The New York City Marathon Nov 2009
This weekend is the running of the New York marathon. The race as always begins on Staten Island and covers all five boroughs. The Verrazano narrows bridge is usually closed to traffic for this event. Once the runners have descended the bridge and crossed into Brooklyn the race enters various neighborhoods and goes through Queens, and on the Queensboro Bridge and into Manhattan. The race officially starts at 10.10 am and there is a time limit of 8.30 min to complete the event.
The first New York marathon was held in 1970 and today is it probably the most popular marathon in the world. The marathon is usually broadcast live in many parts of the world. It expected that for that 2009 race there will be more than 40,000 contestants and an estimated 2 million New Yorkers are expected to line up at various locations to see the race. The NY marathon is no longer just a race; it has become an icon of this great city, full of energy and competitive character. Everywhere runners are greeted warmly and with admiration.
Unfortunately last year’s marathon was blemished by death of 3 participants including Carlos José Gomes of Brazil, Joseph Marotta of Staten Island and an identified man who collapsed and later died in hospital.
For the women’s event, Paula Radcliffe from Great Britain is back to defend her title but she says she is not one hundred percent fit. Said Paula “It’s that mental side, when you’ve done all the preparation and you can’t make it to the starting line — that’s what kicks you in the teeth each time.”
Like most marathons, the men’s race will be between the Kenyans and the Ethiopians who are in full force. However, last year’s winner Marilson Gomes dos Santos is back and there is a possibility he can do it again.