On October 15, 2011 Richard Brodsky, age 59, ran his fastest marathon at the ING Hartford Marathon since being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer back in 2002. His time was 04:27:16 (the actual gun time, not the net time). On January 29, 2012 Brodsky beat his time again by finishing the ING Miami Marathon time in 04:27:02. On March 25, 2012, Brodsky, again ran his fastest marathon at the Ocean Drive Marathon starting in Cape May and ending in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. October 13, 2012, Brodsky ran a 4:05:44 marathon, beating his best post-cancer time for the 5th straight time. Says Brodsky, ’people can reverse their aging process, even those living with HIV and cancer.’
Finally on October 11, 2014, I ran a sub-4 hour marathon again. I finished the Hartford Marathon in a time of 3:59:56 at age 62. Could I qualify to run the Boston Marathon with my wife Jodi? I needed to run a 3:55:00 marathon. I did finish the July 24, 2016 Nova Scotia Marathon in a time of 3:53:30 at age 64 but there were too many fast runners that year so I did not qualify to run the Boston Marathon until a year later and a few paragraphs later on this page.
Says Brodsky, 'People can turn back their aging clock if they eat healthy, exercise, don't drink or smoke cigarettes, practice safe sex, and lead an upbeat lifestyle. Having a great support system including my loving, marathon-running wife Jodi; massage therapist Jerry Kelly, physical therapist Sari Levy, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Greenberg are largely responsible for my running and running faster. For anyone reading this, please encourage a friend or relative afflicted with cancer or HIV to start exercising and they, too, will begin to see the pitcher, not half empty, not half full, but overflowing. And to any politician reading this paragraph, people need affordable doctors and medicine so they can be there for their family.'
2006 - 2024 Marathons
HIVers & cancer survivors… we’re running marathons
…
I’m Richard Brodsky, the HIV-positive guy with brain cancer; and I’ll be running a marathon a month for as long as my legs, money and health hold out. Why am I running a marathon every month? I’ve been blessed that if I had to become HIV-positive, at least it happened in America where the AIDS medicine and medical care is accessible. It is my hope that society takes note of the absolute necessity that all AIDS sufferers are entitled to the lifesaving AIDS medicine and follow-up medical care. I’ve been further blessed by having a wife, Jodi, who has been so incredibly, loving and supportive that I had to write a book dedicated to her for keeping our family, loving and whole. Without Jodi, I would never have been able to continue being upbeat, and to share in the joyous times of family life, and even those times that were not so joyous.
Being HIV-positive had NOT taken away my energy as I ran my fastest marathon after I was diagnosed HIV-positive, 03:23 at age 46. What eventually slowed me down was a broken shoulder, age and brain cancer, probably in that order. Harvard and NYC doctors have confirmed that my cancer had nothing to do with my HIV. In fact, odd as this may seem, my T-cells now are 1,100, higher than they’ve ever been, so obviously running a marathon once a month agrees with my body. Sure the marathons are painful, there are no easy steps in the 65,000 mile +/- strides in a marathon, but at least I’m alive to feel the pain. I say to anyone who gives up on life because they are diagnosed with HIV or cancer, ‘yes, you’re right, your life is over.’ But dare to dream or visualize that YOU WILL be climbing that mountain or running that race; then surely your chance for not just surviving but thriving, will be a major component in your recovery.
I can no longer sit idle knowing that 12 people will die from AIDS in the two minutes it will take you to read this page. However, I’d like to think I can give people hope that just because they are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they can still live a rewarding, productive life. My advice: love and cherish your partner and family a lot more, pay a little more attention to a rainbow, because Someone up there has given you the chance to see that rainbow. AND remember, the 12 people who recently died from AIDS in the past two minutes will never see another rainbow.
So many people, including relatives and friends have questioned me as to why I have chosen to give up my career as an Architect to undertake such an uphill fight to help others? To them I say, "Sometimes in life there are no choices."
The Richard M. Brodsky Foundation, www.richardmbrodsky.org, a 501(c) 3 public charity, focuses on finding a cure or vaccine for AIDS, cancer research and improving the lives of people who have been affected by AIDS or cancer. Donations can be accepted by mail or online via the websites, www.richardmbrodsky.org or www.worldaidsmarathon.com For your name or logo to appear on the T-shirt for all upcoming marathons, a $500 donation with your name or logo must be received three weeks in advance of an upcoming marathon. Logos must be sent electronically to RichardM.Brodsky@gmail.com
Completed Marathon Schedules and Times, with Photos
(Click on the highlighted links for marathon pictures)
2024
October 13, 2024 - Mohawk-Hudson Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky finished in times of 6:02:37 and 4:53:57.
