Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. HOMEPAGE

One of the last people to finish the New York City Marathon has an amazing story

New York City Marathon
Runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows bridge at the beginning of the race. Mike Stobe/Getty Images Sport

After a spinal surgery in September left her suffering from opiate withdrawal and "suicidal thoughts," Saskia van Waaijenburg focused on completing the New York City Marathon to help her recover. 

Advertisement

This weekend, a little over a month after her surgery, van Waaijenburg achieved her goal, as one of the final people to cross the finish line in the 2015 New York City Marathon. 

Here's a video of her crossing the finish line with the help of a walker and some friends, well after the race officially ended at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. Even though the marathon was technically over, race staff was still there to cheer on the final finishers, including van Waaijenburg. Her boyfriend, who also ran the race, was there cheering too. 

"I am that woman in this videoand I want to say 'Thank you!' for all the support I received whilst completing this marathon. On the 26 September 2015, my world changed as I underwent spinal surgery. Coming out of surgery has been life changing. Prior, I had been in hospital for debilitating nerve pain. After surgery I stopped my pain medication as I no longer required it. I experienced opiate withdrawals in which I, a normally incredibly positive person, suffered suicidal thoughts. I had to be watched and cared for by my 80-year-old mother during the day and my boyfriend at night. There was total blackness in my mind during that time and when there were glimmers of me coming through the withdrawals, I focussed on the marathon entry I already had. Completing a marathon has been on my bucket list for some time and I wanted that to be the greatest marathon - New York. I had permission from all the health agencies that have been there throughout my recovery. I know it wasn't a record, but I would never do that even without surgery. Life is about making the most of what you've got, and 'I got this!' I wanted my students to realize there is no reason not to try. Thank you to all who cheered me, and all the other participants on this course. Those cheers and words of encouragement are more helpful than you might realise. People of Brooklyn, your energy helped propel me further! A special 'thank you from the bottom of my heart' goes to Milly and Mr. Marbles and Ana and Percy. Without your support towards the final stretch, when I was facing feelings of isolation, I couldn't have done it. I truly believe you are angels who came at a time when I most needed angels. To the organisers and the volunteers, thank you for everything throughout the day and being there to support me at the end. Finally, to my boyfriend who was there right at the end and who waited over four hours at the end after running his own race, thank you for believing in me." --Saskia #tcsnycmarathon

A video posted by TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) on Nov 2, 2015 at 12:31pm PST

The video included a caption from van Waaijenburg, which explained her difficult journey to get to the finish line. 

Here's a portion of her emotional story. You can read it in full here

Advertisement

On the 26 September 2015, my world changed as I underwent spinal surgery. Coming out of surgery has been life changing. Prior, I had been in hospital for debilitating nerve pain. After surgery I stopped my pain medication as I no longer required it. I experienced opiate withdrawals in which I, a normally incredibly positive person, suffered suicidal thoughts. I had to be watched and cared for by my 80-year-old mother during the day and my boyfriend at night.

There was total blackness in my mind during that time and when there were glimmers of me coming through the withdrawals, I focused on the marathon entry I already had.

Completing a marathon has been on my bucket list for some time and I wanted that to be the greatest marathon - New York. I had permission from all the health agencies that have been there throughout my recovery. I know it wasn't a record, but I would never do that even without surgery. Life is about making the most of what you've got, and 'I got this!' I wanted my students to realize there is no reason not to try.

@peter_ciaccia and @mcapiraso with one of our last #TCSNYCMarathon finishers!!! You're amazing, congrats!

A photo posted by TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) on Nov 1, 2015 at 6:51pm PST

 The video of van Waaijenburg's finish was also shared on the TCS New York City Marathon Facebook page.

"We stopped and cheered for her in Brooklyn," wrote one commenter. "I've been thinking of her all day and was hoping she'd finish!!! YAY!"

Advertisement

There were also many comments from people who had suffered similar injuries or other setbacks, but were inspired by van Waaijenburg's determination. 

"You are amazing ... I also recently had a motorcycle accident and have been on pain meds and going to PT," wrote another commenter. "But seeing your story, you crossing the finish line. It gave me that spark back." 

Completing the course in just 2:24:25, Mary Keitany of Kenya was the pro women's winner at Sunday's race.

But hours later, van Waaijenburg's incredible finish proved that, for her, the New York City Marathon was about more than just speed. 

Advertisement

For her, it was about "making the most of what you've got." 

Digital Culture
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

Jump to

  1. Main content
  2. Search
  3. Account