We don't know how the other borough's get down, but in Brooklyn, the New York City Marathon is given the reception of a royal parade. And in many ways, it is!
The TCS New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world! Held annually on the first Sunday of November, over 50,000 runners--from the world's top professional athletes to runners of all ages and abilities, including over 9,000 charity runners-- take part in one of the more grueling yet inspiring marathons in the world!
Runners from over 125 countries tour 26 miles of the diverse neighborhoods of New York City's five boroughs—Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan.
There were balloons, bands, Broadway-style performances; cheering squads and children of all ages (meaning the adult ones too) lining the runners' route through Central and North Brooklyn, which, once completed, is a little more than one-third of the way through the race!
And not enough can be said about the inspiring -- if not, hilariously clever-- signs and posters that dotted the trail up Fourth and Lafayette avenues and continuing up Bedford Avenue along the Brooklyn leg. Some made it through with winged feet; others, with prayer!
Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya won the men's event for the second time in three years. Joyciline Jepkosgei, 25, of Kenya upset the four-time New York City Marathon champion Mary Keitany to win the women's race.
American Desiree Linden, 36, was the top U.S. finisher at sixth. And Kellyn Taylor, an American firefighter, finished seventh. Jared Ward was the top American finisher among the men at sixth place.
Check out our photos of the marathon along the route in Brooklyn, where we pulled out all the stops to keep the runners encouraged, uplifted and entertained!