August 23, 2024 - Sri Chinmoy Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky finished in times of 4:51:44 and 4:50:40.
May 5, 2024 - Jovia Long Island Marathon Richard Brodsky finished 1st in his age group for 4th straight marathon in a time of 5:28:55, So happy to see Jodi at finish!
April 15, 2024 - Boston Marathon Jodi Brodsky finished her 12th straight Boston Marathon in a time of 5:51:06
February 18, 2024 - Ft. Lauderdale Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky finished the marathon in 5:48:04 (1 of 2) and 4:35:01 (2 of 4).
Special thanks to cheering, attentive volunteers, race director and staff and everyone involved in the event.
2023
December 1, 2023 - World Aids Marathon Jodi and Richard Brodsky both won 1st place senior masters respectively finishing in times of 4:31:52 and 4:52:38.
This was Jodi's 101st marathon and Richard's 85th. CBS News also covered the only marathon on World AIDS Day in North America.
October 8, 2023 - Mohawk-Hudson Marathon Jodi and Richard Brodsky 1st in age group at October 8, 2023 Mohawk Hudson Marathon, NY, in times of 4.20:48 and 4:38:09. Jodi's 100th marathon and Richard's 84th. Jodi qualified for Boston 2025 by 20 minutes. It was a tough run because the wind was supposed to be coming from the north but in the end it came from the south. I will take solace knowing that at age 71 I did not walk at all. Sorry to disappoint so many people who I told I could run a sub 4:20 marathon. The reality is it is not likely I will qualify for Boston until I turn 75. The Laufmaus wrist supports definitely worked well but I did have some problems with my running shoes. At first they were too loose and then I tied them too tight.
July 23, 2023 - Barrington Nova Scotia Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky finished the Nova Scotia Marathon in 4:49:36 and 4:52:33.
Says Richard, ... "I was wearing wrist supports by Laufmaus and Mizuno racing shoes and look forward to wearing them both at the October 8, 2023 Hudson Mohawk (Albany, NY) Marathon.
At age 70, I am grateful to be able to finish the Nova Scotia Marathon and my bride of 43 years shares my sentiments.
I finished 1st in my age group and Jodi finished 2nd. The day was very humid and many runners did not finish.
I recall talking to a 20-year-old guy on the ferry going back to Maine and he said it was his 1st marathon and did not finish.
Marathon running is a life journey and there is a start and finish + friends and family to cheer you on like the Powleys sitting in front of their home decked out with Nova Scotia flags.
Running is also giving back to local communities where you run so we donated 30 t-shirts from some of our favorite Long Island runs.
Pictured below is Dale Nickerson with Jodi and me and the shirts will be donated to Our Home Youth Wellness Center.
Running a marathon requires a lot of focus; Jodi is crossing Barrington heading to Cape Sable Island, the most southerly point of Nova Scotia which is surrounded by white sandy, pristine, beaches.
And then there is the finish where I am ecstatic to finish my 83rd marathon and Jodi has completed 99 marathons.
We both are blessed to be able to run marathons together and we both feel a warm glow after the run."
April 17, 2023 - Boston Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky finished the Boston Marathon in 4:27:01 and 4:10:28. I finished strong and the last miles were faster than my average pace and that has never happened before.
I was wearing wrist supports by Laufmaus which did help my running form, but my shoes did get waterlogged at about mile 9, and 90% of the race we were running into 8 -10 mph winds.
Hopefully I will qualify to run the 2024 Boston Marathon when I run the Barrington Nova Scotia Marathon on July 23, 2023.
I did qualify to run the 2018 Boston Marathon by running the 2017 Barrington, Nova Scotia Marathon.
I would have qualified in Boston if I ran 16 seconds per mile faster.
I also ran 57 minutes faster than my last marathon in Ft. Lsuderdale, but I did have an injury at that marathon.
If any running shoe company would like to donate top of the line racing shoes for my next marathon, kindly contact me, and I will proudly wear them.
