New York Marathon 2009 Preview

A marathon is one of the longest running events, and many participants anticipate the annual event. This year, there is The ING New York City Marathon Nov. 1, 2009. Highlighted events the race weekend of October 31st includes an Abebe Bikila Award Ceremony, with the time to be announced, located at the United Nations Headquarters. Next is the Continental Airlines International Friendship Run at 8:30 a.m., also located at the United Nations Headquarters. From 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., at the Jacob Javits Convention Center is the ING New York City Marathon Health and Fitness Expo. 4:30-9:00 p.m., at the Tavern on the Green is the Barilla Marathon Eve Dinner. At 7:30 p.m., is the Poland Spring Presents the Marathon Fireworks event, above the ING New York City Marathon finish line.

On Sunday, November 1st, breakfast starts at 5:30 a.m., located at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. Entertainment begins at 6:00 a.m., and the finish line banquet runs from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., located at the Tavern on the Green. Available are reserved finish line seats and a luscious buffet for marathon spectators. Official start times are subject to change. There is a Post-Race Party Presented by Clear Channel from 7:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Past winners include Norwegian Grete Waltz, who set a women's marathon world record, finishing with a time of 2:32:30. Willie Mtolo also was victorious in the 1992 New York Marathon, when international sanctions against South African athletes were lifted. Tegla Loroupe was a winner in 1994, showing that Africa and Kenya had women capable of running marathons.

The ING New York City Marathon draws more than 100,000 applicants annually. With over $600,000 in prize money, this race, which attracts many world-class professional athletes, many will have the opportunity to cross the finish line! Who knows, how many will be able to cross the finish line this time! Who knows, how many will cross that line and complete the marathon!

Sources:

1. http://www.nycmarathon.org/.