Howdy-
I'm aiming to do the New York Marathon for the first time this year. I'm itching for the spectator's guide but, until then, any advice on cool and easy to access places for outta-towners (who don't know the boroughs) to watch the race? I figure Central Park is a no-brainer but WHERE in the Park? - since the finish line is out of the question. Where would be a good midway point? Thanks for your ideas.
the bed of a hotel room with room service delivered right at start time and the wake up call set 2:00:00 later incase you fall asleep but keep the Telly on. Oh and if frank shorter is narrating then turn the volume to the lowest point possible and add in your own comments they'll probably be more intelligent anyway.
I believe that the NYRRC web-site has some really good information about that. They claim that you can even take the Subway, and follow the race live at several stops.
First Avenue is always nice (miles 17-20 or so). Lots of people and a fun atmosphere for both runners and spectators (tempting to go too fast here --you're finally in Manhattan; you've just dealt w the uphill and downhill of the bridge; and you're kind of excited). If your family watches for you on 1st Ave and maybe on 90th st or so, then after you go by, they can stroll over to 5th Ave (along the park) and see you before you go into the park. From there, they can then cut through the park to meet you in the reunion area.
If they're feeling adventurous as far as the subway, it wouldn't be too hard for them to find places in Brooklyn to see you near subway stops, and then stay ahead of you into Manhattan.
Good luck.
I'm a fan of getting into the outer boros. You can cross the river on the subway to the southern part of Queens (I think on the 7 line) and see the leaders pass, then hustle back into Manhattan and catch them again around Central Park South (though crowds get thick there). There are also a bunch of good spots in Brooklyn. Central Park is closed to the public, so getting in is hard (exception - NYRRC sells tickets to stands just before finish). Then there is First Ave. The further north you go, the thinner the crowds, thus the better your view. You can likely go into Harlem and catch them on their trip down to the park.
that's not exactly true....CP requires tickets only at the finish...otherwise you can watch along the East Drive on either side of the road from 90th St until it empties out on to Central Park South...