The Great New York 100 Mile Running Exposition
June 21, 2025
Melies Kish took on "The Big Apple", attempting to run 100 miles in the Great New York 100 mile running exposition to raise funds for education!
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Below is her experience.
100 miles.
She went the distance. Tried, that is.
She had been intensely training for months.
She runs, so kids can learn.
She pushes herself to the limits, because she believes we are all capable of doing more.
She was ready for this challenge to continue the efforts to raise funds to impact lives.
Her goal was 100 miles. June 21st-22nd, 2025.
With thirty hours to complete.
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She accomplished 62 miles in 18 hours.
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Fundraising goal $10,000
Raised $4,505
As we got closer to the city- the more nauseous I became. All the training that I put in, and we are here. I am going to RUN this city! New York City. The time is finally here.
I had a hard time falling asleep Friday night, after laying out all my gear and last-minute preparing mentally for what is to come. When I finally laid down at 11 P.M. ( I know, way too late,) my mind just wouldn’t stop. The months of sweat and tears leading up to this. All the miles. all the standing, all the positive energy- would it be enough?
3:45 A.M. was here in what felt like a blink. I was showered and dressed- gear on, and out the door by 4:20 A.M. Time Square was less than a mile away from where we were staying… I jogged to get myself warmed up and to be there by 4:30 A.M. for the bag drop. The jogging wasn't necessary. I arrived at the start of the race already sweating. Why did I think that would be a good idea? It was 80 degrees at 4:40 A.M. already. What?!
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Feeling prepared, excited and ready for the next thirty hours… I did my handstand in Time Square knowing after the race, handstands in the city would not be possible. I talked with a few of the other runners, got my watch ready, and waited for it to sync.
As Phil (the mastermind to the event) started to speak with only minutes till the start, I was getting anxious and felt like I was in shock for what was about to happen. The unknown was terrifying. The next thirty hours, to run 100 miles, I am doing this! Okay. Ready, 3,2,1. Let’s go!
My TGNY100 Race
The race started, and my watch did not! Wait. This is NOT happening! Run Melies. Go with the crowd. Okay, my phone was at least tracking the route through Garmin. This is not ideal though, my watch is not connecting. I tried to start the race on my Garmin again, Shoot. My watch kept doing laps. Onto the 3rd lap already and not even to Central Park yet. (Which wasn’t even a mile into the race. Next time I will sync the watch when not surrounded by 199 other runners.) I gave up on the watch scenario knowing I had ALL day to stress about that at any time, and I started to embrace the beauty of what is upon me.
All those miles of running. Here we are. Central Park was gorgeous as the sun was rising. I cleaned off space on the phone during the drive to NYC to make sure I am able to document this amazing race through photos and videos. The places and spaces. Running the city, documenting it all. It is my favorite way to view a new place. How neat, there’s a race happening in Central Park too, a bike race. "Wow!" I thought. "The bikers are super fast !" The whole time we were in Central Park, I was able to witness the bikers and their gracefully strong, smooth movements. Solo riders along with speedy packs.
3 miles of Central Park running, it’s amazing how many men run off the trail to pee. Not so easy for a gal. Though watching them made it very temping. One man even offered me toilet paper as if reading my mind. No. I refused my impulse to have a bathroom break so early into the race. I started feeling good, in rhythm and immersed in the moment as I checked my phone for the route. Shoot. It too had malfunctioned and was no longer keeping track of the course. I felt like something was off, but decided to just keep running and pick up speed a bit. My gut instinct was right. I had about fifteen runners yelling for me, “Hey, you missed the turn! Come back!”
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Wonderful. Less than 4 miles in and already off course. I was definitely embarrassed, but also so grateful for the others. Stay with people. That was my next thought. ‘Do NOT lose the runners, HOW on this earth will I actually make it another 96 miles?’
