2010 Spectator Guide for NYC Marathon
Spectator Guide
The Best Ways to Watch on the Course
The ING New York City Marathon is unforgettable for runners and inspirational for fans. It’s New York at its finest: A boisterous, international crowd coming together for a 26.2-mile-long block party. As sports writer John Hanc put it, “I've learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement. It’s a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.” Watching the ING New York City Marathon will make you feel the same way. Here’s how to make the most of race day.
Getting Around With Ease
The race stretches over all five boroughs and 26.2 miles, but more than two million people come out to watch, so expect crowds. In addition to the hordes of people, the city’s usual traffic patterns are disrupted by the race, so plan to use the subway as your mode of transportation throughout the day. If you want to watch the race from several spots, consider purchasing the $8.25 one-day Fun Pass. Out-of-towners should get a subway map and plan—or even practice—their route, advises Charlie Butler, executive editor at Runner’s World and author of The Long Run. “If you haven’t done it before, you can miss a good portion of the race by making a mistake on the subway,” he cautions.
Race Day Expectations
You’ll know the race is approaching when you begin to see cyclists; they precede the wheelchair racers, who make up the first wave of participants. Next, a motorcade will pass through before the lead women runners appear. The lead men, whose wave starts thirty minutes later, trail the ladies. These elite athletes may appear impassive as they pass, but don’t let their stoic demeanor fool you: They thrive on the crowd’s energy just like all the other runners.
Finally, tens of thousands of amateur athletes will begin to pass. The crowd of runners will remain thick for several hours, but try to stick around and cheer as the pack thins: every runner will appreciate your support.
Cheer Tactics
Summon your inner Dallas Cowgirl for a day of serious cheering. Runners rely on the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd to get them through the course. “It sounds cheesy, but the support makes a huge difference,” says native New Yorker and ING New York City Marathon veteran Kristine Solomon. “Don’t just standing there gawking: If you're gonna show up, bring the energy!”
Runners’ names, countries, and charitable causes are plastered on their shirts for a reason: They want you to cheer for them! And don’t forget the runners without names on their chests, says Charlie Butler, “Find something that makes a person unique and call them out by it.” Funny signs, pompoms, and good old-fashioned clapping will keep a smile on runners’ faces. However, avoid offering advice to runners—and don’t say “You’re almost there!” unless you’re holding the finish-line tape.
The keys to happy marathon watching are a pair of comfortable shoes and temperature-appropriate clothes. Be sure to check the forecast before you head out on race day. Plan to dress in layers, as the temperature can change dramatically throughout the day. You may want to bring gloves and a hat, as it can get chilly standing still for several hours— though vigorous cheering can keep you warm.
Spotting Runners
With 45,000 runners streaming past, it’s often hard to spot friends in the race. Find out your pal’s anticipated pace and what time his or her wave starts. You can also track up to three runners with the Athlete Alert on the official ING New York City Marathon website (www.ingnycmarathon.org), which will send text messages to your cell phone alerting you to your runner’s progress. And this year, there’s a new app to help you find your fittest friends; iPhone users can download it from the iTunes App Store.
However, you should still be prepared to use your eagle eyes. “Bring a sign or a bunch of balloons so your friend can easily spot you,” advises Queens resident Elizabeth Ersenkal, who brings her family out to cheer every year. “Agree on a corner and be specific.” For example, don’t tell your friend “We’ll be at 96th and Fifth.” Instead, get as detailed as possible: “We’ll be on the southwest corner of 96th and Fifth, and we’ll have a big bunch of orange balloons.”
You’ll be more likely to see your runner pass from some of the less densely packed parts of the course, like the first miles of Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, First Avenue above 96th Street and Fifth Avenue above 110th Street in Manhattan, and the Bronx. Central Park and the eight-mile mark in Brooklyn are exciting vantage points, but they’re also some of the most difficult places from which to spot a friend.
Where to Watch
If you’re a die-hard running fan like Scott Douglas, senior editor at Running Times, stake out a spot along Central Park South (the last half mile of the race). “You can see people coming from a long way down the street, and the elites are usually strung out enough that you can really size up each one,” notes Douglas. “One of the most interesting things is that the first and sometimes second woman are at that point moving faster than all but the top few men.”
For a great view with less dense crowds, check out these under-the-radar spots for watching the race:
“I like the bird’s eye view from the footbridge to the subway station at Queensboro Plaza,” says Queens resident Elizabeth Ersenkal.
