Tuesday, November 3, 2009

New York City Marathon 2009

All photos will enlarge when clicked on

My husband and I went to 4th Avenue and 25th Street in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday, November 1, 2009, to watch and cheer for the 40th annual New York City Marathon runners.

The entire New York City Marathon course totals approximately 26.2 miles, and winds its way through all of the five boroughs that comprise New York City. It begins in Staten Island, then continues through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, up to the Bronx, then back to Manhattan, where the finish line is located in Central Park.

We arrived too late to see the early elite runners, who had already passed this spot, but we were there for two hours to see a large portion of other marathon participants as they ran by.

There were runners for as far as the eye could see! Many streets were closed, to allow them to run the course without obstacle.

There were an estimated 43,000 participants this year, many from different countries.

The 2009 winner for the men, Meb Keflezighi from Mammoth Lakes, California, with a time of 02:09:15, and for the women, Deratu Tulu from Ethiopia won with a time of 02:28:52.

In the wheel chair division the top man was Kurt Fearnley from Australia, and the top woman was Edith Hunkeler from Switzerland.

We noticed that most runners had their names somewhere on their shirts, which made it fun to call out a personal encouragement to them as they ran by.

We also noticed many running for a good cause, and they were wearing shirts that announced that fact.

A distance shot of volunteers in orange ponchos handing out cups of water to the runners as they passed by.

There were many spectators with whistles and bells and signs cheering on the runners. It was really exciting to watch and we hope to do this again next year, and be there earlier to see the elite men and women in the beginning.

As the slower runners began to pass by we saw some unusual sights, such as this runner from France who was running as the Eiffel Tower!



He got a lot of attention from both participants and spectators.

This obvious native New York couple ran by, both in baseball uniforms; he was a Met, she was a Yankee!

This man was constantly juggling as he ran!

Someone was running in a clown costume.

This man was running barefoot!

He was also carrying a flag, but he ran by so quickly I couldn't make out what it was.

It was so inspiring to see all these determined participants, both young and old. My husband told me that he wanted to begin training so he could run in a future marathon........

.....and after seeing these runners, heading up the stragglers at the end, I think there actually might be a chance that both of us, with enough training, may be able to do just that!

Here is a short video that shows what the race looks like from start to finish, and has a map of the course:




To see more participants in "Outdoor Wednesday," please visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer today!


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59 comments:

Foodie with Little Thyme! said...

Fabulous! Thanks for sharing!

ellen b said...

These shots are great. My niece is running in the Boston Marathon in April and I would so love to see her accomplish this feat!

From the Old InkWell said...

WOW! That's amazing! A sea of people. I've never got in to running - just don't know what the thrill is, but I admire those who are able to do it. Thanks for sharing!

Jane said...

I am always amazed at these runners...they have so much determination. Thanks so much for bringing the race to us...in ways the media does not...

Hugs,
Jane (artfully graced)

sherri@lavenderfields said...

I love your shots of NewYork! My next thing to dream about !! Love the Eiffel Tower!! Too funny! Thanks for sharing and Have a great week. Happy Outdoor Wednesday! Sherri : )

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Great photos, Pat!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Now that is just fascinating, Pat! Great shots. Enjoyed this thoroughly!

Happy OW!

XO,

Sheila :-)

RNSANE said...

Pat, that's as close to a marathon as I'll ever get. We also have a great race in San Francisco called "the Bay to Breakers." I've never participated in that one but it is always such fun to see the runners and people come from all over. The Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco, California. The name reflects the fact that the race starts at the northeast end of the downtown area a few blocks from The Embarcadero (adjacent to San Francisco Bay) and runs west through the city to finish at the Great Highway (adjacent to the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach). The race is 7.46 miles (12 kilometers) long, and is run on the third Sunday in May.

It is actually the longest consecutively run footrace in the world, having started after the 1906 earthquake! At times, some of the participants are clas ONLY in their shoes.

Unknown said...

Hi Pat,
Your photos are great. We had some from our hometown there!

Love that picture of your little grandson below...he is adorable!!

Would you believe that Connor was a lion once?? I'll have to look that pic up!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Wonderful shots...I never knew a marathon would be so interesting!!!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great photos. I saw the story on the news - very impressive. I would have never made it.

GailO said...

I never could understand how anyone could enjoy running that much!...I'm tired just looking at these pics...but they sure do look like they are enjoying themselves...fun pics!

Diann said...

Great shots! It is just amazing to see all the runners!

Ebie said...

Great photos Pat! The LA marathon is usually in March. The closest marathon I ran was the Revlon 5K Run-Walk.

I would cheer for your hubby in next year's marathon.

Chubskulit Rose said...

lots of exhausted faces but some can still smile..

We explored the Mountain Park this time.

Maryrose said...