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The website was beyond accurate. This race was unlike any typical Ultra Race out there. The roads were NOT closed, we ran along the sidewalks (and mostly on the road when able, it's incredible how uneven the sidewalks are,) and had little arrows that directed our steps every so many miles. The arrows became very dear to my soul. Gave me hope and reassurance that I was on the correct path. The first aid station around mile 5 was a bit of a shock. 2 guys each holding a gallon of water. Okay. It said on the map how and what would be at the aid stations. But I guess experiencing it was an eye opener.
Throughout the next few miles, I connected with many of the runners. These individuals each have incredible stories and driven minds. We all ran, off and on together for quite some time. It was when I had an emergency to attend to, that the majority of them passed me while I was off course in the woods. I did catch up with a few of them again, and thankfully I did. One of the runners, Ellie, shared with me a new running app that another fellow runner had tracked the whole course, from aid station to aid station. Thankfully now, I have the directions of the course at least on my phone. The possibility of finishing actually seemed doable if I got separated from the others! I was so thankful.
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So, the first 18 miles were filled, no joke with never ending hills, trails, bridges and more hills. I did not train correctly for this. My brain when I read the details of this race, must have blocked out the majority of how this race wouldl be. I felt blindsighted. The miles through the city covered all the emotions, ranging from hell to amazing. As soon as we started running through the trails, I started to slow down, not purposefully. My legs felt exhausted and it was so early on… The trees I communed with… they were fuel for my soul on every level. When I was extremely tired, at any point throughout the day- it seemed another tree would be standing tall, in all of its strength and glory with the sun shining through, speaking to me in all the right ways! Or, a heart would appear at the most random times. My friend Kelli messaged me at the beginning of the race with empowering thoughts (I later played over and over when needed) and told me to look for hearts as a connection/wink from God!
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Originally I wasn’t too worried about the heat. While training, I ran many long runs in 65-75 degree weather. I didn’t think the 85 degrees would be as draining as it was. Yes, I had a thin long sleeve white shirt on, but the black pants weren't thoroughly thought through. Most individuals wear shorts, especially in this weather, but I gained weight last year- and while training- the few times I wore shorts, the inside of my legs would be raw, and avoiding those known issues, I thought made more sense. So, I wore pants. BLACK PANTS!
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If it wasn’t for the thin towel that I carried, I don’t think I would have made it. At times it was soaking wet or filled with ice and draped on my neck or over my head. Most of the race I felt nauseous. A few different times, I thought I was going to pass out. Many miles I felt extremely dizzy but had no other runners in sight, so I would say positive affirmations and look for beauty around me to try to keep me distracted from the danger of dying. Seriously, many times, I thought this might be the end of me. The heat was extreme, but I kept moving forward. Keeping my chin past my toes (my Uncle’s advice), step by step.
Every bicycle or scooter that I’d pass, the thought of how FAST and how fun that would be, plus how much easier to just jump on crossed my mind. It was a constant battle with my thoughts. Luckily, I was in contact with some friends and family that kept my spirits up when I was really doubting it all. So many encouraging messages, after mile 33 (when I experienced my first emotional breakdown while talking to my mom and got lost,) the positive messages would make me cry almost every time, because you all had way more belief in me than I had in myself. It’s so easy for the mind to focus on the negative when your body just wants to lay down, anywhere and rest. I continued to smile as much as possible, even though I felt defeated. Advice from my very first marathon years ago, and it has helped during every race I've ever done was smile through the pain. Other affirmations I would say was: Push through the pain. You are stronger than you feel. One step in front of the next. This too shall pass. I have more energy inside myself. Beast mode activated. My race, my pace. Is this even considered running? (Negative thoughts crept in often.) Wogging. Walk/jog. Wobble. Walk/ hobble. I refuse to quit. THIS IS PURE INSANITY. I signed up for this. Just, keep, moving. This is for the kids. Run for the kids! I am Love. MOVE forward. Nothing can defeat me because the great I am lives in me!!!
