Hidden Gem: NYC Marathon

On the first Sunday in November, New York hosts some of the toughest runners in America.  In the words of Robert Tuchman "The city that never sleeps, hosts runners that never stop."  The New York City Marathon takes place from Staten Island at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx and ending in Central Park.

The NYC Marathon is considered one of the worlds great road races and premiere events.  the ING New York City Marathon attracts over 100,000 applicants. For some, the stakes are high (this years winner took home $200,000).  While others run for a cause or purely for pride.  The opportunity to race through Central Park with friends and family watching is more valuable than the six figure purse for many.  Two million people cheer on the runners from the city streets while over 300 watch from home.

This high profile, historical event is free to the public.  Just get to one of the five burroughs that the competitors race in and bring a sign to cheer them on.  The best place to watch is right off the 59th Street Bridge on the island of Manhattan  When the first runners are spotted, the party begins.  The celebration takes place at the bars on 1st avenue all the way to 96th street.  This is wehre to be if you are looking for the party atmosphere and not really supporting a specific runner.

This years 40th annual race was won Derartu  Tulu of Ethopoia with a time of 2:28:52 and Meb Keflezighi of the United States of America with a time of 2:09:15.  It was the first victory for a U.S. man since 1982.