40 Facts About New York Marathon 2024

The History and Growth of the New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon has evolved from a small race in Central Park to the largest marathon in the world. Let's dive into its fascinating history and growth.

1. The New York City Marathon began in 1970 with just 127 runners, and only 55 finished.
2. Initially, the course was confined to Central Park but expanded in 1976 to include all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
3. Gary Muhrcke was the first winner, completing the race in 2:31:38 in 1970, receiving a recycled bowling trophy as his prize.
4. Beth Bonner became the first female winner in 1971, finishing in 2:55:22.

Course Records and Notable Achievements

The New York City Marathon has seen some incredible performances over the years. Here are some of the most notable records and achievements.

5. Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya holds the men's course record with a time of 2:05:06, set in 2011.
6. Margaret Okayo of Kenya holds the women's course record with a time of 2:22:31, set in 2003.
7. The wheelchair division was introduced in 2000, with Kurt Fearnley of Australia setting the first record in 2006 with a time of 1:29:22.
8. Tatyana McFadden set the women's wheelchair record in 2015 with a time of 1:43:04.

The Marathon Experience: Volunteers, Spectators, and Course Details

The New York City Marathon is not just about the runners; it's also about the volunteers, spectators, and the unique course that winds through the city.

9. Over 12,000 volunteers help make the marathon possible.
10. An estimated 2.5 million spectators line the course, cheering on the runners.
11. The race starts on Staten Island and ends in Central Park.
12. Runners cross five bridges: the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Pulaski Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, the Willis Avenue Bridge, and the Madison Avenue Bridge.
13. The highest elevation point is at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, roughly ¾ into the first mile.

Registration and Participation Rules

Participating in the New York City Marathon requires meeting certain criteria and following specific rules.

14. Runners must be at least 18 years old to register.
15. The lottery application process for race registration began in 1996.
16. The NYRR uses an event alert system with colored flags to gauge course conditions.
17. Only registered participants wearing an official race bib are allowed on the course.
18. No dogs or other pets are allowed to accompany their owners.
19. Strollers are banned from the course to ensure safety.

Elite Runners and Memorable Moments

The marathon has seen many elite runners and unforgettable moments that have left a lasting impact on its history.

20. Elite female runners start 35 minutes before the men and the rest of the runners.
21. In 2010, rescued Chilean miner Edison Pena finished the marathon in five hours and 40 minutes.
22. The 2012 marathon was canceled due to Superstorm Sandy but resumed in 2013 with over 50,000 finishers.
23. The 50th marathon, scheduled for November 1, 2020, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sponsorship and Prize Money

Sponsorship and prize money play a significant role in the marathon, attracting top talent from around the world.

24. Title sponsors have included ING (2003-2010) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) since 2011.
25. The marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors series, which includes other major marathons like Boston, Chicago, and London.
26. First-place finishers in the open divisions receive $100,000 in prize money, while wheelchair division winners receive $20,000.

Training and Course Challenges

Training for the marathon is no small feat, and the course presents its own set of challenges.

27. The average race participant trains by running 34 miles each week.
28. The course is not flat, with many ups and downs, mostly over bridges and in Central Park.
29. There are five start waves ranging from 9:10 AM to 11:30 AM.

Crowd Support and Finish Line Experience

The support from the crowd and the finish line experience make the New York City Marathon truly special.

30. The marathon is known for its incredible crowd support, with millions of spectators cheering runners along the course.
31. The finish line in Central Park provides a thrilling experience for runners as they cross with thousands of spectators cheering them on.

The Role of NYRR and Event Directors

The New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the event directors play a crucial role in organizing the marathon.

32. The NYRR is the organization behind the marathon, working tirelessly to ensure its success and growth.
33. Jim Heim is the current race director, taking over after Peter Ciaccia retired in 2018.

Elite Runners and Wheelchair Champions

Elite runners and wheelchair champions have made significant contributions to the marathon's history.

34. Elite runners like Geoffrey Mutai, Paula Radcliffe, and Meb Keflezighi have set records and inspired generations of runners.
35. Tatyana McFadden has been the women's wheelchair champion for the last four years, racing for her fifth consecutive win in 2024.

Course Sights and Marathon Traditions

The marathon offers runners a chance to see iconic landmarks and participate in unique traditions.

36. Runners get to enjoy sights like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
37. The marathon has traditions like the Hill Repeats warm-up session and proposal/marriage ceremonies during the race.
38. A statue of race co-founder Fred Lebow is stationed in Central Park East, honoring his contributions.

Remarkable Achievements and Global Participation

The marathon has seen some remarkable achievements and attracts runners from all over the world.

39. Bob Wieland, a veteran who lost his legs in Vietnam, completed the entire 26.2-mile distance in 1987 by walking on his hands, finishing in roughly 98 hours.
40. Runners from more than 150 countries have competed, making it a truly global event.

The Marathon's Magic

The New York City Marathon isn't just a race; it's a celebration of human spirit and determination. From its humble beginnings in 1970 to becoming the world's largest marathon, this event has seen countless inspiring moments. The 2024 marathon promises to be no different, with over 50,000 runners and 2.5 million spectators expected. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, the marathon's challenging course through all five boroughs offers a unique experience. With elite runners, wheelchair champions, and everyday athletes all sharing the same path, the marathon truly embodies the essence of unity and perseverance. As November 3, 2024, approaches, excitement builds for another unforgettable race in the Big Apple. So, lace up your running shoes, soak in the incredible crowd support, and get ready to be part of marathon history.