Marathoners tackle Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Runners will compete in the annual Queens Marathon at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on March 22. Photo courtesy of Queens Distance Runners

By Rachel Vick

Nearly 1,000 runners from across the United States have signed up to compete in the fifth annual Queens Marathon in Flushing Meadow Corona Park on March 22.

The 26.2-mile race, hosted by Queens Distance Runners, takes participants through the borough’s biggest park, where they will loop through fields, past Citi Field and through the shadow of the Unisphere. This year’s route has been updated to remove several tight turns.

“We’ve been organizing Queens Marathon annually since 2016, and it gets better every year,” said QDR Executive Director Kevin “Speedy” Montalvo. “I’m really excited for this one

because of the sharp increase in participants and the incredible support from local organizations. We’re bringing runners to Queens, and Queens to runners.”

For the first time, the event will also include a half-marathon along the same route.

The Queens Marathon is an official qualifying race for the Boston Marathon and is certified by USA Track & Field. 

Registration is $120, and the race begins at 8 a.m. Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall.