Concourse’s David Kilgore finishes 52nd NYC Marathon as fastest Bronxite

Runner David Kilgore waves at spectators as he makes his way through the Bronx during the 52nd TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.

Photo Gabriel Rodriguez-Tossas

David Kilgore, an internationally recognized ultra-marathon runner known as “Florida Man,” has found a home in the Bronx finishing this year’s New York City Marathon as the fastest Bronxite and the eighth fastest New Yorker to cross the finish line.

He was one of only two runners from the Bronx who finished within the first 500 competitors, according to results of the race. 

Kilgore, 32, lives in the Concourse neighborhood located in the southwestern section of the borough near the iconic Yankee Stadium. He says living in the borough’s diverse landscape is fantastic for running and what helped him prepare for his fifth Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) NYC Marathon. Among the nearly 52,000 runners this year, Kilgore completed the world’s largest race in 63rd place with a time of 2:31:39, less than 27 minutes off the winning pace.

This year’s effort amounted to Kilgore’s fourth fastest finish in the venerable marathon – merely 3:20 behind his best result in 2019. 

Originally from Palm Bay, Florida, Kilgore got started running while joining his dad who ran about a mile a day for general fitness. After being introduced to his cross country coaches at Holy Trinity High School, he fell in love with the sport and its community. He eventually went on to become a four-time Florida state track and cross country champion and an All-American runner.

“Ever since then, I’ve just kind of been in the distance running realm. But over the years, I feel like I’ve expanded that” he said. “You know, marathons, ultramarathons and other, unique running stunts, more or less.” 

As a career competitive runner, Kilgore has run some of the longest races in the world. 

Recently in a endurnace running challenge against six other racers referred to as The Speed Project,…