Latest news with #NewYorkCityMarathon
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Blind mountaineer's tales intrigue Garland Ladies
Shrouded in darkness, a formation of eight men climbed the face of Kilimanjaro. Second from the front, Gerhard Ferreira walked with great effort, willing his body to take the last strides to the top of Africa's highest peak. Gathered in the Katse Room at Ebotse on May 29, members and guests of the Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club listened in awe as Gerhard, a blind mountaineer from Lakefield, recounted his 54-year-long journey that led him to stand on top of the world on August 4, 2001. At the age of 16, Gerhard's world went dark when a degenerative condition claimed his vision. Starting from humble beginnings, the father of two's career includes countless accolades, such as becoming one of the country's first programmers. He went on to become manager of quality management and coaching at Standard Bank's Corporate and Investment Bank. Despite being visually impaired, his vigour and lust for life have taken him on a series of whirlwind adventures. ALSO READ: Mountaineer Eva ready for Annapurna adventure Under the guidance of his running partner and lifelong friend, Denis Tavakin, Gerhard has won two bronze medals at the Comrades Ultra-Marathon, two bronze medals at the Two Oceans Marathon, and two silver medals at the New York City Marathon. 'Whether it is bungee jumping or battling rapids, there is very little that scares me,' he said, with a hint of his wicked wit tugging at the corners of his mouth. 'Perhaps it is my die-hard approach to life or merely the fact that I cannot see the dangers or challenges before me that have pushed me beyond my comfort zone.' Zeroing in on his trek to become one of the first three South Africans to reach Uhuru Peak, at an elevation of 5 895 m, Gerhard said that the climb was not only a physical challenge due to extreme conditions but also tested every inch of his will. 'Uhuru means freedom in Swahili,' he said. 'Freedom of movement and the ability to grow beyond physical limitations were something that I had to quickly adapt to if I wanted to live a life of independence. Navigating through life in darkness became second nature. 'However, trudging through dense vegetation, covered in mud, and steadily making my way up a mountain that stretched beyond the clouds were the moments that cemented my will to live without limitations.' Detailing his adventure, Gerhard told the Garlands how the most encouraging words during the climb came from his patient guides, who routinely told him, 'It's not too far.' 'As humans, we are so fixated on our goals that we grow impatient when it takes a little longer to see the results,' he said. 'This could lead to despondency and frustration, but if my journey has taught me anything, it is to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. 'Every step inches you forward. Take the time to examine the end destination and take stock of how far you have come, but do not linger there. 'Again, focus on every step, and before you know it, 'it is not too far,' becomes 'lift your hands, you have made it to the top.' The Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club will meet again on June 26. For more information about the club and its monthly meetings or to become a member, email club president Margie Kostelac at margie.h@ ALSO READ: Climbing the mountain of life with courage At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Today show co-host Sheinelle Jones' husband Uche Ojeh dies after battle with aggressive brain cancer
Uche Ojeh, husband of Today show co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 45. The news was shared on air by Jones' colleagues Friday morning, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Savannah Guthrie, visibly emotional, informed viewers, "Uche Ojeh has passed away after a courageous fight against glioblastoma. There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and her three children." Al Roker, NBC's veteran weather anchor and co-host of Today, reflected on Ojeh's character, describing him as "wickedly funny" and "humble." Craig Melvin, a co-anchor on Today's third hour, remembered Ojeh for his devotion to his family, particularly his love for his children. Jones, 47, has been absent from the Today show since December 2024 due to family health matters, a situation she had previously described on social media as "serious." She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from both her Today family and fans during this difficult time. Jones and Ojeh's relationship began in the late 1990s when they met at Northwestern University. They married in 2007 and had three children: Kayin, 15, and twins Clara and Uche, 12. Friends and family recall Ojeh as a devoted husband and father, proud of his Nigerian heritage, and a passionate soccer player and church choir member. "Uche loved his children more than anything else," said Melvin. "He was at every soccer game, recital, and concert." The couple's partnership was defined by mutual support, with both cheering each other on in personal achievements, such as Sheinelle's New York City Marathon and Uche's triathlon completion. Ojeh's passing leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him, as he was remembered for his warmth, humor, and love for his family.
NBC News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Uche Ojeh, Sheinelle Jones' husband of 17 Years, has died of brain cancer
Uche Ojeh, Sheinelle Jones' husband of 17 years, has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 45. 'With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and 'TODAY' co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,' Savannah Guthrie said on 'TODAY' on Friday. 'There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle's perfect partner in life.' Jones and Ojeh's love story began at Northwestern University in the late 1990s, when Jones, then an 18-year-old freshman, offered to show a visiting high-school senior around the campus near Chicago. They were together for eight years before Ojeh proposed on that same campus of their alma mater. They married in September 2007 in Philadelphia, Jones' hometown, and welcomed their oldest son, Kayin, in August 2009. Their twins, son Uche and daughter Clara, came three years later in July 2012. For Ojeh, family, friends and his deep sense of faith were his guiding forces. He was devoted to his Nigerian heritage, instilling in their children a deep connection to their cultural roots. He was an enthusiastic soccer player and sang in the church choir. The essence of their partnership was captured in small gestures and loving celebrations of victories, big and small. Two years ago, when Jones ran the New York City Marathon for the first time, Ojeh was there at the finish line to shower her with pride. Jones showed that same support and spirit when he completed a triathlon just a few weeks before. The "TODAY" family is honoring the life of Uche, a devoted husband, loving father and a man whose bright spirit touched everyone who knew him.
Axios
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Axios
Bolder Boulder race turns 45
More than 40,000 runners, joggers and walkers are expected to cross the finish line Monday at Folsom Field for the annual Bolder Boulder 10K race. Why it matters: Now in its 45th year, the Memorial Day tradition is one of the largest road races in the nation and a major economic driver. State of play: The 2024 race ranked as the fourth largest running event in the country, according to Running USA, a trade organization. The 41,491 finishers represented a nearly 20% increase from the prior year. Only the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon and Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta are larger. What they're saying:"It's one of the most special races you can be a part of for any pro athlete," said Drew Hunter, a professional runner on Team USA, in an interview with Denver 7. "Finishing in a stadium with 50,000 people is pretty incredible, especially for us track athletes." By the numbers: Visit Boulder, the city's booster, estimates last year's race generated $23 million in direct and indirect economic impacts. Approximately 87,000 people attended the race and roughly 24,000 stayed overnight in the area, spending millions at local restaurants and retail shops.
Time Magazine
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
William C. Rudin
For William C. Rudin, philanthropy is both a family tradition and a New York story. As co-executive chairman of the real estate development firm that his grandfather founded, Rudin is the third generation to lead the family business as well as contribute to the family's long history of donations to improve life in the Big Apple, focusing on areas including health, education, social services and the arts. Now, his two children, who succeeded him as CEO in 2023, and other fourth-generation Rudins are stepping up. 'My dad and grandfather always talked about the philosophy of giving back to New York City, and now it's being paid forward in the next generation,' Rudin says. Various members of the Rudin family manage individual foundations as well as donor-advised funds, where they direct their giving to hundreds of large and small New York City nonprofits. Bill Rudin also sits on several boards, including the Association for a Better New York (co-founded by his father), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Battery Conservancy, a 25-acre public park at the southern tip of Manhattan. This fall, one of the family's longest giving traditions will enter its forty-ninth year: the New York City Marathon. 'We are the longest continuing sponsor of the marathon,' says Rudin. 'People come from all over the world, and it really puts a shine on New York City.'
