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2009 New York City Marathon: Spectator Advice
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Crowds offer support to runners in New York City Marathon
As more than 40,000 runners line up in Staten Island on Sunday morning, November 1, for the 40th annual New York City Marathon, over two million spectators will line the streets of all five boroughs in the city to cheer them on. What has long been one of the greatest events in the sports world, is also something of a city holiday for New Yorkers who party, tail-gate, and cheer from the sidelines.
The determination, dedication, and perseverance of the runners serves as inspiration for every individual who watches the New York City Marathon. In return, the energy and enthusiasm that spectators bring to the course is one that many runners say is unlike any other race there is.
Most popular spots for spectators:
Note that many of these locations tend to fill up early. Head to the course early for a prime spot.
Brooklyn
Mile 2: 92nd Street & Gowanus Expressway (R train)
Mile 8: Brooklyn Academy of Music (C, G, 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R trains)
Miles 10-11: Williamsburg (J, M, Z, G, L trains)
Queens
Mile 14: Vernon Blvd and Jackson Avenue (7 train)
Manhattan
Miles 16-19: First Avenue (4,5,6 trains)
Bronx
Mile 20: 138th Street (6 train)
Manhattan
Mile 22: Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem (2,3 trains)
Mile 23: Fifth Avenue
Mile 25: Central Park South
Complete course map of 2009 New York City Marathon
Advice for spectators:
If you plan to watch for a particular runner at one or more points in the course, discuss with them in advance their expected pace and the time of their wave start. Don't forget to check what your runner will be wearing and what side of the street they plan to run along.
You can sign up for Athlete Alerts to receive updates on the progress of up to 10 runners throughout the course on your cell phone. Check out mta.com for subway routes and delays if you plan to watch from multiple spots during the race.
Be sure to dress for the weather, and bring a poncho or umbrella in the event of rain. Bring food and beverages if you plan to make a day out of spectating. Signs and noisemakers are welcome sights and sounds to runners who feed off the energy of the crowds. Call out the names of runners who have them written on their shirts or singlets, even if you do not know them.
Important Notes:
Anyone without an official 2009 New York City Marathon bib number is NOT allowed to jump on the course and run alongside participants at any point in the race.
The finish line is located in Central Park just in front of Tavern on the Green. Due to the large amounts of runners, volunteers and race officials, spectators are not allowed near the finish line unless you have a reserved bleacher seat.
One final word of advice for spectators:
Unless you are watching from the last mile of the course, do not tell runners, "you're almost finished!", as this can be discouraging to runners when the last leg of the course is the most grueling.
For more info: 2009 New York City Marathon Guide, including Runner Information, Spectator Information, who to watch for, and pre-race events.
Share your story!
What brought you to the 2009 New York City Marathon? Was this your first marathon, your first NYC Marathon or are you a familiar face to this course? Did you run this race for a charity, in honor of someone, or as a personal goal? How was your race day experience? What is your 2009 New York City Marathon story?
For a chance to be featured in the New York Running Examiner column on Marathon Monday, email newyorkrunningexaminer@gmail.com with YOUR experience from this year's race.
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