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26.2 Miles await the more than 50,000 running in the New York City Marathon
On Sunday, November 1, more than 50,000 runners will line up on one side of the Verrazano Bridge, just off Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, for the start of the 2015 New York City Marathon. For a large majority of the field – amateur runners – those final steps toward the bridge are a mixture of trepidation, excitement, and, more specifically, nerves – fueled by the fact that myriad factors could impact their performance over the course of 26.2 miles.
The annual extravaganza attracts more than 1 million spectators, has over 10,000 volunteers working across five boroughs, and brings approximately $415 million in economic impact to the city. As the biggest marathon in the world, New York commands a global spotlight, but following the 2012 cancellation and the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013, there was more scrutiny on the 2013 race than before.
The brand-new New York City Marathon Pavilion opened for runners and fans in Central Park this week, steps from the iconic finish line of the 2015 New York City Marathon. The temporary space features a Visitor Center with an array of activities and programming for visitors.
The New York City Marathon Pavilion is a central hub that welcomes and host tens of thousands of runners and fans, and hundreds of partners and members of the media, as they converge from around the world to celebrate the New York City Marathon. To add to the energy surrounding the space, the West 67th Street entrance to Central Park is designed to illustrate the thrill of the New York City Marathon experience, from the bold and uplifting “Get Your New York On” campaign art to historical and informational signage.
The space features a Visitor Center on the first floor and the NYRR Media Center on the top level, both offering an abundance of space for guests and an array of technology. On the first floor, the Visitor Center is welcoming runners and guests to Central Park to enjoy food and drinks at the café and bar provided by Tavern on the Green and New York City Marathon product partners at the Marathon store; and experience workshops for first-time and experienced marathon runners, athlete and celebrity appearances, film screenings, live entertainment, and other special events including a look at Spike Lee’s car.
The main stage features a dramatic 15’ x 50’ digital screen that will showcase engaging and informative New York City Marathon content, and present short films including Run For Your Life: The Fred Lebow Story, City Slickers Can’t Stay With Me: The Coach Bob Larsen Story (featuring an appearance by Meb Keflezighi), Tracktown (featuring an appearance by Alexi Pappas), and Every Day, an ESPN Films 30 for 30 short about Joy Johnson, the oldest woman to run the 2013 New York City Marathon.
Programming highlights include book talks and signings with running legend Kathrine Switzer, CNN’s Emmy award-winning journalist Tom Foreman, and author and feature writer Ed Caesar. There will also be musical entertainment throughout race week including the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce jazz band.
