The History of the NYC Marathon

by Laura Matiz

From its humble beginnings in 1970 when only 127 runners showed up to the starting line with only 55 men finishing the race, the New York City marathon has grown to become one of those quintessential gatherings that make New York City the crossroads to the world. It is also one of those Sundays that becomes a real estate holiday. Few brave brokers take out clients on marathon day in a city that is mostly gridlocked and impassible. Instead, we walk to First Avenue or to the Drive in Central Park to cheer on the laboring runners, commenting on how uncomfortable some of them appear. Their reward still miles away. 

Start of the 1976 Marathon, the first one covering the five boroughs.
Photo: Daily News, New York Daily News. Published: 11/2/2014 10:13:39

Becoming interested in the 44-year history of the marathon, I looked up a few historical summaries. Did you know that the Cherry Tree Marathon held in the Bronx from 1959-1970 was the precursor to the NYC Marathon? Here are some of my favorite finds: 

• History of NYC Marathon - Official History
  
• 44 Years of New York City Marathon History  - NY Daily News Photo Gallery 
• NYC Marathon History from NYC Parks Department
• 13 Memorable NYC Marathon Moments

and did you know that this year, one of the 50,000+ entrants will become the millionth runner to cross the finish line?:

• NYC Marathon's millionth finisher to break tape about midpack