New York City Marathon
Every November there is one event that gets New York City buzzing: the marathon. Since 1970, the New York Marathon has brought together both professional runners and amateurs on a 26.2-mile course through the five boroughs of New York City. This fact makes it one of the most popular marathons in the country and the world, for both its prestige and the incredible scenery runners encounter along the course. In recent years, the marathon has been sponsored by the financial group ING, rebranding the event to be called the ING New York City Marathon.
November 6 . Unlike other marathons where you can simply sign up, the New York City Marathon is run on mostly a lottery system. This marathon is such a popular event that there are more people who want to run in it than are allowed. The race is organized every year by the New York Road Runners , and membership in this organization will gain entry into the marathon. Another way to secure a place is to receive a nomination from your official running club.
The most difficult part of the New York City Marathon is up next. Runners have to cross the East River via the Greensboro Bridge into Manhattan. The incline on this bridge is considered incredibly challenging, especially with so many miles already completed. Once in Manhattan, the course veers into the Bronx briefly before proceeding south through Harlem and along 5th Avenue to Central Park . This is where the course begins to wind down. Turning along Central Park South and re-entering Central Park at Columbus Circle , runners are greeted by thousands of cheering spectators at the finish line.
The 2011 New York City Marathon
Every year the New York City Marathon takes place on the first Sunday in November. In 2011, runners will take to the course on Sunday,
The Course
There could hardly be a more beautiful time for a run in New York City than early November. Crisp, cool air will accompany the run through the five boroughs. It is an incredible spectacle to see the race begin in Staten Island on the Verrazano Bridge . The next borough on the course is Brooklyn, where the itinerary winds through neighborhoods including Park Slope, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint for over 11 miles. After crossing the Pulaski Bridge , runners add a third borough to their list, as they step foot in Long Island City, Queens.The most difficult part of the New York City Marathon is up next. Runners have to cross the East River via the Greensboro Bridge into Manhattan. The incline on this bridge is considered incredibly challenging, especially with so many miles already completed. Once in Manhattan, the course veers into the Bronx briefly before proceeding south through Harlem and along 5th Avenue to Central Park . This is where the course begins to wind down. Turning along Central Park South and re-entering Central Park at Columbus Circle , runners are greeted by thousands of cheering spectators at the finish line.