Son of "Superman" To Run NYC Marathon for Dad

By MELISSA MURPHY

Updated 5:10 PM CST, Sun, May 17, 2009

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Matthew Reeve will wear bib No. 1275 at the New York City Marathon, a significant number for the son of the late Christopher Reeve.

It represents the 1.275 million people with spinal cord injuries -- the money he raises will go to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

The 29-year-old Reeve will make his marathon debut on Nov. 1, the New York Road Runners announced Monday. He'll be part of Team Reeve, one of a record 75 official New York City Marathon charities.

"I used to live near the Columbus Circle finish line and watched people come in with a blankets around them and practically collapse," Reeve said. "I never thought I'd be one."

A kitesurfer, Reeve recently completed the film "Over the Water" on kiteboarding. He's just started to train for the 26.2-mile event with 4-mile jaunts, running in Central Park, along the Hudson River parkway and over the Williamsburg Bridge.

"I try not to think of it as daunting, just a challenge," he said. "It's never been a life goal to run a marathon. But if it raises money for an adaptive sports program or funds one experiment, it will be worth it."

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation supports spinal cord research, treatment and rehabilitation for those living with paralysis. Reeve will be among more than 6,000 runners for charities in the five-borough event, aiming to raise a record $21 million overall.

"Matthew's decision to run in the ING New York City Marathon epitomizes everything this race is all about: the triumph of the human spirit against all odds," said Mary Wittenberg, race director of the ING New York City Marathon.

The British-born Reeve is the oldest son of Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton. He was 15 when his father broke his neck during an equestrian competition in 1995.

Matthew's documentaries about his father's journey are "Hope in Motion" and "Choosing Hope." Despite highs and lows, Christopher Reeve seemed to display an exceptional resilience before his death in 2004.

"Absolutely. It was remarkable and incredibly admirable," his son said. "He gave many people inspiration. It wasn't a role he would have chosen, but when found himself in that position, he was able to embrace it and be a voice for a community that didn't have one."

In March, Reeve watched President Barack Obama sign the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act at the White House. The law will provide funds for the care of people with paralysis and others disabilities.

"I was thinking how he should have been there instead of me," Matthew said of his father. "He would have been beyond thrilled and honored."

A month before the signing, Obama lifted the ban on stem cell research. Christopher Reeve favored the lifting of the ban, hoping science could help those coping with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurological issues.

"It's been an incredible start to the year for the foundation," Reeve said. "I hope to keep that momentum going."

The foundation effort is a family affair. Reeve's 26-year-old sister Alexandra is also on the board, while Will Reeve, 16, the son of Christopher and Dana, is in high school. Dana Reeve died from lung cancer in 2006.

Their uncle Kevin Johnson ran the 2007 New York City Marathon, and raised $26,000 for Team Reeve.

"There's a goal to beat," Reeve said. "Then $26,001 is my minimum. Hopefully, I'll do a bit better than that."