While the award has typically been associated with elite level runners , particularly marathon runners , it has also been given to non-athletes . Fred Lebow – creator of the New York Marathon – became the first person to win the award who was not a professional athlete in 1995 . The 2001 award was given to Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani on the basis of his dedication to the city in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks . The 2009 winner , long-time road running organiser and event director Allan Steinfeld , was the third non-professional athlete to receive the award . The Rudin family , long-time sponsors of the New York Marathon , were the first non-individual recipients of the award in 2012
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Abebe Bikila Award