February 19, 2023 - Ft. Lauderdale Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky
finished 2nd and 1st place respectively in times of 5:24:38 and 4:13:35, a very slow time for Richard who was nursing a hamstring injury. Says Richard, "I had a choice either don't run or run slow, and I chose to run. I think I can finish much faster when I run my 2nd Boston Marathon ever in 2023 at age 70.
2022
December 1, 2022- World AIDS Marathon, Rockaway Boardwalk Richard & Jodi Brodsky
finished 1st place senior masters in a time of 4:47:26 and 4:25:30 on the coldest, windiest day of autumn 2022.
August 24, 2022 - Sri Chinmoy Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky ran the Sri Chinmoy Marathon at Rockland State Park on August 24th. Richard's 4th marathon of 2022 and Jodi's 5th. Hot day, 67 - 83 Fahrenheit and sunny, Jodi finished 2 of 9 in her age group and I finished 7 of 21. I turned 70 on August 29 and in my new age group I would have finished 2.
July 24, 2022 - Barrington Nova Scotia Marathon Richard and Jodi Brodsky ran the July 24, Nova Scotia Marathon and finished in 4:22:40 and 3:54:19. Richard finished 7th out of 8th and Jodi finished 2nd out of 6th. Says Richard, ... 'can't wait to turn 70 on August 29 and I will be more competitive, a lot of very fast runners in Canada, In fairness to me, I only missed qualifying for Boston Marathon by less than 3 minutes and I already qualified to run Boston in 2023.'
May 1, 2022 - Long Island Marathon and April 18, 2022 Boston MarathonRichard Brodsky finished 4th in his age group in a time of 4:55:33, not a fast marathon due to a calf injury, running 6 marathons in 2022. Jodi Brodsky finished the Boston Marathon in 4:06:28, her 9th straight and 2nd fastest Boston Marathon ever. Who says you can’t get faster and more beautiful as you grow older.
February 20, 2022 - Ft. Lauderdale MarathonRichard & Jodi Brodsky (oldest, female finisher) finished 3rd & 1st in their age group at the Feb 20, Ft. Lauderdale Marathon in times of 4:25:55 & 4:11:57. At age 69, I came in 3rd out of 15th in age group 65 - 69. Love this marathon, starts and finishes facing Atlantic Ocean.
2021
December 1, 2021 - World AIDS Marathon, Richard and Jodi Brodsky both ran 4 and 6 marathons each in 2021 and their final marathon was the 15th annual World AIDS Marathon in Kisumu, Kenya. Richard is 69 and it was his 74th marathon and Jodi's 89th. Richard did Richard did finish in 5:01:36 and Jodi finished in a time of 4:43:41. We both won first place in the m/f Veteran's Division and we were both the oldest runners by 30+ years. International runners, please consider joining us in 2022 where you will also be invited to attend four orphan dinner dances + we bring doctors and nurses to provide lifesaving medical care at these Events.
October 10 and 11, 2021 - Mohawk Hudson Marathon and Boston Marathon. Richard Brodsky finished the Mohawk Hudson Marathon in Albany, NY on Oct 10 in a time of 4:17:16, 5th out of 15 in his age group: 65 - 69. Richard qualified to run his 2nd Boston Marathon and will be running the 2023 Boston Marathon. Says Richard: "I'm 69 and can't wait to turn 70 when I will be more competitive in my new age group 70 - 74. I did need surgery when I took a bad fall on August 24. Dr. Peter Stein, hand surgeon at Orthopaedic Associates of Manhasset did an amazing job and so did my physical therapist Jaclyn Quinn, hand specialist at Professional Physical Therapy." Jodi Brodsky ran her 8th straight Boston Marathon on Oct 11 in 4:22:17. Jodi finished 42 out of 153 in age group.
April 10, 2021 - Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. Richard and Jodi Brodsky finished in 4:12:16 and 3:59:34, 2nd and 1st in age groups. This was Richard's fastest marathon in the past 20 months and six weeks earlier he had his 2nd Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine.
Great place to run a marathon, Flushing Meadow Park, reach for the stars and if you don't make it, you just might find yourself in Kenya!
