Shortly after the Boston Red Sox’s playoff exit, Alex Cora returned to the Big Apple to run the New York City Marathon.
Running alongside his partner, Angelica Feliciano, Cora completed the NYC Marathon in 4:37:51 on Sunday. Even in enemy territory, “Sweet Caroline” played as the Red Sox skipper crossed the finish line.
Cora reflected on his marathon experience during Thursday’s interview on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove.” He recalled a friend saying he felt like Derek Jeter at a New York Yankees’ World Series parade when finishing his first marathon, a sentiment Cora didn’t fully share.
“I didn’t feel like Derek, of course,” Cora said. “I felt like somebody important for the city of New York, at least for one day.”
Cora said he trained throughout the Red Sox’s season. He found out he was running five days after Boston’s postseason exit and upped his preparation in Puerto Rico.
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“I wasn’t ready to run the marathon,” Cora admitted. “We made the playoffs, we get bounced, and I made a phone call a week later. It was October 7 when I got the bid. And I’m like, ‘I better get going.’”
He credited the New York crowd for energizing him throughout the 26.2 miles. Cora is proud of himself for finishing the marathon.
“What an experience,” Cora said. “I know how electric New York is. Their fanbase, all of that, playing in Yankee Stadium. But from mile one all the way to the last one, they carry you. It was a fun day. It made me better, it made us better. I’m in awe and have the utmost respect to all the marathoners because it’s not easy to do. It’s one thing I’d never thought I would do, and I did it.”
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Despite that vibrant atmosphere, Cora conceded that some Yankees fans heckled him as he ran across the five boroughs. The 50-year-old didn’t mind.
“I didn’t care. I really didn’t,” Cora said. “They got bragging rights, right? They beat us in the playoffs, so I’ll give it to them.”