I went into this experience knowing that it would be more challenging than anything I have yet faced. I think I underestimated everything. During training, I worked on distance, not speed. I knew that I had to do overall, approximately 18 minute miles in order to make the 100 miles in 30 hours. My goal was to stick to a minimum of 4 miles/hour. I miscalculated the restroom brakes (which was only 4) and the time at each aid station. Though I didn’t hang out at the aid stations, when available I would do a glass of water, then gatorade and then water again, and some places I would eat some watermelon. None of the snacks I trained with tasted right and I only had one gel on me (I know, how did I forget to pack gels, out of all items) and I nursed this gel, though it was horrible and I was feeling like I was going to vomit with every taste. The gummy worms, which was my favorite item during training, were in my bag, along with many other items I planned on refueling with in between mile 30 and 40. Not realizing how challenging it would be to have Bob and Liam come meet me in one of the burrows, every time I checked the distance between us, it became more obvious this wasn't going to happen like planned. They too were enjoying the city in a rather different way than me. I could have stopped at a store for gummy worms, but that never even crossed my mind. There were many hours, where I didn’t see a store for miles.
​​​​​​​​I think it was at the aid station 35 miles in, I was told there were still about 19 runners behind me. For some reason, this gave me an odd sense of hope. In between that aid station and mile 40, was the last time I saw any other runners, until the end of my race. Before mile 40 aid station, I had a horrific porta potty experience. Thankfully it was open for use, even though it was the nastiest inside, I have ever seen. Ever. No toilet paper, but I came prepared. So I thought. The tissue I had been running with, unopened for
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forty miles in my fanny pack, once opened, was moldy! Of course it was! Was it unfortunate that it just so happened to be ‘that time of month’ for me also? You bet! What normally has me in fetal position for hours, due to agonizing cramps, kept me in pain most of the race, causing my back to feel like it would snap while standing. It is unbelievable even to me, to know that the last 15 miles, if I was stopped at a light, I had to be in a squatting position. No. I do not have any photos of this. I really wish I did. Between my monthly cycle, and the heat, I am shocked, reminiscing on how this all played out and that I was able to go on the way I did.
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When I think about the overall experience, BEAUTIFULLY BRUTAL is the best way to describe it. I have to really think, about the lovely moments that occurred though, when asked about the race. My mind immediately screams ,"a challenge straight out of hell!" But the day was actually mixed with so much beauty! The amount of support and encouragement definitely helped keep me fueled. It was wonderful to see so many families outside celebrating life together. Whether in parties, or playing sports. Many just talking and walking, reading books, playing games. LIVING. In a way that seemed to be on purpose and filled with love. Actually, I felt surrounded by love most of the day. Even when I was running solo. The support and love that our supporters and donors have poured into me and our organization continues to inspire me. People run for so many reasons. While I really do enjoy the challenge and the physical aspect of it, the fact that by me running, kids are able to attend school, receive an education, feel support and love from across the world, that will always be worth it.
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​It was around 5:30pm when the rules for the race were checked by my cousin for me and reality set in. I was told that I had to make it to the 62 miles, 100k aid station by 10 P.M… to be able to continue to run through the night. This was devastating news. 22 miles more in less than five hours... that would mean 12 minute miles for the remaining amount of race JUST to make it on time, to then continue on throughout the night. I hadn't done a 12 minute mile since the beginning of the day. It took many miles of accepting this fact, that at the rate I was going, I was unable to complete the 100 miles by that deadline. If only I could push my body faster. How did I miscalculate? Where did all the time go? Why won’t my legs listen to my mind? All the individuals who donated and believed in me. How embarrassing. What could I have done differently? People kept continuing to message me and were being so encouraging, and telling me this is possible. No. NO it is not. In my mind there was nothing encouraging about facing the fact that I am not able to accomplish what I set out to do. My body is moving like a snail. Nothing is making sense. I really thought I would be able to do this. I trained my ass off. I felt many levels of shame and sadness and grief for all the time and energy spent leading up to this day… to NOT be able to finish? How do I face everyone? What do I even say? Thankfully Daphne talked me through a lot of these dark moments and my heartbreak. She pushed me to keep moving forward. To finish as strong as I could and to go get the 100k medal! Once I accepted the fact that I was no longer able to strive for the 100 miles like planned, the new goal was in place.