Jodi is following Eliud Kipchoge's advice and never stops smiling while running marathons
BEST time running + the volunteers were the BEST. Kudos to CEO, race director Kevin Montalvo
February 14, 2021 - Ft. Lauderdale Marathon, FL. Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished in times of 4:16:57 and 4:55:48, 1st and 2nd in age groups. Not only did Jodi finish 1st in her age group, she finished 1st in the two younger five year age groups. Temperatures reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
2020
December 6, 2020 - Inaugural World AIDS Marathon, Rockaway Beach, NY Marathon, Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished in a time of 4:11:20 and 4:13:21. Jodi finished 2nd Women's Overall.
So close to passing Jodi about mile 21 at December 6 World AIDS Marathon, Far Rockaway. YES, the truth is we are competitive with each other and Jodi is always faster but the true test is always the last 5 - 6 miles and Jodi ran about 24 seconds faster per mile which is why she beat me by 2 minutes.
Are people living with HIV and brain cancer allowed to feel ecstatic about life? Just don’t take away my Eliud Kipchoge running shoes. Ran my 2nd fastest marathon in my past 10 marathons on the Far Rockaway boardwalk, Dec 6, finishing in 4:13:21 at age 68.
October 11, 2020 - Rockaway Park, NY Marathon, Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished in a time of 3:50:44 and 4:37:23. This was Jodi's 3rd fastest marathon ever. Richard finished in a time of 4:37:23. Says Richard, "my job is to finish".
January 26, 2020 - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Marathon, Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished in a time of 3:54:16 and 4:27:41. Jodi did finish 1st in her age group and this was her 4th fastest marathon ever. Jodi also beat all the runners in the next younger five year age group by almost 29 minutes.
2019
December 1, 2019 - Worlds AIDS Marathon,Richard and Jodi Brodsky both ran 5 and 7 marathons each in 2019 and their final marathon was the 14th annual World AIDS Marathon in Kisumu, Kenya. Richard is 67 and it was his 67th marathon and Jodi's 77th. Says Richard, "thrilled to be running with Kenyans and my wife in Kenya." Richard did finish in 4:59:59 and Jodi finished first among the International runners in a time of 4:27:41. International runners, please consider joining us in 2019 where you also be invited to attend four orphan dinner dances + get a medal and certificate of completion donated by Crown Trophy of New Hyde Park and Ignatious Walter Oluoch. As tired and Jodi and I were we are both ecstatic knowing we finished the marathon. Thanks Eliud Kipchoge, pictured center in right photo, for wishing us much success in our marathon and helping Kenyans.
November 3, 2019 - New York City Marathon, Jodi Brodsky finished the marathon in a time of 4:00:33.
October 13, 2019 Mohawk Hudson Marathon, Richard and Jodi Brodsky finished the marathon in a time of 4:32:45 and 3:49:41. Richard finished 4th in his age group and Jodi finished first. This was Jodi’s 2nd fastest marathon ever. Jodi qualified to run her 8th straight Boston Marathon. This was Jodi's 76th marathon and Richard's 66th marathon. Richard and Jodi's next marathon will be the 14th annual World AIDS Marathon in Kisumu. Richard is thrilled to be running his 67th marathon, his current age, in Kenya.
August 23, 2019 Sri Chinmoy Marathon, Congers, NY and August 23, 2019 HOOD TO COAST 199-mile, 12-person relay. Richard Brodsky finished the Sri Chinmoy Marathon in a time of 4:09:23, his fastest Sri Chinmoy Marathon at age 66 and his fastest marathon in two years. Richard’s last marathon was run just 27 days earlier on July 28 and he has never run two marathons in such a short time. Richard cut 32 minutes from his 2018 Sri Chinmoy Marathon finish time. Pictured below is Jodi finishing her first of three legs as part of Team NIKE’s CRAZY DREAMERS, Hood to Coast, 199-mile, 12-person relay.
July 28, 2019 Barrington Nova Scotia Marathon, Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished our 4th straight Nova Scotia Marathon in a time of 3:53:58 and 4:39:04 respectively. This was Jodi’s fastest Nova Scotia Marathon ever and she came in 1st place in her 10-year age group.
April 15, 2019 Boston Marathon, Jodi Brodsky ran her 7th straight Boston Marathon and finished in 4:13:28.
February 19, 2019 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Marathon, Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished in a time of 4:16:28 and 5:12:33. Both of us were coming off injuries + Jodi ran the Miami Marathon 3 weeks earlier. Jodi did finish 1st in her age group. I highly recommend this marathon to parents who have kids. The marathon finishes along the beach and there is a playground on the beach.
