They’re off—some of the runners in today’s New York City Marathon have started to make the journey through the five boroughs.
Both participants and spectators this year will want to layer up as they’ll be facing stiff winds and cold temperatures.
A wind advisory is in effect.
The 26.2 mile course gives athletes from around the world an opportunity to see the city.
After starting on Staten Island, runners cross the Verrazano Bridge and head up 4th and Bedford Avenues in Brooklyn.
They’ll then head into Queens, over the 59th Street Bridge and up First Avenue in Manhattan.
Runners will then cross through the Bronx before making it to the finish line inside Central Park.
We spoke with some runners today about what’s motivating them in today’s race.
“I watch Boston every year, since I was a toddler. On my dad’s shoulder watching my uncle. So as soon as I got out of my school, I was like, ‘Yup, it’s my turn,’” one runner says.
“I chose to run for Autism Speaks for my son Nicholas James who is about nine years old and he is autistic. So that’s what I did. He’s my strength out here. And that’s what we did. So my family raised all this money and now I’m out here running,” another runner says.
Runner: “It was bet in a restaurant. Some friends said to me I could never run a marathon before I was 50 and I’m 49 this year.”
Reporter: “You’re getting right in under the wire?”
Runner: “I’m getting right in!”
Due to the wind conditions, the starting location for the Professional Wheelchair Division was moved to Brooklyn. All of the other starting times and locations are the same.
Last night thousands of runners loaded up on carbs at a pasta dinner near the finish line.
Organizers of the Marathon Eve Dinner cooked 5,000 pounds of pasta, 1,800 pounds of salad, 2,000 pounds of ricotta cheese, and 2,000 liters of marinara sauce.
Runners we spoke with say the energy at the event is infectious, and that’s exactly what they need to make it to the finish line.
“The energy is unbelievable and to just see so many people from around the world, it’s inspiring and exciting. This makes me feel so happy to be here,” said runner Hillary Gardenswartz.
“It’s really an experience that’s not just confined in the five-borough run—26.2 miles—this event itself is a party. And the whole weekend is a party. People are here for a week at a time and it’s really great,” said New York Road Runners Vice President Chris Weiller.
The New York City Marathon not only attracts the world’s top professional athletes but recreational runners as well.
The race began in 1970 with just 127 entrants racing four laps of Central Park.
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