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Running in New York City means accepting that you will encounter other people; however, crowds thin out as soon as you cross over the Brooklyn Bridge into Park Slope neighborhood.
Queensboro Bridge provides breathtaking views and poses a difficult climb at mile 14. Remind yourself why you are doing this!
The Start
New York may not seem like the place for running enthusiasts, but for fit explorers it offers many excellent running routes – from riverside strolls and park paths to bridge-crossing icon-spotting moments and beyond, NYC offers many ways to boost both heart rate and spirits during runs.
The Brooklyn Bridge running path offers runners who wish to experience both Upper and Lower Manhattan an excellent route. As both bridges tend to attract crowds during peak tourist periods, for an uninterrupted running experience it's best to begin early; sunrise would be best! From Cadman Plaza Park, runners can cross both bridges before turning north onto Manhattan Bridge before passing New York City Hall and Foley Square before making their way towards Grimaldi's Pizza on Old Fulton Street before continuing onto Battery Park where you can refuel with pizza before finishing their marathon course journey!
Hudson River Path on Manhattan's west side offers another excellent running route. Once an abandoned railroad track, this former railroad line has transformed itself into one of Manhattan's greatest success stories since opening up incredible views of its skyline and breathtaking jog routes like High Line or Hudson River path. To maximize this scenic jog route, begin on High Line and jog above traffic until reaching steps down to West Street at West Street steps – where you can jog down past old piers while looking out toward One World Trade Center towering in the distance!
The Challenge
As part of an unforgettable NYC experience, take on the challenge of running in the NYC Marathon. Beginning on Staten Island and traversing across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge before winding its way through Brooklyn and Queens before eventually hitting Manhattan where you may hit fatigue – don't forget Battery Park is waiting with its iconic Statue of Liberty as your guide!
If you are joining the marathon through an ITP, their Transportation will arrange transportation between Staten Island and Staten Island for you. Otherwise, make sure that you arrive early to the Start Village area to gain your bearings and secure one of the start waves. It is a major logistical undertaking to bring together over 50,000 runners into this one area on Staten Island so please expect an extended wait before race day begins!
The Bridges
Run New York City stands out from other races by using iconic bridges as part of its race course. From crossing the Brooklyn (mile 16) or Manhattan Bridges (9), runners traverse numerous iconic structures during their run across them all – providing spectacular views of both downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn as well as providing challenges due to steep grades or being congested with tourists, commuters or fellow runners.
Bridges can present runners with some of the greatest challenges during races; yet for those who embrace and relish them, bridges can also provide unforgettable memories that make them proud to call New York City their home.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a favorite among runners in Brooklyn. It offers breathtaking views of both Williamsburg and DUMBO neighborhoods, as well as having shorter distance and grade than other bridges nearby. However, during peak tourist seasons or morning commute times it may become congested; therefore running it on cold or misty days should help reduce crowding on this scenic bridge.
The course also passes the Manhattan Bridge and Queensboro Bridges, both similar in that they connect Manhattan and Brooklyn while offering stunning vistas of the East River. Yet each has their own distinct characteristics; for instance, Manhattan is known for being busier with cars and commuters while still allowing runners enough room for passage; on the other hand, Queensboro Bridge offers more peace and tranquility compared to its counterpart.
Queensboro Bridge can be an intimidatingly difficult challenge, being located so close to Bronx and providing a steep incline at Mile 16. Most runners struggle with this stretch; those able to overcome it will appreciate how this bridge propels them toward their finish.
The Bronx
The Bronx is one of New York City's five boroughs in terms of area, population and density; it ranks fourth most populous among American counties and has the highest density among its peers in NYC. Coextensive with Bronx County it is situated south of Westchester County, north and east of Manhattan and west of Queens boroughs.
Early 19th-century Bronx Borough was still relatively rural, drawing literary interest from writers such as Edgar Allen Poe, who spent time here convalescing from tuberculosis. But as time progressed and crime and poverty rates rose significantly (especially parts of South Bronx), its quality of life began to suffer greatly; since the late 1980s however, significant residential development along with job growth and reduced crime has steadily improved its quality of life.
Today, the Bronx is home to many cultural institutions such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts and Zoo. Additionally, this borough is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of hip hop music when DJ Kool Herc began hosting parties on Sedgwick Avenue during the late 70s.
Incredible Crowd Support
During the Great Depression, Bronx residents saw their numbers surge rapidly as it saw its population soar rapidly. An urban economy emerged with many shops such as grocery stores, hardware stores, tailors and shoe repairers; restaurants and theaters soon opened their doors as did department store Alexander's at Third Avenue and 149th Street; this hub would soon overshadow Fordham Road as the main shopping district of the borough.
Today's Bronx remains an area of great national and international interest, famed for its food and music scene as well as hosting two professional sports teams: New York Yankees and Giants. Furthermore, its public schools – overseen by New York City Department of Education – boast an abundance of diverse learning environments; furthermore there are also private institutions which draw students from outside its boundaries.
The Finish
Once the finish line is within reach, you'll have an opportunity to adjust your pace more precisely. The long straight path and crowd support should help you stick with your goal pace; some hills will come later, but as long as you didn't overrace from bridges to mile 16 this section should go smoothly.
At Central Park and Columbus Circle, where runners enter Manhattan from The Bronx via Madison Avenue Bridge, thousands of spectators will cheer you on during your final stretch. People holding signs will wave their hands in support of you as this race's finale approaches its exciting finish line.
At Columbus Circle, there's no shortage of food vendors to keep you energized for the remainder of your day. In addition, this is also a convenient location where friends or family members can meet you; just walk a few blocks past the finish.
Many runners dream of running their first marathon at some point in their life and the NYC race offers the ideal opportunity. Join the NYRR lottery or find other ways to qualify (whether through distance, time or age group).
Closing Thoughts
As race day draws nearer, runners prepare by visiting the Health and Wellness Expo at Jacob K Javits Center. There they can obtain their race number with B-Tag scoring chip attached as well as marathon shirt to mark their progress during the marathon.
Prep for the NYC marathon by participating in various events leading up to it, like running a 5K through Brooklyn's Prospect Park or competing against others trying to scale its 86 flights at Empire State Building Run-Up. Many celebrities have completed it including actors Edward Norton and Ahthnony Edwards as well as musician Alanis Morrisette and actress Katie Holmes; many ran to raise money for various causes (for instance Ashton Kutcher ran this race raising money for his Thorn Foundation which fights child sexual exploitation).
