WABC Eyewitness News anchors Liz Cho and Mike Marza made headlines recently as they participated in the TCS New York City Marathon, held on 1st November. Their participation was deeply personal, as they ran to support the Alzheimer’s Association, honouring their former colleague Bill Ritter, who retired earlier this year after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
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The decision to run the marathon stemmed from Ritter’s public advocacy regarding his diagnosis, which he first revealed to viewers in June. At the age of 76, Ritter has been open about the memory issues he has faced over the past two years, illustrating the personal impact of the disease on his family and those around him. He explained during an appearance on Good Morning America that he initially began forgetting names and places, prompting concern from both himself and his wife, Kathleen.
As Cho and Marza ran through the streets of New York City, they were not just racing for the marathon’s finish line; they were also raising awareness about a condition that affects millions. The duo’s finish times were notable, with Marza completing the race in 3:50:39 and Cho finishing in 4:15:07. Footage captured during the race showcased their emotional crossing of the finish line, where they celebrated together with Ritter, who had been a constant source of inspiration for their efforts.
Cho reflected on her first marathon experience, describing it as “spectacular” despite facing an injury in the weeks leading up to the event. She credited her colleagues and family for providing motivation throughout the race. “Every time I thought I was getting really low, I saw Kemberly, I saw Pedro, then I saw Dani… it just fueled me,” she articulated, emphasising the support she felt from her team.
Marza, who took part in the marathon for the second time, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to run not only in honour of Ritter but for all those affected by Alzheimer’s. He commended Ritter’s bravery in facing his diagnosis publicly, stating, “You give so much to so many people, including me.” He added that he aimed to embody even a fraction of the resilience that Ritter displayed during his challenging journey.
While Ritter has stepped back from his full-time anchoring role, his commitment to journalism remains strong. He has launched a series titled “Living with Alzheimer’s” and continues to engage in advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association. In a reflective moment, Ritter remarked to reporters, “I don’t wallow very well,” showcasing his determination to use his experience for positive change.
Ritter’s unexpected journey with Alzheimer’s has driven him to focus on his family and advocate for others facing similar battles. He noted that the disease primarily affects families and has described the importance of shifting his focus to being a supportive husband and father during this time. “I quickly moved into husband/dad place… this is my family. And that’s what I’m really worried about,” he shared, highlighting the personal stakes involved.
Sunday’s marathon served as a poignant reminder of the impact of community and collective action in raising awareness about Alzheimer’s. As Ritter congratulated Marza after he crossed the finish line, he acknowledged the significance of their participation in the marathon, stating, “You’ve just done it… getting Alzheimer’s out in the public.”
The heartfelt participation of Cho and Marza in the marathon not only honours their colleague but also contributes to a wider movement aimed at addressing the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease. Their actions are a testament to the support and camaraderie that can be found in the journalism community, as they strive to foster understanding and solidarity among those affected by the condition.