The New York City Marathon was supposed to be held this Sunday, Nov. 1. But due to the pandemic, thousands of participants will run in a virtual marathon.

The 26,000 will still run the 26.2 miles, but in a location of their choosing. News 12 New Jersey spoke with one woman who ran the distance but it only took her one block away.

Bloomfield resident Jacqueline Murphy ran around a Newark block 131 times – the equivalent of 26 miles. The block is home to Newark’s Covenant House, an organization that provides shelter and services for homeless youth. It is also where Murphy works.

Murphy tells News 12 that she is running to raise awareness and funds for Covenant House and the issue of homelessness. She says that for her, a marathon is like a parallel to life.

“It’s a long journey. You can’t write what’s going to happen. You can’t choose what the weather’s going to be like,” she says. “The kids at Covenant House are the most empowering, inspiring people that I could possibly run for.”

Supporters and other Covenant House employees joined Murphy on her run for a lap or two. And a large group gathered for her last lap at the finish line.

Murphy’s run was her 10th marathon.