The ING New York City Marathon

The ING New York City Marathon

Sunday, November 3rd  2013 , Beginning @ 8:30am

http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/spectator_guide.htm

Where to Watch the New York City Marathon:

 http://running.about.com/od/marathonsandreviews/a/nycmarathonfan.htm

The race has official cheering zones throughout the course. Here are some great viewing locations...:

Manhattan:

First Avenue (Miles 16-19). The biggest crowds on the course line the streets on First Avenue, giving the runners a boost as they head toward the Bronx. After you see your runner go by, you can walk west to 5th Avenue or Central Park to catch him again before they finish. If you plan on doing this, just make sure you stand on the west side of First Avenue, since crossing First Avenue can be almost impossible. If you're going to watch here, it's very important to tell your runner exactly where you'll be (for example, northwest corner of 87th and First) so they'll know where to look. The crowds are so deep on First Avenune that it's very easy to miss people.

Fifth Avenue (Mile 23). Runners go up a gradual incline as they run up Fifth Avenue, and they'll definitely be seeking motivation at this point.

Central Park South (Mile 25). Huge crowds here support the runners as they head toward the finish line. This is a great spot to watch the drama unfold if the elite race is close.

Getting Around Central Park:

Manhattan's Central Park is home to the last three miles of the race, including the finish line on West Drive at West 67th Street, next to the famous Tavern on the Green restaurant. Central Park will be packed with runners, spectators, and race officials and some access points will be blocked. So getting around the park is difficult. Here are some ways you can maneuver around the park on race day:

Get a spot in the park between East 90th and East 86th streets. This area is a little less crowded than points farther south, and you'll be able to get cross the park via the Transverse Road at 85th Street.

Park Drive below East 72nd Street gets crowded. But if you go to the East Green at East 69th Street, there is plenty of room and you can get quick access to the 65th Street Transverse.

Crossing Park Drive (where the runners will be) is prohibited, but you can get across the busy road by going underneath it. Use these underpasses: Greywacke Arch at 80th Street, Trefoil Arch at 73rd Street, Willowdell Arch at 67th Street, and Inscope Arch at 62nd Street.

If you're expecting to watch your runner cross that beautiful finish line at Tavern on the Green, don't get your hopes up. Unless you're a race participant, finish line volunteer, race official, or have reserved seats in the bleachers, you won't be able to see much.

FULL COURSE MAP:
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/images/pdf/INGNYCM13_Course_Map_ForWeb.pdf