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Westchester Runner Makes History With 200 Miles Around Central Park

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. --- What does it take to run 200 miles in Central Park in one weekend? 

Eric Gelber, of Chappaqua, is the subject of a new film, "200 Miles."

Eric Gelber, of Chappaqua, is the subject of a new film, "200 Miles."

Photo Credit: Submitted
Chappaqua runner Eric Gelber raises funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF).

Chappaqua runner Eric Gelber raises funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF).

Photo Credit: Submitted

The new film, "200 Miles," showing at Tribeca Film Festival Thursday, April 27, has the answer thanks to its main subject, Ultramarathoner Eric Gelber, of Chappaqua.

  • More than 250,000 steps
  • 12 gallons of water; two liters of ginger ale
  • Six pairs of shoes; nine pairs of socks
  • One pound of salami (one of Gelber's favorite running foods), two cantaloupes, and a pound of boiled potatoes
  • Five to 20-minute naps
  • One Central Park pedicabber who rode 107 miles transporting the Tribeca documentary film crew

The movie follows the father of three who, thanks to this event, made history by completing a record 200 miles around Central Park to raise awareness and one million dollars for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF).

The film not only documents the ups and downs of Gelber's grueling run, but it also follows the stories of several multiple myeloma patients, including his late friend -- and source of much of his inspiration -- Anita.

“Anita was the beginning of the journey,” said Gelber. “Now it’s become way bigger than me."

Gelber does not have the illness but understands, after watching Anita battle the disease for many years, its hardships and challenges. His effort --- he has been raising money for eight years -- has been formally dubbed, “The Journey Towards a Cure.”

His goal, he said, is to hopefully inspire others to do something for someone else. 

"No matter how big or small, it doesn’t matter. It’s the sum of all our efforts that make the difference.”

The movie is at 6 p.m. at iPic Theaters, 11 Fulton St. After the event, it will be available on Tribeca’s YouTube page and on the MMRF’s page. The film will also be on Amazon Prime.

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