The New York City Marathon is a significant milestone for numerous runners around the world, but November 3 was extraordinary for Catfish star Nev Schulman. Just three months after surviving a bike accident in the Hamptons, Schulman crossed the finish line in Central Park.
What Happened
In early August, Schulman was biking to pick up his son when he attempted to merge lanes and collided with a truck. The actor was rushed to the Southampton Hospital, and soon learned that he had fractured his neck. As a result of this news, Schulman was transported to Stony Brook Hospital to start the recovery process.
“I just remember the look on every nurse and doctor’s face as they came into the room for the first time,” Schulman told the New York Post, “expecting me to be some version of paralyzed, and being so shocked, and almost confused.”
An Imminent Recovery
Just ten days after the accident, Schulman went on “South O’ the Highway” for an interview where he criticized road safety in the Hamptons area.
“As a runner and cyclist,” Schulman said, “I find the absence of shoulders and near-complete lack of bike lanes in the Hamptons both upsetting and extremely dangerous. If there had been a bike lane, my accident simply would not have happened.”
Could He Return in Time?
Besides criticizing road safety and making time for interviews, Schulman spent his recovery wondering when or whether he would be able to return to running, one of his many passions. According to the New York Post, Schulman ran in the New York City Marathon last year as a guide for Francesco Magisano, a blind athlete.
A Spark of Motivation
Because of his injury, Schulman was planning not to run the marathon this year. He told the New York Post that he didn’t want Magisano to plan on him being his guide this year, but Magisano responded to the statement with a test to Schulman.
“Nev, I want to run it with you,” the text reads, “I don’t care how fast or slow we go. If you feel like there’s a chance you might be able to do it, I’ll wait.”
Cleared to Run
This message proved to be enough motivation for Schulman to defy all odds. He spent more time in recovery, and soon enough his doctors made the decision to clear him to run. Of course, he recorded the blessing to prove to his wife that he was in the clear.
After only having a few weeks to train, Schulman was ready to join his friend at the starting line. As stated, the New York City Marathon is no easy feat on its own, but Schulman was able to complete it after a bike accident, a neck fracture, a few weeks of training, and while guiding a blind athlete.
In a post on his Instagram page, Schulman had this to say about his achievement: “This was a big one for me. Exactly 3 months ago I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to run again, and today I proved to myself that anything is possible with the right amount of commitment, determination and support. There are too many people to thank, but I’ll start with my incredible wife. She was there for me and our family through every moment and never flinched or missed a beat. From my doctors and nurses at Stony Brook, to my Chiro and PT, to my amazing friends and family, thank you all so much.”
A Major Achievement
When Schulman crossed the finish line with Magisano on November 3, the significance of the achievement was not lost. Through tenacity and determination, Schulman will be able to continue in his hobby and career despite the accident.
