Student marathoner gets training help from Utica campus

When SUNY Poly graduate student Irwin Ramirez took off from the starting line on November 2, 2014, it was his first time taking part in the New York City Marathon.

Although Ramirez, who’s pursuing a master’s in computer and information science, has been a runner since early adolescence, this was different than anything that came before. The New York City Marathon is a roughly 26 mile course, running through the five boroughs of New York City, and the largest marathon in the world. Taking on such a monumental challenge took lots of preparation, dedication, and some help from SUNY Poly’s Utica campus community.

Ramirez and event volunteers at the finish line

Running started out as a hobby Ramirez enjoyed in his youth, but as his vision deteriorated he became less capable of running independently. Enter Achilles International – a running club with members and chapters in more than 65 locations in the U.S. and abroad that helps pair guides with walkers or runners.

“Achilles has enabled me to continue enjoying my favorite sport, which is running,” Ramirez says. “It is inspiring to also see others with different limitations be able to still participate in mainstream athletics. Moreover, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some very nice people.”

No longer possessing peripheral vision, Ramirez has relied on guides running next to him, holding a tether so that he can feel in which direction he should run.

So when it came time to train, he needed a helping hand. Reaching out to faculty, staff and students in fall 2014, Ramirez found volunteers willing to step up to the task and put feet to pavement with him as he prepared for this lofty challenge. Running three days a week and on weekends, Ramirez and his helpful fellow runners ran the gamut of the Utica campus, conditioning his body and mind for the entirety of the New York City Marathon.

“I ran in the cross country track outside and inside the Field House. It was a little challenging to run around campus since there are a couple of hills, but it was a perfect training ground to get me prepared for the marathon.”

Ramirez hopes that his achievement—he finished the race with a time of 05:01:24—will not only inspire others to push beyond the challenges on the way to their goals, but remind people never to take anything they have or can do for granted.

“I believe that people should appreciate what they have and not take anything for granted. We all have challenges and obstacles in life but if you are willing to prove yourself and your capabilities, you can achieve your goals. I also believe being healthy is important as is being involved in activities that provide you with a more fulfilling life.”