New York City Marathon®

From the humblest beginnings, the New York City Marathon has become the most prestigious footrace in the world. Gary Muhrcke was the first of 55 runners to finish the first New York City Marathon by running the Central Park course in 1970. Since 1976, when Fred Lebow, co-founder of the New York City Marathon, realized his dream of broadening the race to all five of New York's boroughs, the Marathon has grown into a world-class event with over 2 million spectators lining the streets of New York City. Today, the finest athletes in running compete for the opportunity to be the New York City Marathon Champion. In addition, the 2001 New York City Marathon will dual as the USA Men's and Women's Marathon Championship for the first time.

As the elite athletes amaze with their ability, the amateur and disabled athletes inspire with their courage and determination. In 2000, the New York City Marathon declared an official Wheelchair Division for the first time. In 2001, the Marathon takes this move a step further by offering Wheelchair Division prize money for the first time, thus bringing together some of the finest wheelchair competitors in the world. Dick Traum, the President and Founder of the Achilles' Track Club for disabled runners was the first disabled athlete to complete the New York City Marathon.

In the spirit of New York City, the New York City Marathon is marked by the diversity of its participants and spectators. 30, 000 men and women from all over the world and with different levels of ability are cheered on by supportive New Yorkers as they race through the five boroughs. All those who witness the Marathon experience the spirit of New York and its diverse population. The New York City Marathon is truly a celebration of "friendship, sport and human potential."