"Don't Wait", Releasing This Summer, Documents Jamaican Fitness Buff Marie Dunn's Marathon Journey

As a personal challenge, Marie Dunn was determined to compete in the New York City Marathon. After being turned down by organisers three years ago, the Jamaican fitness buff reapplied and was accepted, paving the way for her run in the 2023 event.

Dunn, who is in her mid-40s, also competed in the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon. She recalls her preparation and participation for both events in the book Don’t Wait, scheduled for release this summer.

It is the New York-based Dunn’s fourth book. Like the previous efforts, it will be distributed by her Bold Flamingo Publishing.

“I can't wait to share my marathon journey with the world. I'm excited for you to join me on this journey, to feel the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and to be inspired by the transformative power of endurance sports,” she said.

From St. Ann parish in Jamaica, Dunn has been into fitness for many years but wanted to take her game to another level by competing in the New York City Marathon, considered by athletes to be the blue ribbon event of long distance races.

She was initially turned down by New York Road Runners, organisers of the event, but Dunn re-applied through Children in Conflict, one of the charities recognized by the New York City Marathon.

As part of her preparation for that race, which was run on November 5, Dunn underwent a strenuous eight-month fitness program and competed in a half-marathon.

All of this is related in Don’t Wait which will be out three years after Bold Soul-Searching Monologues, her third book.

Dunn has lived in the United States for over 25 years. She has degrees in literature and social work from Mercy College and Fordham University, respectively.