The NYC Marathon course heads down 5th Avenue, one block away from my building. I walked over this morning to take cheer the runners on and take some photos. The crowds were a lot larger this year than in the past two years. I don't know if that is because it was warmer today, or if more people have moved to the neighborhood, or if because P. Diddy was allegedly running in the race (there were plenty of posters promoting his run but he was nowhere to be seen while I was there).
This is the eventual winner of the women's marathon, Margaret Okayo. Okayo bested her own course record, sent in 2001, by finishing in 2:22:30. I like this photo because she is running so fast that I didn't keep her centered in the frame.
Poland Spring and Gatorade had dueling rehydration stations along 5th Ave around 117th St.
Martin Lel (right) won the men's portion of the marathon in 2:10:30, about 40 seconds ahead of last year's winner Rodgers Rop (left). They were running together just past the 22-mile mark at Marcus Garvey Park.
One of many racers in the handcycle category. The fastest handcycle racers are much faster than the runners
Runner checking his progress against the clock at the 22-mile mark at Marcus Garvey Park.
The crowd of runners builds and builds for a couple of hours after the elite runners pass by. Many of the runners have their names on their shirt and get cheered on by the spectators.