I won't ever understand the concept of people sprinting and then classing that activity under "recreation." Also, "fun run" sounds like horrible oxymoron. More relatable are phrases like "triumphs of the human spirit" and "goodwill" -- abstractions that are in short supply these days. And for some people, throwing one leg in front of another over a long distance may just be tantamount to such a sentiment. Breaking the tape for some runners is kind of like completing an entire day of filming for Lindsay Lohan. In either case, it's life-affirming proof that they can complete a project after committing to it. Since we live in an America of Lowered Expectations these days, just seeing a goal from planning to execution is a landmark itself. But that's probably why this portrait of snarly New Yorkers cheering on their friends in the marathon today represents a glimmer of genuine optimism.

Moreover, it's the idea that in a crumbling civilization where most people are hanging onto their livelihoods by a thread, many remain capable of supporting their cohorts. We haven't yet folded into a tired cast of venal Bret Easton Ellis-esque stereotypes. On the day after Halloween no less, many of us aren't too wracked by gluttony in order to cheer runners from the sidelines. And even if you're not the running kind, there's a light in Meb Keflezighi's marathonvictory. Having scaled all five boroughs (that's about 26 miles) in just over two hours, Keflezighi's victory -- and those of the runners-up -- that we may emerge in one piece after all, tragedies and all.