Last night at the professional athlete and staff post-marathon dinner party, Bob Laufer, NYRR's Athletes with Disabilities manager and legal consultant (also known at NYRR as Mad Dog, due to his sometimes ferocious bark and competitive drive on the softball field), sported a tie with a mass of runners emblazoned on it. Marilson Gomes dos Santos complimented Bob on his fashion sense. Marilson signed an autograph for one of Bob's friends a few years ago--a gesture Bob's friend still gets excited about. For years, Bob's considered a way to thank Marilson, and, not being a man to miss an opportunity, Bob removed the tie from this neck and gave it to a surprised Marilson.

After the race yesterday, I ran into Merhawi Keflezighi, Meb's agent, and, in response to my congratulations, Hawi said, "This is Meb's wedding gift to you guys." I'm getting married in 19 days to NYRR's pro athlete manager.