How far would you run to stay sane?
During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, when movement was severely restricted and normal activities were disrupted, people sought creative ways to stay active and maintain their sanity. One remarkable example came from Elisha Nochomovitz, a 32-year-old furloughed restaurant worker from Balma, a suburb of Toulouse in southern France. Nochomovitz achieved an extraordinary feat by running a full marathon without ever leaving his 23-foot-long balcony.
On March 15, 2020, Nochomovitz embarked on a mission to complete the marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers (26.2 miles) by running back and forth on his balcony. This endeavor was not just a physical challenge but also a mental one, symbolizing resilience and adaptability during unprecedented times. His determination and sense of humor were evident as he shared images of his run online, aiming to bring some light-heartedness to the grim reality of confinement.
Despite the monotony and physical strain of running approximately 3,000 laps, Nochomovitz found the experience worthwhile. It took him six hours and 48 minutes, nearly double his best marathon time. The short length of his balcony meant he couldn’t gain momentum or speed, making the run exceptionally challenging. “My only pleasure is running, no matter what the time,” he told CNN, highlighting his commitment to the sport.
Nochomovitz dedicated his marathon to the medical personnel working tirelessly through the pandemic, whom he described as “the real everyday heroes.” His run was a tribute to their exceptional efforts and a show of solidarity. “I thought about many things, what’s going to happen, when I see that the world has stopped, sports, economy, finance,” he said, reflecting on the global situation while his feet pounded the balcony floor.
At the time, French authorities allowed people to go outside for exercise if they filled out a form explaining their reasons. However, Nochomovitz chose to stay indoors, aware that if everyone decided to go out, it could jeopardize the effectiveness of the confinement measures. “If everyone thinks the same way and does the same thing, we will all find ourselves outside and that won’t help anything,” he said.
His girlfriend played a crucial role in supporting his endeavor, providing drinks and M&Ms to keep his energy levels up. Outside, onlookers stared in confusion, and fortunately, his neighbors were understanding despite the noise of his continuous running.
Nochomovitz’s balcony marathon is reminiscent of other athletes finding innovative ways to stay fit during lockdowns, such as runners in Wuhan and cyclists in Abu Dhabi. His story serves as a reminder that even in times of severe restrictions, the human spirit can find ways to persevere and inspire others. As he ran, Nochomovitz lost track of the laps but kept his focus on the larger picture: a world united in the fight against an invisible enemy.
The French government’s strict measures, announced by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, included the closure of all non-essential places and a ban on gatherings. These steps, along with the closure of borders, aimed to curb the spread of the virus. Amid these regulations, Nochomovitz’s marathon stood out as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of determination in the face of adversity.