Easy access to parking.
January 27, 2019 Miami, Florida Marathon, Jodi finished first in her age group in a time of 4:14:38.
2018
December 1, 2018-World AIDS Marathon Richard and Jodi Brodsky both ran 5 marathons each in 2018 and their final marathon was the 13th annual World AIDS Marathon in Kisumu, Kenya. It was questionable that Richard could run the marathon but thanks to Ignatious Walter Oluoch and his massages, Richard did finish in 5:44:45 and Jodi finished first among the International runners in a time of 5:04:46. International runners, please consider joining us in 2019 where you also be invited to attend four orphan dinner dances + get a medal and certificate of completion donated by Crown Trophy of New Hyde Park and Ignatious Walter Oluoch.
October 13, 2018 - Hartford Marathon Richard & Jodi Brodsky participated in the October 13, 2018 Hartford Marathon and 5K. Richard ran the marathon in a time of 4:17:16, beating his 3 other 2018 marathons by almost 24 minutes. Jodi, the Cal Ripken, Jr. of running, broke her shoulder and will be out for 30 days. ('betcha can't tell that from the smile on her face') This is the first marathon she has missed in her 69 previous marathons she has registered for since our March 23, 1980 wedding day! Even with a broken shoulder, Jodi decided to walk the 5K and our orthopedist, Dr. Andrew Greenberg, said it was ok. I credit my fast time to 1) I could not disappoint Jodi and promised to run my hardest even if she was not running with me, and 2) a light rain and cooler weather definitely helped, and 3) they served NUUN at every water stop which I prefer over Gatorade. My only problem is the faster I run, the more I hurt after the marathon, but being able to run marathons and living with HIV + brain cancer at age 66 + having such a loving wife continues to bring me so much joy.
Brodsky's got it covered coast to coast. Richard Brodsky finished the August 23 Congers Marathon in a time of 4:41:08. Jodi Brodsky just finished her first leg of August 24, HOOD TO COAST 199 mile 12 person relay, in Oregon. Jodi ran with NIKE as part of TEAM APOLLO. Jodi's team finished in top 10%.
July 22, 2018, Barrington Nova Scotia Marathon - Richard & Jodi Brodsky finished the July 22, 2018, Barrington Nova Scotia Marathon in times of 4:58:18 and 3:58:45. Jodi Brodsky's first place finish time in her age group will qualify her to run her 7th consecutive Boston Marathon. Richard Brodsky's finish time will not qualify him to run the 2019 Boston Marathon. Failure will make successes in life that much sweeter. It was a very humid day and the temperature reached 70 degrees Fahrenheit after an hour into the run.
April 16, 2018 – Boston Marathon An offer of hope for people living with HIV or cancer. Richard Brodsky is the only person living with HIV + brain cancer to finish a marathon according to GOOGLE. My wish for 2019 is for a team of runners living with HIV and/or cancer to run the 2019 Boston Marathon with me. Says race director, Dave McGillivray, ‘The athletes faced worse conditions than those on the ice sheets at the Antarctica Marathon which I recently ran.’
Jodi Brodsky finished in a time of 4:15:30 and Richard Brodsky finished in a time of 04:48:09. Considering the torrential downpour and running into 30 mph winds, I was thrilled just to finish!
January 28th - Miami Marathon I was devastated that I did not get to run the 2018 Miami Marathon. I took a bad fall on December 30th and reinjured my shoulder. The worst part of it was I could not hold my granddaughter. Fortunately, I did not need surgery, but I did have to undergo extensive physical therapy and lost 8 weeks of running. Would I be able to run the 2018 Boston Marathon after finally qualifying at age 65 after running 56 marathons? Not only that, I was so psyched to run my 4th fastest Miami Marathon in as many years. Jodi Brodsky finished first in her age group for the 3rd straight year in a time of 4:07:54.
This was my most painful marathon...not getting to run!
2017
Dec 1, 2017 Kisumu, Kenya World AIDS Marathon For the 2017 World AIDS Marathon, the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation provided $5,000 in prize money instead of the usual $1,000. ATHLETICS KENYA (AK) did a great job of organizing the Event, even though there was much political strife. Jodi and Richard Brodsky did manage to finish in times of 04:29:57 and 04:37:38 and it was hot and sunny with temperatures reaching into the low 80s Fahrenheit. Here are some PHOTOS.