Brooklynite Tim Gideon claims that “Lafayette Avenue between South Oxford and Cumberland is the place to be.” In fact, one enthusiastic local resident hauls his speakers outside and plays music all day.
Manhattan marathoner Allison Mezzafonte likes the Starbucks at 85th Street and First Avenue. “It’s got a great outdoor patio!”
And if you’re really feeling festive, drop by one of several Coors Light parties at watering holes along the course, featuring live bands as well as suds. Visit ingnycmarathon.org for exact locations.
The Marathon, Mile by Mile
Miles 1–2: Staten Island and the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge
Sorry, the start of the race on Staten Island is closed to spectators. Tune in to NBC4 New York for live coverage of the start.
Mile 2: Bay Ridge
Spectators get their first glimpse of runners is the pack comes off the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge. Crowds are relatively sparse here, and the view is spectacular!
Miles 3–8: Fourth Avenue
This five-mile stretch of the race has more than 30 official entertainment spots. Position yourself near one of the bands for double the fun.
Miles 8–9: Fort Greene to Clinton Hill
An official cheering station and the merging of three lanes make the eight-mile mark at the Brooklyn Academy of Music a hot spot for watching the race. Enthusiasm continues up Lafayette Avenue, where crowds can be less dense.
Miles 10–12: Williamsburg
As the race makes a sharp left onto Bedford Avenue, the route crosses South Williamsburg—traditionally a Hassidic Jewish neighborhood—before crossing into the hipster haven of Williamsburg. McCarren Park is a popular vantage point.
Miles 12–13: Greenpoint
Further off the beaten path than Williamsburg, the miles through Greenpoint on both sides of the Pulaski Bridge (which is closed to spectators) are populated by loyal Brooklynites.
Miles 13–15: Queens
The Queens portion of the race has enough onlookers to be exciting, but not so many that you’ll be uncomfortable. Plus, Queensboro Plaza offers easy access back into Manhattan via several subway lines.
Miles 15–16: Queensboro Bridge
Spectators are not permitted on the bridge, but the lead-up to it is a popular spot from which to watch the race.
Miles 16–19: First Avenue
These are some of the most crowded miles of the course, but some say the sight of runners coming off the bridge is worth the six-person-deep crowds. Spectators tend to thin out above 96th Street.
Miles 19–21: Bronx
Only one mile of the marathon course is inthe Bronx. Many runners may hit “the Wall” at this point, and they rely on cheers to carry them through.
Miles 21–23: Harlem and North Central Park
Harlem’s vitality and enthusiasm make it a high-energy place to watch from. You might also see the elite athletes staging breakaways.
Miles 23–24: Fifth Avenue
A slight incline makes this a grueling part of the race for runners. Throngs of spectators provide a much-needed boost.
Miles 24–26.2: Central Park and Central Park South
Crowds will be dense but very enthusiastic inside the park; be prepared to bump elbows with strangers.
Beyond the finish: Upper West Side
If you’re meeting a runner, designate a spot beforehand. The further north you go, the easier it will be to congratulate your tired loved one.
Party On!
Host a Marathon Bash
If you’re lucky enough to live near the marathon course, you’ve got the perfect spot for one of New York’s most cherished traditions: Brunch. Here are some pointers for throwing a memorable marathon bash.
Set the Scene
Marathon colors are orange and blue—look for paper napkins, plates, cups, and silverware to show your spirit. Be sure to have your television tuned to NBC4 New York’s marathon coverage during the fête, then head outside in time to see the runners pass. A playlist of Gotham-centric songs like “New York, New York” will help set a festive mood.
Nosh Like a Native
New York may be the Big Apple, but we couldn’t live without bagels, cream cheese, and lox. Fruit salad is a healthy option if your guests crave sweets.
Quench Their Thirst
Brunch isn’t complete without a cocktail. Offer your guests a “Bloody Mary-thon” or a “Mile Nine Mimosa.” Have plenty of hot coffee and cocoa on hand to keep guests warm on the sidewalk.
Don’t Wait for a Sign—Make One
Gather supplies like posterboard and colorful markers so that guests can make signs to encourage runners. The funnier your message, the better.
Don’t Miss a Minute
For comprehensive race coverage, tune in to NBC4 New York. The station will air local, live coverage of the race, including the start and the finish. Coverage begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m. on race day. Post-race, NBC Sports will also air highlights from the race from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. nationally. You can also watch online at universalsports.com.
Fall Back
Don’t forget that daylight savings time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Marathon Sunday!
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