Man Who Lost Nearly 200 Pounds to Run NYC Marathon
After a life-altering gastric bypass surgery, Joe Macklin transformed his health and will now compete in the TCS New York City Marathon.
Joe Macklin, a 25-year-old Staten Island resident, will participate in the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon, marking a significant personal milestone after losing approximately 190 pounds. Macklin’s journey began in September 2024 when he decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery, prompted by the death of an acquaintance who was also significantly overweight.
Before the surgery, Macklin weighed 432 pounds. The process for the surgery required him to adhere to a liquid diet, undergo an endoscopy, and receive evaluations from a cardiologist and a psychologist. He had the procedure in December 2024 at Staten Island University Hospital. Immediately following the surgery, his weight dropped to 388 pounds, and in the first week, he lost an additional 20 pounds.
Macklin reported losing 10 to 12 pounds per week once he incorporated exercise into his routine. Three months after his surgery, he began training for the marathon. He had previously expressed a desire to run the marathon but felt his weight made it impossible. His training began with walking, initially for 45 minutes alone and then with his mother, Renee, for 25 minutes. These walks eventually evolved into running.
An opportunity arose when Macklin’s father, John, whose boss is the nephew of former Bengals and Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason, learned that the Boomer Esiason Foundation needed an additional runner for the marathon. In July, he received a call offering a spot. Macklin had a week to confirm his participation and underwent a health check, having previously suffered an ulcer.
The Boomer Esiason Foundation provided Macklin with a 16-week training program, which he adapted to his daily schedule. He adjusted the program based on his progress, building up to running seven to 10 miles. Macklin, who works as an HVAC mechanic in Manhattan, runs daily after work from 5 to 6 p.m. and plays pickleball from 7 to 9 p.m.
In September, Macklin completed the Staten Island Half Marathon with a time of two hours and 26 minutes, exceeding his goal by four minutes. This performance boosted his confidence for the upcoming marathon.
He continues to follow a post-surgery diet emphasizing protein and carbohydrates, including foods like steak, grilled chicken, and rice. His goal for the marathon is to finish in five hours. His family, including his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with his girlfriend, Gwyn, whom he met at St. John's University, will be present to support him. His father's birthday falls on the day of the marathon.
Macklin is running in support of the Boomer Esiason Foundation’s efforts against cystic fibrosis. He has raised over $6,300 so far, with significant contributions from his pickleball teammates. Following the marathon, Macklin plans to watch the Edmonton Oilers play the Rangers with his family and Gwyn.