Abbott World Marathon Major – New York City (5th of 6)

Since 2006, Abbott Corporation has sponsored a marathon series competition named World Marathon Majors.  There are 6 marathons worldwide that have passed the requirements specified by Abbott to become a World Marathon Major.  These marathons are (in alphabetical order): Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo. 

Elite athletes compete by running several of the six marathons within a year, and earning points toward the World Marathon Major competition based on individual marathon finishing results.

Amateur runners can also strive to complete the World Marathon Majors within a lifetime, as a significant marathon running accomplishment.  Runners can track their progress toward this goal on the Abbott World Marathon Majors site by claiming major marathon results on-line.  Upon completion of the sixth of six world major marathons, finishers get a very nice Six Star medal and certificate, and are officially added to the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers listing.  Currently there are just over 6,000 runners worldwide who have completed all six world marathon majors.

Below are some highlights and facts about the New York City Marathon.

Race Name:  New York City Marathon

Race Date (general): first weekend in November

Race Info Site: TCS NYC Marathon

Number of Race Participants: approximately 50-55,000

Race Distance: 26.2 miles, just over 42 kilometers

General Race Course Description:  point-to-point course, through all five boroughs of NYC starting on Staten Island, and finishing in Central Park in Manhattan  

Race Entry Options: Challenging time qualifications (harder than Boston Qualifying standards, lottery or charity  or tour group.  Also, New York area runners who run several (9) races with the New York Road Runners (NYRR) can gain entry.   

Items of interest:  There are so many great things to see and do in NYC – all the boroughs – especially Manhattan.  Times Square, Wall Street, Central Park, Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Broadway, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, etc.  

NYC Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, with nearly 55,000 runners recently.  It is likely the second most famous marathon, behind only Boston. worldwide.  The race has been run every year since 1970, except for 2012 when it was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.  The course has diverse terrain, with some flat areas but also some challenging hills to climb. The race has excellent fan support throughout the race, especially in Manhattan during the last miles leading up to the finish.

Happy Running!