NJ Athlete Overcomes Incredible Odds To Compete In NYC Marathon

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Glenn Hartrick, an athlete from Jersey City, overcame incredible challenges to compete in this year's New York City Marathon.

In June 2014, Hartrick was struck by a car while he was training for an Ironman triathlon. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.

"I couldnt move, I couldnt pick myself up," Hartrick said. "I was being lifted up by a Hoyer lift from my bed into the chair."

Hartrick, a former cover model for 'Runner's World' magazine, refused to give up on his passion for racing. On Sunday, Hartrick used a hand bike to cycle the enduring 26.2-mile race across the boroughs.

This was the first time Hartrick's competed in a marathon using a hand cycle, WLNY's Ilana Gold reported.

PHOTOS: New York City Marathon 2015

Hartrick won 9th place in the marathon hand cycle division with a time of one hour and thirty-seven minutes -- eight minutes faster than he anticipated.

"I'm back and better and stronger than ever," Hartrick said. "This just, it really means the world to me, to do it in New York, the city that I love."

Hartrick hopes his success will inspire others in his position to stay positive and pursue their dreams.

"If I help one person, then my mission's done," Hartrick said.

Hartrick plans to compete in the Philadelphia marathon in a few weeks, and hopes to return to compete in the New York City Marathon next year.