New York Marathon

New York Marathon: The Race of Legends

A legendary race with a 54-year history, attracting nearly 52,000 participants in each edition, 315 million TV viewers, and 2 million spectators from around the globe lining the cheering zones. Not to mention the world’s top runners taking part. It’s no wonder it stands at the pinnacle of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the list of the most prestigious marathons in the world. The race traditionally begins on the iconic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn. Once in Brooklyn, runners head down 4th Avenue towards Queens. This is where they join Manhattan, the district considered the most attractive with its numerous restaurants, art galleries, and more. Over the remaining 17 km, runners race along First Avenue. This legendary street is known for its width, providing runners with a sense of freedom during the marathon. It also embodies the essence of New York with its modern skyscrapers, mixed with the city’s classic red brick buildings, local shops, and cosmopolitan vibe !

Beyond this avenue, marathoners head towards the Bronx and the Harlem River. They’ll have just 2 km left before reaching Central Park via 86th Street. At this stage of the race, fatigue sets in, yet the park’s unique energy is invigorating. The course winds through its tree-lined paths and changing landscapes, offering an atmosphere that’s both serene and vibrant, thanks to the cheering crowds. However, be wary of the elevation changes in these final stretches !

But this race would never have come to life without one man: Fred Lebow. On November 1, 1970, at 11 a.m., Fred, then president of the New York Road Runners Club, invited 127 other New Yorkers to tackle a marathon distance. To achieve it, they circled Central Park four times. Only 55 of them, including Fred Lebow, completed the race. A daring challenge that piqued the curiosity of passersby, unknowingly witnessing the birth of a mainstay in the running calendar for decades to come.

Over six years, the event gained popularity among New Yorkers. In 1976, in honor of the United States’ bicentennial, the route was altered. This new course crossed the city’s five boroughs and saw over 2,000 participants. After that, the organizer decided to keep this new route. From 1978 to 1980, it was Fred Lebow’s close friend, Grete Waitz, who set three world records on this marathon. The New York Marathon is a legendary race that inspires many and serves as a springboard for those aspiring to become legends themselves! Like Bill Rodgers, an anomaly with 59 marathons under his belt, 28 of which were completed in under 2 hours and 15 minutes, and 22 victories, including four consecutive wins at the New York Marathon.

This iconic race leaves an indelible mark in the minds of its participants. With its settings reminiscent of “On the Town” with Frank Sinatra, and its ultra-supportive atmosphere, the New York Marathon, challenging as it may be, is truly uplifting. It’s a fact that can’t be denied! The marathon has witnessed numerous precious moments, such as marriage proposals, pregnancy announcements, or tribute runs for loved ones gone too soon. In 1992, none other than Fred Lebow at age 60, having been diagnosed with cancer, wished to run his final New York Marathon. It was an emotional moment he shared with running enthusiasts, as well as his faithful friend with nine victories: Norwegian Grete Waitz, also aged 60. They completed the marathon in 5 hours, 32 minutes, and 34 seconds. Two years later, during the 24th edition, Fred’s passing was announced. More than 3,000 people paid tribute to him in the heart of Central Park.

Yet the scope of the New York Marathon doesn’t end there. It has established itself as a major social event in the eyes of the world. In 2001, less than two months after the September 11 attacks, 25,000 participants from around the globe took part in this very special edition. The race took place in a city frozen in mourning, serving as a symbol of bravery and solidarity across the globe. Americans felt more united than ever on the world stage.

Even today, the New York Marathon is a unique symbol of unity and self-transcendence. An event that many describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which accounts for its immense popularity and the difficulty in securing a spot…