Ariana Grande's Marathon Note Surprises Runner — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Ellie, a marathon runner, discovered a note from Ariana Grande in an envelope after finishing the race. The note, written by Grande and her boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, read 'You did it!' with three hearts. Ellie had been listening to Grande's music during the race.
Ella Schweiger, a creator from Manchester, brought her project, Ella's Envelope, to New York for the marathon. The project collects notes from strangers to give to runners. Grande and Alvarez agreed to write notes for the project while watching the race. Read more culture coverage.
Ellie was unaware of the note's origin until Schweiger informed her. The runner expressed surprise and gratitude for the note, which she found after crossing the finish line. The marathon saw a record 61,146 finishers. Related: NYC Marathon Sets Record with Over 60,000 Finishers.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Ariana Grande's Marathon Note Surprises Runner?
A runner finds a handwritten note from Ariana Grande in an envelope after finishing the marathon. Ellie, a marathon runner, discovered a note from Ariana Grande in an envelope after finishing the race. The note, written by Grande and her boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, read 'You did it!' with three hearts. Ellie had been listening to Grande's music during the race.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on November 3, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated November 3, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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