Thai Richards' Epic Subway Run: A Journey Through New York City's Rails
When Thai Richards, a seasoned ultra-marathon runner from Brooklyn, embarked on a quest to jog alongside every single subway line in NYC two years ago, few thought he'd succeed. "I've never heard of anybody running any of the train lines," Richards recalled. Undeterred, he set out to explore his lifelong home and document his journey with social media followers.
Richards' first leg took him along the A train, spanning nearly 34 miles from Inwood to the Rockaways. His next run followed the F train for about 27 miles through Manhattan and down to Coney Island. Each month, he'd tick off another line, meticulously mapping out his route over the last two years.
The final leg of Richards' journey was a grueling 23-mile run along the 4 train in pouring rain from Woodlawn in the Bronx to Crown Heights, where he lives and grew up. Dressed in Yankees jersey, running shorts, and New Balance sneakers, Richards repeatedly stopped to drink beer and document his progress on social media.
Richards' runs have not only helped him get in touch with NYC's history but also provided a unique perspective on how the city has changed over time. He delights in sharing train facts and anecdotes about the subway system, including its origins and notable landmarks like Yankee Stadium.
As Richards completed his final run down Eastern Parkway, he pulled out his phone to record a video for his thousands of social media followers. "From the BX to BK. The 4 line, that's it," he said into his camera, proudly declaring, "MTA, I ran you all." With this milestone, Richards has become the first person to run alongside every single subway line in NYC, an impressive feat that showcases his endurance and determination.
When Thai Richards, a seasoned ultra-marathon runner from Brooklyn, embarked on a quest to jog alongside every single subway line in NYC two years ago, few thought he'd succeed. "I've never heard of anybody running any of the train lines," Richards recalled. Undeterred, he set out to explore his lifelong home and document his journey with social media followers.
Richards' first leg took him along the A train, spanning nearly 34 miles from Inwood to the Rockaways. His next run followed the F train for about 27 miles through Manhattan and down to Coney Island. Each month, he'd tick off another line, meticulously mapping out his route over the last two years.
The final leg of Richards' journey was a grueling 23-mile run along the 4 train in pouring rain from Woodlawn in the Bronx to Crown Heights, where he lives and grew up. Dressed in Yankees jersey, running shorts, and New Balance sneakers, Richards repeatedly stopped to drink beer and document his progress on social media.
Richards' runs have not only helped him get in touch with NYC's history but also provided a unique perspective on how the city has changed over time. He delights in sharing train facts and anecdotes about the subway system, including its origins and notable landmarks like Yankee Stadium.
As Richards completed his final run down Eastern Parkway, he pulled out his phone to record a video for his thousands of social media followers. "From the BX to BK. The 4 line, that's it," he said into his camera, proudly declaring, "MTA, I ran you all." With this milestone, Richards has become the first person to run alongside every single subway line in NYC, an impressive feat that showcases his endurance and determination.