Marathon gold medalist Constantina Dita lives.

First photo below, taken in Tavern on the Green: Larry Rawson, who provided the international broadcast commentary, does his homework. Here he learns the latest on Dire Tune's training from the 2008 Boston Marathon female champion's coach.

Second photo below: Katie McGregor of Team USA Minnesota ran the ING New York City Marathon in 2006, her marathon debut. This year Katie improved her time to 2:31:14 (tenth), and she appeared to be in good spirits during an interview in the Mixed Zone (past the finish line).

First photo below: Tom Waldron, Executive Vice President, ING, spoke briefly to the media. ING is not a drive-by sponsor of this prestigious race. Despite turbulence in financial markets, ING is confident of a continued collaborative partnership with NYRR. And Tom Waldron noted that his wife, an avid runner, advises the Wall Street community to get rid of stress by running. In 2003, ING (a financial services company) became the title sponsor of the New York City Marathon and joined with NYRR to initiate grassroots running and fitness programs among New York City's youth.

Second photo below, taken during the post-race press conference: 40-year-old Ludmila Petrova of Russia is an amazing athlete, and this year's female runner-up (2:23:56, a masters World Record). Ludmila is the 2000 New York City Marathon champion (2:25:45), and lost her husband, Sergei, in a 2005 car crash. She told journalists that her first experience with high altitude training was disappointing (2:29:00 in 2002). Ludmila consulted with other athletes on proper training methods in the mountains, and her second trip to high altitude led to this year's great performance. She spoke at the post-race press conference through her translator (right).

Photo below: Amby Burfoot (left), Runner's World magazine Editor At Large, and the 1968 Boston Marathon champion, conducts an interview with tenth place male (fourth American) Bolota Asmerom (2:16:37) in the Mixed Zone.

Read the ING New York City Marathon stories and view race results on NYRR.org

The media staff of NYRR deserve a big hug for the warm hospitality and cheerful atmosphere they provided amidst an enormous event.