Gorka Marquez Finishes NYC Marathon Post-Sprain
A first-time marathoner who sprained an ankle three weeks earlier completed the race, a single individual result.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Running
Dancer Gorka Marquez completed the New York City Marathon in 3:44:14, his first marathon, despite an ankle sprain three weeks before the race. The run came days after he announced he would leave Strictly Come Dancing after ten years.
Why it matters
The result shows that a recent ankle injury did not stop a first-time marathoner from finishing a major race, though this is one individual's experience rather than a general benchmark. Marquez's exit from the long-running show, announced in April 2026, closes a decade-long run that began in 2016.
This is a single runner's self-reported result from one race, not a controlled study or a broader sample. The figures come from Marquez's own sharing of his results and photos on social media.
The players
Gorka Marquez
Professional dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing pro who has partnered celebrities including Tameka Empson, Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton.
Strictly Come Dancing
The long-running BBC ballroom dancing competition on which Marquez performed for ten years.
The details
Marquez ran the New York City Marathon for the first time and shared his results and photos publicly. He had sprained an ankle three weeks before race day, which made the 3:44:14 finish a notable personal effort. Athletes who train through a recent soft-tissue injury often rely on conservative pacing and cross-training, though details of his preparation were not reported.
Timeline
2016: Marquez joined Strictly Come Dancing.
End of April 2026: Marquez announced he would leave the show.
September 2026: The Strictly 2026 series is scheduled to begin.
Early November 2026: Marquez ran the New York City Marathon.
Health Landscape
Recreational marathon finishes by people with recent injuries are common in large city races, where many runners complete the distance on modified training plans. This individual result adds one case to that broad pattern of amateur endurance running.
If you are returning to running after a minor ankle injury, it is worth discussing a graded return plan with your doctor or a physical therapist before racing. Recovery timelines vary, so an individual's clearance matters more than any one athlete's result.
The takeaway
Finishing a marathon after a recent injury is possible for some runners, but it reflects one person's circumstances. If you are recovering from an ankle sprain, ask your physician or physical therapist when it is safe to build back up to longer distances.
Further reading
For more on training and recovery, see the Running section.
