Daniel Cho Returns to NYC Marathon After Overcoming Hate Crime
When Daniel Cho crosses the finish line of this year’s New York City Marathon, he will join over 18,000 first-time runners in a moment that signifies resilience and hope. A year ago, however, Cho faced a harrowing experience that threatened to derail his dreams of running the iconic race.
On October 29, 2025, while waiting for a train at the Bowery J/Z station, Cho was attacked by a stranger who punched him in the face and knocked him onto the tracks, hurling racist slurs in the process. The incident left him not only physically injured with multiple fractures and nerve damage but also mentally scarred, as he became one of the many victims of violent crime in New York City.
Despite the trauma, Cho's journey did not end there. After the attack, he reported the incident to the police, which led to the swift arrest of his assailant. However, the physical recovery was just beginning. With only four days until the marathon, doctors advised him to withdraw from the race. Instead, Cho embarked on a long path of rehabilitation that included surgery, therapy, and acupuncture to address his lingering symptoms.
In the spring following his attack, Cho felt ready to lace up his running shoes once more. He decided to take another shot at the New York City Marathon, this time with a renewed purpose. "Both marathon training and recovery from violence ask for the same things: resilience, motivation, mental fortitude," he reflected.
Addressing Rising Concerns of Violence
While crime statistics show a decline in many violent crimes, felony assaults remain a significant concern, with the NYPD reporting an increase in such incidents this year. Cho's attacker was implicated in multiple anti-Asian assaults on the same day, underscoring a troubling trend of violence against the Asian community.
Originally, Cho aimed to run the marathon to raise funds for Apex for Youth, a nonprofit that supports low-income Asian American youth through mentorship and resources. Now, he also seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing violence and to inspire hope among fellow survivors. "I was running for kids who are learning to trust this city to nurture and protect their futures. And then I had to learn to trust the city again myself with every commute, with every subway ride," he shared.
One Last Stride
Cho encourages other survivors to view their recovery as akin to marathon training: a journey filled with challenges, progress, and setbacks. "Find your own healing journey. Don’t be afraid to tell your story…and create space for that intentional rest," he advises.
As marathon day approaches, Cho looks forward to soaking in the atmosphere, finding joy in the struggle, and sharing the experience with his wife and two children at mile 14. He believes that the marathon offers a unique opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, fostering a sense of community. "New York is a place for everyone, like nowhere else in the world, and the city belongs to all of us. Hopefully, we can lift each other up," he said.
