Queens Gears Up for Sunday’s Marathon

2017 New York City Marathon champion Shalane Flanagan became the first American woman to win the race in 30 years. AP file photo by Seth Wenig.

By David Brand

The New York City Marathon route through Queens is short, but it is certainly sweet.

Runners complete miles 13 through 15 of the 26-mile race as they churn their legs through Long Island City, a portion of the course filled with supporters, music, energy and the knowledge that the race is half-way done.

“This is for sure, the middle of the race, you just passed half way and you gauge how you’re feeling,” running coach Mark Coogan told the Competitor Running. “You know that once you cross the bridge into Manhattan that you’re going to be in millions and millions of people just going nuts.”

“Queens is a little bit quieter than Brooklyn but there are still a ton of people out there,” Coogan said. “That’s when you start…you’re almost going to turn and start heading into Manhattan.”

After crossing the Pulaski Bridge into Long Island City and head to the Queensborough Bridge, one of the most challenging parts of the route.

But the end of the bridge provides its own reward: thousands of cheering fans greeting you with less the race left to run.

This year, the Queens Center for Progress will host its annual “Welcome to Queens” station where supporters will ring cowbells and cheer on the runners at the corner of 44th Drive and 21st Street.