Justine Huang, 26, took a unique approach to the 2024 New York City Marathon: she ran it drunk. With roughly seven alcoholic drinks and countless snacks fueling her, Huang embraced a day of fun over speed, finishing in 5 hours and 36 minutes.
A seasoned runner, Huang had tackled the Chicago Marathon just weeks earlier with a personal best of 4:14. In New York, her goal was connection. Drinking with spectators and sharing the experience with her first-time marathon-running best friend made the day unforgettable.
Experts caution that alcohol during a marathon can hinder hydration and performance, but Huang balanced her fun with strategic water and Gatorade stops. “I met so many cool people on the run,” she told NPR, adding that she’d happily do it all again.
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