Falling into the category of one of the six major marathon in the world. It is an important piece of history in New York. The marathon is 26.2 miles long and takes place every November of the calendar year. It is the only marathon in New York that touches all five boroughs. Over the years, it has become a big annual event for the citizens of New York. If you are planning to visit New York, ask a local about the fun places to go to with friends, and they might tell you about the best places to watch the NYC marathon.
The Best Places to Watch NYC Marathon
1. Staten Island
This is where it all begins – Staten Island. Here, the runners line up on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before heading to the Brooklyn Bridge. Locals don’t have a lot of space to stand here, so it isn’t the best place to watch the marathon. However, you might find signboards encouraging the runners. You could join them to give the runners an early dose of motivation. Trust the fact that you will find the marathons on the pros side of the pros and cons list of living in New York.
2. Brooklyn
The next stage of the marathon brings us to Brooklyn. There are various spots to visit, but one stand out is Mile 9. This is the place to be – you will find bands, drinks, people, and more. The people band together to cheer the runners on and have a blast. The titillating energy gives the runners a boost, too.
Locals make a day out of this entire event. You could have fun places to go with friends in NYC or right here in Brooklyn, where you can make a day of it with your friends and cheer on the runners.
Some of the secret spots that you should definitely check out are:
- Bay Ridge
- Fourth Avenue, Sunset Park, and Park Slope
- Lafayette Avenue throughout Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Williamsburg
3. Queens
The next stage of the race brings us to mile 14 of the marathon, which takes place in Queens, Long Island. You have officially reached the midpoint of the race. Here, you can find some of the best spots that are two miles long, stretching from the Pulaski Bridge to the Queensboro Bridge. Most people flock to Queensboro Bridge, where the runners stop for a moment to regain their energy. You’d probably see NYC influencers hanging out here.
4. The Bronx
The Bronx has some of the best places to watch the NYC marathon. This is a relatively short part of the race, covering only mile 19.5 to mile 21. As we reach the end of the road, the runners are exhausted, and the crowd cheers them on. The spot at Willis Avenue Bridge is the place to be. There is a little arty going on, and music is playing.
One thing to remember in the Bronx – don’t tell them “you’re almost there” unless you are in Manhattan.
5. Manhattan
While getting around New York , as we enter Manhattan, you will see the crowd dwindling down, but this is when the runners need an extra boost. If you are in search of a loud crowd, go to Harlem. It’s a party up there with people cheering and music playing. Keep the “you’re almost there” chants with you until the runners hit Central Park South – the finish line where the crowd is gathered to see the runners. This is as close as you will get to the finish line because it is usually off-limits for the average spectator. You might even get lucky and find a place frequented by famous people who live in New York.
Conclusion
By the end of this article, while you may not know why NYC is called the Big Apple or about the tallest building in NYC, you surely know what New York is known for; its marathons.
November is the best time to visit New York, not just for the marathon but also for the weather. These are some of the best places to visit in New York from where you can watch the marathon.
Additionally, you could check out some influencers. On their social media, you might wind up finding better places to watch the marathon. There are quite a few celebrities that live in New York.
If you need one other reason, consider it a budget tip for visiting New York: Check out the marathon – it is free of cost, and you get to experience what it means to be a true New Yorker for a day.
While in New York, don’t forget to visit some of the best shopping destinations in New York and grab a souvenir to buy.
How can I watch the runner in the NYC Marathon?
You can visit any of the places listed above. There are a number of spots spread across the five boroughs where you can watch the runner in the NYC marathon. You can be at the start of the marathon in Staten Island, at Mile 9, where the party is, or at the end of the road.
Where is the best place to watch the marathon?
Considering that a large portion of the marathon takes place in Brooklyn, this might be the best place to go. Here, you will find a number of bands playing music, drinks flowing, and all the right people to party with on this special occasion.
How many hours does the NYC Marathon take?
The 26.4-mile long marathon has a time limit set of 8.5 hours. Failure to finish in this time limit disqualifies you from the marathon. On average, people take about four to five hours to complete the marathon. The New York Marathon is considered one of the toughest.
