The ING New York City Marathon is this Sunday: the one day a year when 45,000 strong head out to Staten Island, lace ’em up and tear out of there again as fast as they can. While all those fit folks are pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles through the city, a whole lot more of us will be out there too, clamoring for a glimpse from behind the barricades. And Brooklyn, with almost half the race, has some prime viewing real-estate. Here’s where they’re running, from the Verazzano to Greenpoint.
This is the scoop from the official ING New York City Marathon Spectator Guide. All neighborhood descriptions and commentary are theirs.
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.
Check out the Spectator Guide for the best spots to watch throughout the whole city and everything else you could possibly need to be a good spectator.
The ING New York City Marathon: Sunday, Nov. 7, 9:40 a.m.
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