Connie Brown: Going for Number 42

Connie Brown has run the New York City Marathon 41 years in a row. That gives her the longest "streak" of any woman in the race’s history. And if you think a pandemic and the recalibration of this year’s race as a virtual event is going to stop her from completing number 42, then you don’t know Connie Brown.

“Use it or lose it” is Connie's motto. She didn't think twice about signing up for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon—in fact, anticipating the cancellation of the in-person race, she decided over the summer that she'd train for and run the marathon distance on November 1. As she does every year, Connie will do six long training runs—two 18-milers, two 20-milers, and two 22-milers.

"It is something that is so much a part of me," said Connie, who's 76. "When you are a streaker, it is just something you do the first Sunday in November."

Connie grew up in Carmel, NY, and was a high school athlete. Now a resident of Sarasota, FL, she is a real estate agent who’s known as “the lady who runs New York City Marathons.” She’s run it every year since 1978. She and fellow streakers kick off marathon weekend at an annual gathering at Tavern on the Green; she’s pictured above at the 2017 event wearing her 1979 vintage race shirt.

She'll miss reuniting with fellow streakers this year, but she's excited that she'll be able to share her marathon with local friends. She and her husband, 86-year-old decorated masters runner Matt Brown, have mapped out a route in the shape of a flower. "I have friends who have agreed to do at least one petal with me," Connie said. Matt will be on hand with fuel, drinks, and clothing options in the center of the flower, where there's also a bathroom. She's pictured below training near her planned route. 

"It will not be anything like the real New York City Marathon, but it will be done in honor of New York and all the wonderful staff and volunteers that make it such an Incredibly amazing event each year," she said.

The pandemic has been difficult for Connie—her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren are all first responders and she hasn't seen any of them in months. She is upbeat, however, about running the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon and keeping her streak alive.

"Consistently running has been something that has helped me deal with all the other changes," she said. The virtual marathon "has made me feel like I'm not alone out there."

Note: Streakers and 15+ Marathoners will not receive credit for the canceled 2020 TCS New York City Marathon, but their streak will remain intact.