Director Spike Lee First New Yorker Named Marathon Grand Marshal

Famed director Spike Lee has an array of titles under his belt. Not only is he known as an accredited filmmaker, but Lee is also viewed as a New York sports fanatic, a teacher, marketing specialist and an honorary Oscar winner. Now he has another title to add to his belt, the next grand marshal of the New York City Marathon, the first New Yorker to earn the title.

Although the race has taken place for the past 45 years, the 48-year-old Brooklyn native is only the third person to hold the role. Lee will follow three-time Olympic gold medalist Emil Zatopek (1979) and Norwegian former world record holder Grete Waitz (2003).

"It's gonna be a great day in my life," Lee said in an interview about his new role, to be announced by race officials later Monday. "All those runners, coming from all over the world to New York? It's gonna be a fun time."

The Do the Right Thing star showed nothing but gratitude for being chosen to represent his beloved New York in yet another way. Although admitting he doesn't partake in much running, the marathon has played a big part in his family's life. Lee would often take his children to greet the runners as they sat in their strollers.

Lee was drawn to the marathon in more ways than one, believing it is a representation of how people view the city. He formed a comparison between those who come to NYC from a plethora of backgrounds and cultures to achieve success and test their strength, with those who come from around the world to test themselves by participating in the marathon.

"When I was in college, at Morehouse in Atlanta, this was really my New York fix, watching the marathon. Because I will go to my grave, you know - hopefully no time soon - saying that New York City is the greatest city on God's planet! And I think the marathon is a big demonstration of that, people coming from all over the world, to do their best. There's no better city in the world to do that than New York City."

The husband and father of three was an obvious choice for the title due to his infatuation with sports, according to the president and CEO of the New York Road Runners Michael Capiraso. Lee is an active supporter of the New York Yankees and New York Knicks.

He also earned a spot on the highly popular video game, NBA 2K16. The career mode option in the game has been completely written and directed by the notable filmmaker, making it an official Spike Lee joint.

"When we looked at having a grand marshal for this year's TCS New York City Marathon, we envisioned someone the world would immediately recognize as a sports enthusiast and quintessential New Yorker, and Spike was the perfect fit," Capiraso said.

The New York City Marathon will take place this year on Nov. 1. The race will run through Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood where Lee grew up. With the new role comes responsibilities; Lee will be expected to ride in the grand marshal's car throughout the 26.2-mile route.

Tags

Spike Lee