The New York City Marathon

Today, Harris Falk runs the New York City Marathon.
(This photo is from 2009.)


UPDATE: 5:10:46 Way to go, Harris!


Founded in 1970, the New York City Marathon was originally four laps around Central Park. While attractive (by 1970 standards) I cannot imagine anything more challenging and tedious than running around Central Park four times. It's not merely the repetition, it's also a very hilly course.


Marathon Man (1976)
"Hurrr -- why don't you just trying ACTING!?"
In 1976 the race map was drawn to touch all five boroughs. Expecting New York City denizens to be outraged at over 300 blocked intersections, no one was prepared for the crowds, excitement and positive energy created by the event. Participation in the NYC Marathon exploded.




Beginning on Staten Island, runners traverse the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn where they remain for 13 miles before taking in a few miles of Queens, and crossing the 59th Street Bridge into Manhattan. North up First Avenue into the Bronx (one mile) and then back into Manhattan before concluding in Central Park. The cheering is truly outrageous.


Cruising under Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 2009 ...


... running over Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 2006.


Hey! You! Douchebag in the hat!

Soucres:
My 2006 NYC Marathon Experience (Daddy Runs Fast)
The Bowery Boys Podcast: NYC Marathon History