It could have been a lot worse as my legs cramped up at mile 24 and I refused to stop but I did need some medical help at the end. Lesson learned: Stay hydrated.
July 23 - Nova Scotia Marathon Finally after running 56 marathons, Richard Brodsky finished the July 23rd Nova Scotia Marathon in 04:00:52 and qualified to run the 2018 Boston Marathon at age 65. Canada TV, CTV (Jayson Baxter and Kelland Sundahl) covered the story. WATCH HERE! Brodsky had qualified to run the Boston Marathon a year earlier by finishing 01:30 minutes but because there were too many fast runners, he missed the cutoff time by 39 seconds. Multiple letters of appeal were written to the marathon organizers and Boston Mayor but they were all rejected. This year Brodsky qualified by 9+ minutes. Jodi Brodsky finished in a time of 03:56:29..
January 30th - Miami Marathon Jodi and I had an extra reason to be in Miami. We would be visiting our first granddaughter, my daughter and son-in-law. Knowing that our new bundle of joy would be greeting us helps explain why I finished the Miami Marathon as a PR for the third consecutive year. Richard Brodsky finished the Miami Marathon in 04:08:08, 16th out of 75 in his age group, and a PR by 9 minutes. Jodi Brodsky, born and raised in Miami Beach, finished in 03:58:39, 1st out of 15 in her age group, and a PR by 12+ minutes... 2nd year in a row Jodi won GOLD.
2016
Dec 1 2016 Kisumu, Kenya World AIDS Marathon For 2016 World AIDS Marathon, the Kisumu World AIDS Marathon Group was not in a position to help, but they did give us 10 solid years of support. ATHLETICS KENYA (AK) did a great job of organizing the Event although much of it was a learning curve for my Foundation and AK. Jodi and Richard Brodsky did manage to pull off respectable times of 4:18:17 and 4:36:16, a PR for Jodi and Richard's second fastest World AIDS Marathon. This course was revised in 2016 to be four, 6.5 mile loops on paved roads. Gone are the days when we ran in inches of water fronting Lake Victoria. Here are some PHOTOS.
A somewhat ebullient Richard and Jodi Brodsky knowing they had finished
the 2016 World AIDS Marathon relatively intact in times of 4:36:16 and 04:18:17
July 24th Nova Scotia Marathon Barrington, Nova Scotia, Canada… Says Richard, “when I was 8 years old I collected travel brochures and Nova Scotia had the best brochure. That same summer my travel-collecting-brochure friend traveled to Europe for 8 weeks and I got to go to Brooklyn Day Camp. I lost track of my friend David after high school. I was so ecstatic to tell him I had just visited Nova Scotia and it was everything and more than I hoped it would be. I could not wait to tell him it was my fastest marathon since my cancer diagnosis in 2002. It took me weeks to finally learn that he passed away in his late 50s. David, this marathon’s for you. I was determined to finish in a sub-03:55 marathon so I would qualify for the 2017 Boston Marathon. The odds were not in my favor as we grow older not younger. Knowing that I was running for everyone living with HIV and cancer leveled the playing field; I Richard Brodsky cut 06:26 minutes from my previous PR and finished in 03:53:30. Jodi Brodsky also finished first in her age group and this was her second fastest marathon time: 03:54:59. Photos and article: courtesy of Kathy Johnson and South Shore Breaker.
March 18th - Jerusalem Marathon 4 marathons in 21 weeks... Hartford, Kenya, Miami, Jerusalem... that's one more marathon than Richard ran in all of 2015! Not counting Jerusalem since it was the first time Richard ran Jerusalem, 4 of his last 6 marathons have been his fastest since his terminal brain cancer diagnosis. Says Richard, "people, even those living with HIV and cancer, can reverse their aging process by leading a healthy lifestyle if they have access to medicine and medical care. As for Jodi, she must be the fastest Jewish runner in the world as she came in first place in her age group in both the 2016 Miami and Jerusalem marathons"
Jodi and Richard Brodsky finished in a time of 4:14:07 and 04:36:15. Brodsky finished 17th out of 35 in his age group.
Richard and Jodi Running together in Jerusalem, just over the finish line, and showing their medals.
