What you should know
- After being canceled last year, the New York City Marathon is back, with a few changes.
- Although the ongoing pandemic canceled last year’s marathon, this time, there are COVID-19 safety protocols.
- The first New York City Marathon was held in 1970 with just 127 runners. In 2019, more than 50,000 runners were shot. This year’s race is down to about 30,000 runners.
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NEW YORK – After being canceled last year, the New York City Marathon is back, with a few changes.
Last minute preparations for this year’s marathon, which will begin Sunday at 8:30 am, are generating a lot of interest in the Big Apple.
New Yorkers and tourists are grateful to take back the city’s tradition in person after taking a hiatus last year due to the pandemic.
“This year’s marathon will showcase New York’s toughness, New York’s courage, New York’s determination,” said Ted Metellus, TCS NYC Marathon race director.
Although the ongoing pandemic canceled last year’s marathon, this time around, COVID-19 safety protocols for runners include:
- Vaccination test or negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of race day;
- Face masks at the beginning and in the post-finishing area;
- More start waves to separate the runners;
- Hand sanitizing stations;
- This year, runners will be able to use hydration belts to avoid crowds at the water stations;
- In addition, runners must make an appointment to collect their race material in order to ensure social distancing.
However, some New Yorkers are still wary of holding a group event in the midst of a pandemic.
“[Estoy] a bit [preocupada por la seguridad]. A bit. But I hope all is well, “said Connie, an Upper East Side resident.
Others feel safe knowing that the event is outdoors.
“I think being outside, most of the time they’re kind of separate … so I think that’s cool,” said Upper West Side resident Barbara Von Zerneck.
The first New York City Marathon was held in 1970 with just 127 runners. In 2019, more than 50,000 runners were shot. This year’s race is down to about 30,000 runners.
NYC Police say there are no credible threats to the race, but there will be many layers of security from perimeter car jammers, of which there are hundreds, to radiation detector response teams and the squad. NYPD bombing, intelligence and counterterrorism, according to NYPD Deputy Intelligence Commissioner John Miller.
“We are going to have thousands and thousands of officers who will make sure that runners and spectators are safe,” said NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.
“It is a wonderful event,” said Von Zerneck. “New York loves it. A great event. Glad to see it again.”
“I think it’s just amazing. I’m from Italy, actually, and I’m a student here and it’s very exciting. The whole city is super excited, I can’t wait to see it,” said Maria Giovanna from Midtown Manhattan.
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