Great photos, you definitely captured the spirit of the day. I felt like I was there. Thanks for sharing.
Maryrose

My name is Riet said...

Thank you for sharing these fabulous photo's, they bring back a lot of memories. I have been there twelve years ago as one of our sons did run the New York marathon and also then I told people there is nothing like this marathon. So many people along the whole length of over 42 km. Amazing.

Kat said...

I love your shots of a side of the marathon we don't often get to see. The sheer number of people running is amazing. The training and dedication of these athletes is really astounding, but my knees hurt just looking at them lol. Thanks for the trip! Kathy

Unknown said...

I'm amazed that so many people run that marathon! Those who run the entire length must feel fabulous (and very tired) when they reach the end.

susan said...

Pat-How exciting to be there! Was it just mass bedlam??? I am always so impressed with some of the people and their great stories. (the barefoot guy in The Budweiser shirt is not one of them :)Thanks for sharing your pictures!!

SmilingSally said...

So many people pushing themselves to the limit. I'm impressed too. Thanks for sharing.

Hootin Anni said...

My son is into running the marathons. In fact I posted a photo of him crossing the Honolulu marathon's finish line a few weeks ago.

You've shared some great photos. [the one covered in a clear rain-garb? I'd LOVE to have tan legs like that. LOL]


My post for Wednesday is now published. Click Here to join me. I'd love for you to stop by today.

Gracie said...

Beautiful photos Pat, it's almost as I've been there, thanks. Start training, it's not about winning but about saying "I was there" right?

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful! Thank you so much for going! What fun to see the juggler...the baseball couple....I'm still smiling.

A friend sent me this website: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/greenguide/infinite-photograph

I hope you'll add a photo to it!

Mary Bergfeld said...

This was terrific! I loved the crowd photos where you could actually see the sea of people participating in the event. A big thank you for sharing these photos with us.

Happily Retired Gal said...

How FUN !!! Thanks for the virtual visit to the marathon. I loved the close up views and the unusual participants near the end carrying things and dressed differently.
Hugs and blessings,

Judy said...

Such great shots. You have me smiling...at the couple in their baseball uniforms...the old man with his T-shirt message...and the barefoot runner. These serious runners have a sense of humour as well!

I have a friend who ran the Boston Marathon a few years ago.

Anonymous said...

I can see how you would come away inspired to have a go. I don't think I would volunteer to carry the Eifel Tower model though. LOL

Beverly said...

Pat, I loved this. I never thought about their being humor in the marathon, but this is wonderful.

Go Yankees! I want them to just go ahead and win.

Anonymous said...

Pat I thoroughly enjoyed that. Looks like the marathon during Ky. Derby week. Not as many runners but a lot of enthusiasm. I know you could do it. It really amounts to building up your endurance. That can only be done with pushing a little more each day. Your pictures are almost like being there.
QMM

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I love this post! These are totally the best marathon pictures I've seen! And...I totally want to take the gent with the Older,Wiser, Sexier tee-shirt out to dinner. How cute is that?!

Eiffel Tower man? Um...nuts!

Laura
xo :-)

Sue said...

Pat, Amazing to see such masses of people dedicated to running and keeping fit! Mr. Sullivan used to run marathons- I used to hang out shopping while he ran. LOL Thanks for all the pics- there were some doozies of people ie: the barefoot guy, the Eiffel Tower guy, the juggler....
take care. hugs, Sue

Sue said...

Pat, Amazing to see such masses of people dedicated to running and keeping fit! Mr. Sullivan used to run marathons- I used to hang out shopping while he ran. LOL Thanks for all the pics- there were some doozies - ie: the barefoot guy, the Eiffel Tower guy, the juggler....
take care. hugs, Sue

CatHerder said...

Great pics as usual...

YANKEES TONIGHT.....YANKEES..YANKEES YANKEES!!!!! we MUST do it!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Pat, Is tonight the night the Yankees will WIN the World Series????

Great picture of the marathon. I admire people who do that--especially OLDER people.

Thanks for sharing. I've never met anyone who lived in or near NYC.. I'm so glad that we found each other. I enjoy learning about your area --and enjoy sharing mine.

Hugs,
Betsy

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Nice post Pat with terrific photos of so many different types of folks who have the determination to run and finish the marathon. I applaud them all. And hope that tonight is the Yankees night!

Unknown said...

Hi there Pat, that guy with the Eiffel tower certainly caught my eye..what a colourful post indeed :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations Pat. I was just watching the game! I love your photographs of the marathon, it's amazing how many different styles of runners were running.

Karen

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Pat, I just read Laura's post about the Yankees' win and wanted to say WOOOHOOO! Yippeeeeeeee!

Happy Dance!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tracy said...

WOW--gotta admire those runners...everyone--young, old and in between! That Eiffel Tower though...you think the wind resistance would be a problem...LOL! These are great photos that really take us there--thanks, Pat. :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))

Lisa said...

WHOOHOO!! What a way to break in the new stadium! I feel another dynasty coming, Pat!! I am SO HAPPY! GO YANKS..2009 WORLD CHAMPIONS!! Going to the parade??

jeanne said...

Pat, I loved your photos of the marathon and the times of the winners are unbelievable. How exciting to watch such an event. You better start running now Pat. This is hard work!!!

The video was the frosting on the cake. A first for me. My daughter has started running and will do a 5K on Thanksgiving. I hope she can make it all the way.

I do not have a preference as to who wins tonight. I will root for the Yankees 'just for you.' I have NO connection to the Phillys.

GO Yankees!!!

Love, Jeanne

Junie Moon said...

This is so awesome and ever so encouraging to anyone wanting to set a personal goal and strive to achieve it.

Just a little something from Judy said...

Where but in the blogging world, could I be carrying on life in my state, and yet be filled in with stories and pictures of life in your beautiful state! I love visiting this blog and learning so many new things. If I lived where you do, I would have been an observer of this race too. Instead, I got to sit at my computer and see highlights, thanks to you.

Sea Witch said...

What a perfect day for the run. Lots of color in your photos. I think you should run as the Chrysler building next year. It would look great next to the Eiffel Tower. Sea Witch

SmilingSally said...

That juggler is amazing!

GMG said...

Hi Pat! I’m back home and happy to come here!! What an amazing post! Great reportage!! Loved to sethe Abebe Bikila of the 21st century... ;))

Meanwhile Blogtrotter is showing you an incredible sea symphony of colours. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Arlene Delloro said...

What an amazing event and you did a great job of coverage, Pat.

steviewren said...

Twenty six miles is a huge commitment. I'm in awe of anyone who can do that. Your pictures are amazing. So many runners. Wow!

Bonnie@Savoring Simplicity said...

These were wonderful shots. My son runs and he works in the city about a block from the Empire State Building.

RoeH said...

Hey Pat! I am letting some of my favorite bloggers know that I quit my blog and have decided to do photography instead of thinking up things to say which I was getting very bad at. I think I hit a rut! Anyway..I created a new one with Arizona photos and whatever else I decide to store there so if you get that chance, hop on over.

http://arizonahank.blogspot.com/

I didn't want to lose your New York photos. I love them.

Butternut Squash said...

Great photos! My neighbors were in the race this year and my husband keeps threatening to try. My only race was by accident. I forgot my cash box in my hotel room during a gem and jewelry show in Virginia, Beach. In my mad dash back to the hotel to retrieve it, I ended up running down the street at the end of the "Race for the Cure," with the rest of the participants. The crowd was cheering me on wildly very near the finish line when I suddenly ran off their course and into my hotel.

Peace.

Just A Girl said...

HI Pat,

I used to work for a woman who ran the Boston Marathon every year and just loved it.Not for me...I'd rather ride my bike.
I've never been to Yellow Stone, but understand it's an amazing place. Do you have plans to visit this winter?

xoxo Cori

Sue said...

Great post Pat....loved the nut with the Eiffel Tower over his head...the cute couple dressed in baseball garb and all the different ages.....My daughter's ex always runs every year but he always manages to get hurt half way though the race...he usually sprains an ankle by stepping in a pothole.....
Hey...you know Eli in Italy don't you...I think your blog is where I first discovered her....I don't know if you have ever seen pictures of little Andrea but i just did a post with pictures of him...He's so cute.

Cheri said...

Stopped by from Sue's blog Rue Mouffetard to say Hi. Love your pictures of NYC, they are breath taking. You do have a cute little grandson there. Grandkids are the best.

Proud Italian Cook said...

You got really great shots of the race Pat. You and your hubby can do it! My son the marathon runner, encouraged his dad to do the 1/2 marathon here in Chicago. My hubby trained for 16 weeks he even lost 30 lbs in the process, now he wants to train for the full. I'm still trying to do a 5k! LOL!!!

aliceinparis said...

Great post!! I love marathons. Always so inspiring!!! The eiffel tower guy was bizarre. I cannot imagine running with that on for 26 miles!! Also....barefeet??

Lorrie said...

I enjoyed this post Pat, especially the "back-of-the-pack" runners. I think they often have the most grit and determination. Just to finish in this wonderful marathon is a great honor. I have a young friend who was running for the American Cancer Society. He finished at his goal time and was exhilarated to have taken part in such a great race for a great cause.

Sarah said...

Thank you for sharing these photos of the NY marathon. Two of my nieces have run this marathon several times. It is an amazing accomplishment for any who do. The running Eiffel Tower is my favorite. ~ Sarah