How to Appreciate the New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the United States and one of the most prestigious events of its kind worldwide. When thousands of runners tour 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of the city, it is the Big Apple at its very best.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running Clothes
• Running Shoes
• Radios
• Radios
• Televisions

1. Consider the numbers. More than 30,000 runners are chosen to participate from more than 60,000 applicants. Two million cheering spectators line the course.

2. Imagine the logistics. More than 365 intersections are closed to traffic, and more than 13,000 volunteers and 2,828 New York City police line the marathon route.

3. Work up an appetite. Among the food provided, runners consume 9,000 pounds of pasta at the pasta party, and 75,000 cups of coffee with stacks of other breakfast foods at the start.

4. Dance to the music. More than 40 musical bands play along the course.

5. Rest assured. At the start and the finish, and at 25 medical units along the course, 1,750 medical volunteers are available to the runners.

6. Believe it or not, about 80 psychiatrists and psychologists are on hand to alleviate any runners' fears or anxieties.

7. Check out the payday. The male and female winners of the race each receive $50,000, plus a new car. Prize money is awarded to the top six men and women, and to the top masters (those over age 40). Plus, a variety of other prizes and cash bonuses are awarded.

8. Consider the benefits to the city of New York. The economic impact on the city of spending during the race is calculated at $111,353,284.

9. Be inspired. In addition to the world's fastest runners being up front, about 20 entrants in the marathon each year are over age 80.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the race on television. WNBC Channel 4 will broadcast five hours of the event. NBC Sports will broadcast race highlights nationally at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Check your local listings.
• Follow the race on the Internet at the New York City Marathon Web site (see Related Sites).
• Take aim at running a marathon or another road race. If not New York, then get ready for one of the many other 26.2-mile events held worldwide.
• Take advantage of free running or walking classes conducted by the New York Road Runners Club, which conducts the marathon.

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on 6/22/2009 If you were not able to get entry to the New York City half (Aug) or full (Nov) marathons, you can get guaranteed entry through a great charity organization, Lend a Hand India. Its RUN for a DREAM marathon training program provides customized training, weekly group runs, and more!Click here to learn more about their marathon training program and the organization's mission to provide vocational training and job opportunities to impoverished youth.http://www.runforadream.org