It could possibly get crowded right here, the place runners traverse 30 blocks right down to Central Park South earlier than hanging a good proper and returning to the park’s west drive for 800 yards to the end. However for those who can deal with the crowds, the surroundings of the park mixed with watching runners notice they’re about to perform one thing large is unbeatable.
Find out how to get there: The subway traces to get you listed here are the Q or the 4, 5, or 6; you wish to enter the park beneath ninetieth St. and fifth Avenue, which is the place the marathon course sends runners into the park. Stroll west from the subway, cross Fifth Avenue and enter the park. Preserve transferring west, and you will hit the drive (or simply observe the sounds of your fellow spectators.)
10. For the Large End: Central Park South, Manhattan
The place to go: 59th St. and fifth Avenue or Columbus Circle
That is the closest it is possible for you to to get to the end line and not using a ticket for the grandstands by the end line. NGL, it’s a good squeeze—numerous folks wish to glimpse runners as they head into their last mile. In the course of the center of the day, these blocks can get 5 – 6 folks deep.
However in case you are a professional working fan, it could be value it to you to get right here early to catch the highest runners as they strategy the end. Strikes have been made right here, titles received and misplaced. That is additionally an important place to supply some help late within the day to flagging runners searching for the power to make that last dash to the end line.
Find out how to get there: The N or R practice to Fifth Avenue, or A, B, C, D, or 1 trains to Columbus Circle are the quickest strategy to attain this spot.
Put up-Race Meet-up Spots
You will not have the ability to meet your runner on the end line itself. Race admin will ship runners on a mile-long zombie shuffle by Central Park and down Central Park West—with a courtesy heat poncho, medal, snacks, and drinks—till they exit at 72nd St. If the runner checked a bag, that slog goes to take somewhat longer, as they need to go farther uptown to the bag-check vehicles earlier than exiting. (Professional tip: If you realize you’re assembly a runner, save them the bag-check problem and provide to fulfill them with their objects.)
As a substitute, head to 72nd St. between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, the place you’ll be able to catch your runner simply out of the exit chute. They’re going to be drained, possibly somewhat hangry, and undoubtedly greater than somewhat chilly once they see you. They may also be very glad to see you, significantly for those who keep in mind to carry them a pleasant toasty sweatshirt and possibly some delicate, comfortable footwear.
There are infinite bars and eating places on Manhattan’s Higher West Facet alongside Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. As you’ll be able to in all probability guess, they’re additionally all very crowded on Marathon Sunday. Some eating places will take reservations, however others restrict that privilege to massive teams. So, for those who do not thoughts mingling with numerous different runners, listed here are two good spots:
