Jane Muhrcke has never run a mile yet has been devoted—in her own unique way—to the New York City Marathon for almost 50 years.

Two years after her husband, Gary, won the first one, in 1970, Muhrcke started making the laurel wreaths for the winners. She’s done it every year since, and will again for the race on Nov. 3.

She has always shied away from the spotlight and was even hesitant to be interviewed for this article, authored by her grandson.