I must finish by 11 P.M. The last 12 miles was a constant up and down bridges. along with random sets of stairs in the woods. The last few hours, I got off track many times, and did not have my night gear. That (the headlamp and flashlights) was waiting for me at the 62 mile aid station. Using only my phone flash light, running became even more challenging. Some areas it was so dark, even with the flashlight, while some parks where lit up with street lights or all the people parting. I only held onto my mace feeling a wee bit scared two separate times. The massive globe was a huge blessing to see, especially viewing Africa. What a beautiful reminder for me. FINISH strong
for our kids in Uganda! I did receive a few energy bursts at different times. Like, when my best friend called me from the basement of a cruise ship before she went out to perform. Technically, this call shouldn't have gone through, but I believe God knew I needed her encouragement at that point in my run! My Mom and Dad, their voices kept me from crumbling towards the end of the race! Every phone call, facetime and text message throughout the race, helped me cross that finish line! The very last mile was of course, up a LONG massive hill, to end with a very steep downward slope. I really felt like I was going to trip and face plant it, but I was focused and ran with every belief poured into me to finish. It was 10:59 When I arrived at the top and had only sixty seconds to make it down this hill to this last aid station. One thing I will forever be proud of, is during that last minute, life stood still as I raced to the finish line. Two fellow runners at the bottom of the hill directing me where to turn as I flew the fastest, I had run the whole entire race to the finish. 11:00 PM. I made it. 100k. I was the LAST runner. They handed me my medal and started cleaning up the aid station. The Great New York 100-mile exposition was now complete for me.
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Waiting, sitting across the street were three others who also set out to run 100 miles, walking away with a 100k medal instead. We exchanged stories, shared a cab to get to the subway and headed back into the city together. What a day! What an experience!
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I tend to do BIG things to accomplish big results. Run 100 miles to raise $10,000 dollars. The initial goal was $100,000 so we could help a lot more children with their educational future. But my plan for that amount, more than just me running would be involved, and it wasn't implemented, so I compromised. Sometimes plans don’t pan out and one can feel defeated. I have a few in my close circle who tell me, it’s not necessary to exert all my time and energy and do such challenging things all for our cause. Yes, there are easier ways to fundraise, and I get that. That statement ate at me during the training months, and especially on race day. It’s human nature to remember the few conflicting comments shared over all the positive goodness being poured into you. I felt defeated once again (about my results for the race,) for weeks. People would congratulate me, and deep down, I immediately go to, “but I didn’t finish the race. I didn’t go the distance planned.” Those thoughts are still hard to get out of my head at times. I showed up. I did the best I could with the circumstances I was given. That last hour, I ran like my life depended on it in order to receive my first 100k medal.
I asked my mom a few weeks before June 21st, “WHY” my whole life, do I do things BIG. She reminded me without hesitating, that’s how God wired me! From a little girl. BIG BIG ideas. Big plans. Big goals. Placed in my heart because they are possible! It’s all possible and where there's a will, there's a way. God placed these ideas within me from a young age. I’ve wanted to use my talents to help and serve humanity. Connecting faces and stories, making a lasting impact. So many important areas to pour into… this opportunity arose to help the path for children and we have only scratched the surface of what’s possible. I have been using running as our main fundraising platform. We will continue to use running to fundraise and invite others to join our cause.
Was this experience challenging? 100%. Was it worth it? 1000%. Will I run TGNY100 again? Definitely not next year... but at some point, I'll be back to take on the city the whole 100 miles!
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By: Melies Kish