January 24th - Miami Marathon Jodi Brodsky finished first in her age group in a time of 4:11:04 and Richard Brodsky finished 21st out of 62nd in his age group in a time of 4:17:06. Both times were our fastest Miami marathon times. Photos of Richard running and Jodi and the Brodsky pair once again proudly showing their Miami medals.
2015
December 1st - World Aids Marathon Jodi and Richard Brodsky racing to the finish of the 10th annual World AIDS Marathon in Kisumu, Kenya.. Richard finished in 05:01:04 and Jodi finished in 05:20:13. Richard finished earlier and ran back to finish with Jodi. Photos of Richard and Jodi running together
October 10th - Hartford Marathon Richard and Jodi Brodsky finished the October 10, 2015 Hartford Marathon in 04:21:32 and 03:55:43 respectively, but Richard was running with an injury. Photos (courtesy of Capstone Photography) of Jodi, Richard, and the two with their medals
January 25th - Miami Marathon Jodi and I have been running the Miami Marathon since 2006 - this year we both ran our fastest Miami Marathon. Our times were 4:12:12 and 4:23:34. This is not a reapeat of the Sub 4 hour in Hartford for good reason: Miami is hotter, and there are no local races on Long Island in January to keep me at my peak level. Running marathons is not so tough especially when you get to run with the one you love. Photo of Richard and Jodi Brodsky proudly showing their medals
2014
December 1st - World Aids Marathon I ran my fastest World AIDS Marathon since 2004. Completing in a time of 4:32:23. The 32 minute difference between Hartford and Kisumu is because of the high altitude in Kisumu, rough terrain, temperatures in the range of 80 degrees, and much of the course is run on crowded narrow roads while breathing in the exhaust from the vehicles. Photo of Richard still running strong despite the heat.
October 11th - Hartford Marathon I was hoping to run a sub-4 hour marathon again by the time I turned 65, and I made it! Getting to run a sub-4 hour marathon took me 26 marathons to complete since I was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Completing in 03:59:56, my fastest since my terminal brain cancer diagnosis back in 2002. Proof positive that people, even those living with HIV and cancer can reverse their aging process, even for just a decade or two if they lead a healthy lifestyle and have access to doctors and medicine. Photo of Richard after the race courtesy of marathonfoto.com.
April 21st - Boston Marathon - After the unfortunate and heinous events at the 2013 Boston Marathon where an explosion took place, runners were invigorated to participate in the subsequent marathon. Jodi Brodsky was one of these enthusiastic runners, finishing the event with a time of 04:16:22 for her second participation in the Boston Marathon. This time qualified Jodi for the 2015 Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20th, 2015. Photos of Jodi Brodsky crossing the finish line, celebrating, and posing with her number courtesy of marathonfoto.com
February 2nd - Miami Marathon - Richard and Jodi Brodsky finished the February 2, 2014 Miami Marathon in 04:38:33 and 04:17:20. Says Richard, 'No less than 150 people touched my shoulder, gave me a thumbs up, or just had something positive to say. These marathons are not getting any easier and the 150 well-wishers made the run a lot easier.' Photos of Richard and Jodi courtesy of marathonfoto.com.
2013
Dec 1 - 2013 Kisumu, Kenya World AIDS Marathon (details) - Richard and Jodi Brodsky complete another marathon, this time in Kenya where they return every year to assist the locals from the WAM charity funds, and to meet up with the friends they have made over the many years of repeated visits and marathons. Richard and Jodi Brodsky completed the 8th annual Kisumu, Kenya 2013 World AIDS Marathon in 5:28:08 and 5:28:07. See the full report of this visit.
October 12 - ING Hartford Marathon - Jodi and Richard Brodsky completed the 2013 ING Hartford Marathon in 03:53:28 and 4:40:51 respectively. I was hoping to run faster but my knees have been giving me problems. Jodi ran a PR and qualified to run the 2014 Boston Marathon. Photos of Richard and Jodi finishing, and one celebrating together . Richard found his old shirt that he wore back in 2003 after he ran his first post-cancer run in a time of 5+ hours. On the back of the shirt (which you can see in this touching pictures with both Jodi and Richard) in large letters it says
HIV+
brain
cancer
survivor
Says Richard, "I never felt so motivated to run my best as so many people were patting me on my back or touching my shoulder wishing me well. That says a lot about the people of Hartford and how supportive the running community can be in helping to eliminate the stigma of AIDS. If you are a runner, please consider wearing a similar shirt. HIV/AIDS will not define you, YOU will define HIV/AIDS. I can tell you firsthand there was not a single negative comment made about my running the ING Hartford Marathon." Photos courtesy of Capstone Photography.
