Sunday, November 3 was a career highlight for thousands of runners from around the world as they tackled the daunting New York City Marathon.

For Nev Schulman, this was a particularly incredible feat. Schulman, the star of the reality TV show “Catfish” put on his running shoes and competed in the race. The impressive part of this isn’t seeing a celebrity run a marathon, but the fact that Schulman broke his neck three months ago in a bicycle accident and was still able to run this race.

He told him New York Post“I just remember the look on every nurse and doctor’s face when they first walked into the room… I was expecting to be a paralyzed version and be so shocked and almost confused.”

His bike accident happened in early August when he was going to pick up his son. While trying to merge lanes, he collided with a truck. He was transferred to Stony Brook Hospital after learning he had broken his neck.

During his recovery, Schulman was left wondering when he would be able to return to running, a passion of his. According to the New York Post, he ran the marathon last year as a guide for Francesco Magisano, a blind athlete. This year, Schulman had planned to skip the race, but received a tantalizing message from Magisano.

Schulman told the New York Post that he didn’t want Magisano to plan for him to be his guide this year, to which Magisano replied, “Nev, I want to run it with you. I don’t care how fast or slow we go. . If you feel there’s a chance you can do it, I’ll wait.”

After spending more time in recovery, doctors cleared him to run and he ended up completing his eighth marathon alongside his friend Francesco Magisano.

“That was a big one for me. Exactly 3 months ago, I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to run again, and today I proved to myself that anything is possible with the right amount of commitment, determination and support. ” Schulman wrote in his Instagram.

In the post, he thanked his family, friends and medical staff for all they have done to help him through this challenging journey. As the pair crossed the finish line on Sunday, the joy could be felt from afar.