Taking on NYC’s biggest race for a cause

While running across the Queensboro Bridge during mile 16 of the 2010 New York City Marathon, Rabbi Scott Hoffman said he heard nothing. While usually flooded by cars headed to and from Manhattan, the bridge was closed to accommodate the city’s annual 26.2-mile trek.

Then, upon stepping off the bridge, Hoffman found himself on 1st Avenue. Flooded by masses of racing fans who come to support and cheer on the runners, it’s the most densely populated viewing spot on the course, according to Hoffman. “It’s like running into the middle of a gigantic party,” he said. “It’s just amazing. It’s one of the great landmarks in all of racing.”

On Nov. 6, Hoffman, 47, spiritual leader of Temple Israel of South Merrick, will experience that landmark again, as he will participate in the New York City Marathon for the second straight year. Overall, it will be his ninth marathon.

The New York City Marathon, run annually in November across Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, crosses five bridges along the way.

Hoffman completed last year’s marathon in 3 hours and 35 minutes. It was the first major race he competed in after he was diagnosed with tendinitis in his right leg in 2008. “It restored my confidence that I could still do this racing, which I was not so sure I could do anymore,” he said.

This year, Hoffman will run the marathon to raise money for the United Jewish Appeal, a philanthropic organization that aims to inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and to strengthen Jewish communities around the world.

Temple Israel of South Merrick hosts UJA programs throughout the year, including a major program every summer. “It was an exciting way to combine running and a charitable organization I’ve done a lot of work with,” said Hoffman, whose goal is to raise $3,000.

Hoffman said that one-sixth of the 45,000 competitors in last year’s New York City Marathon earned their spots through charitable organizations. In total, he said, $30 million was raised for charity. “It’s a very impressive figure,” he said.