April 15 - Boston Marathon - Jodi Brodsky completed the marathon in 4:03:04. Although Richard had an injury and could not officially run, he did join Jodi for a half mile at mile 4 to give his support, and of course was there in the family reunion area the to congratulate her. Photos include Jodi in group before the start (love what the guy’s shirt next to Jodi says, KEEP CALM and RUN ON), a jubilant Jodi about to finish her first Boston marathon and Jodi running, (calm, relaxed, determined, focused); Photos courtesy of MARATHONFOTO
Boston Marathon Bombings: Jodi and I were outraged that anyone would want to wreak havoc on a city, especially when a marathon is occurring which promotes good will from runners all over the world. Jodi crossed the finish line less than five minutes before the first bomb exploded and we were celebrating in the family reunion area when we heard that explosion. Now more than ever, I hope to be able to qualify for the 2014 Boston marathon. Anytime, you make it more difficult and challenging for a run, especially one that helps support a city where people suffered needlessly, count me in!
Jan 27 - ING Miami Marathon - Jodi and Richard Brodsky completed the 2013 ING Miami Marathon in 4:07:49 and 4:36:18 respectively. I was hoping to run faster but I am recovering from posterior tibial tendonitis. Jodi placed 3rd in her age group. I placed 24th out of 73. We were on CBS news in Miami. Photos of Richard and Jodi (courtesy of MARATHONFOTO)
2012
Dec 1 - 2012 Kisumu, Kenya World AIDS Marathon (details) - Both Richard and Jodi made their fastest Kenyan marathon times this year. Jodi finishing with a personal record time of 4:44:45, and Richard with 4:43:22
Oct 13 - ING Hartford Marathon - Despite the cold, record breaking times are made again at ING Hartford: Richard Brodsky's time 4:05:44 (breaking his post brain cancer record by 17 minutes) and Jodi Brodsky's time of 3:56:06, breaks her record by 13 minutes. Photos: courtesy of Brightroom: Richard and Jodi
May 6 - Long Island Marathon - Richard Brodsky's time 04:27:16 - Richard continues to run his fatsest marathons since being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer back in 2002, tying his Hartford time of 04:27:16.
Jodi Brodsky's time 04:09:49 - After 32 years of marriage, Jodi has finally qualified to run the Boston Marathon. Another marathon run together; Jodi continues to out-run Richard, while they both look happy with their medals. Photos: courtesy of Island Photography
March 25 - Brodsky, for the 3rd straight time on American soil, ran his fastest marathon at the Ocean Drive Marathon finishing at 04:23:22. Brodsky's wife Jodi never misses running a marathon with Richard. The marathon startedstarting in Cape May and ending in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. (Photos courtesy of Island Photography)
March 4 - Black Girls Run: Florence Hogan organized a local chapter in Queens, NY, and invited Jodi and me to participate in a Saturday run. The best part of the run was knowing that Florence organized the local chapter shortly after participating in the Brodsky Foundation's 5K FREE Run/Walk for HIVers, Cancer Survivors & Friends in Kings Point Park.
December 1 - World AIDS Marathon, Kisumu, Kenya, Brodsky completed the marathon in 06:20:00; tough course, high altitude, bumpy terrain, and hot.
October 15 - Richard Brodsky, age 59, ran his fastest marathon at the ING Hartford Marathon since being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer back in 2002. His time was 04:27:16 (the actual gun time, not the net time). Photos: courtesy of Capstone Photography
August 28 - Quebec City: Richard and Jodi Brodsky completing the Quebec City half marathon in a time of 02:01:41. Double that and we were on target for 04:04 marathon. I could have run almost two minutes slower and still beat my fastest time back on August 28, 2011. Photos: courtesy of marathon-photos.com
March 27, 2011 Ocean Drive Marathon in a disappointing time of 05:55:23. I must have been asked a million times by the ambulance following me if I wanted to call it quits. Marathon runners, we never quit! Photo: courtesy of Island Photography