Priest runs the ‘good race’ in New York City Marathon

Father Manuel Duenas may have finished the race, but his good fight continues.

The priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and current vice-rector of Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Kearny, N.J., was among 33,000 participants in Sunday’s New York City marathon.

As Father Manuel waited at the starting line, he had one goal: to finish his first New York City Marathon in under three hours. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He was counting on 30 years of running experience and, recently, 16-weeks of training to manage the 26.2-mile task.

In the end, Father Manuel finished the race in 2 hours and 55 minutes, and 55 seconds.

It was a personal best time.

“Maybe at the beginning, I went too fast, and I paid for it at the end,” Father Manuel said afterward. “But overall, I am very satisfied with the race and experience. The race was very nice. It was as tough as any marathon, but it was very beautiful. I have experienced in my life that you always perform better the day of the race. Very often better than you expect.”

The weather was gorgeous, and supporters crowded the city streets. Among those gathered were former parishioners from St. John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield, where Father Manuel served as parochial vicar.

“It was nice of them to come,” he said. “It was a very beautiful atmosphere in the streets. I’m already looking forward to the next marathon.”

Sunday’s race was Father Manuel’s fourth marathon. Others include The Atlantic City Marathon, The New Jersey Marathon in Long Branch, and The Memorial Day Marathon in Massachusetts in 2013. He’s also competed in half marathons, including the New York City Half Marathon in 2019, where he qualified for Sunday’s race.

Father Manuel, 44, was born in Burgos, Spain, and has been running since 16. He competed on track teams in high school and college. One of the things he enjoys about running is the peace it gives him. He also loves the thrill of competition.

“I like the possibility that you have to try harder to get better after every race,” Father Manuel explained. “The possibility to excel, to compete with someone else, to push yourself a little bit harder, and to see how good you can do.”

One of the things the priest was thinking about on a recent jog was how running symbolizes living the Christian life. There are many parallels to it, he said, especially when it comes to running a marathon.

“The life of a Christian is basically also like a race,” Father Manuel explained. “We are pilgrims on this earth, and there is a destination. There is a goal. And the crown is heaven. Being a Christian is not something that you accomplish once and for all. It’s a daily challenge. Every day we have to convert.”

Father Manuel referred to Saint Paul’s New Testament letters in which the apostle speaks of the “good fight” and finishing the race, keeping the faith, and the crown of righteousness that awaits the faithful.

“I think it’s exciting because you run with other people, and there are other people supporting you as you go,” Father Manuel continued in explaining the metaphor. “This is a beautiful image of the Christian community of the Church. It’s very difficult to live faith all by oneself. There are moments when you feel more comfortable and when it seems easier, and there are moments when you struggle. We have a community of faith that somehow helps us, supports us, encourages us, and prays for us. And somehow, everything becomes easier.”

Father Manuel expects to run in the New York City Marathon again next year. For now, he will rest up and then get back to training.