2. History of the New York City
Marathon
An avid runner, Timothy Higgins leverages his
passion for the sport to raise funds for charity. In
addition to participating in a number of charitable
races, Timothy Higgins has run the New York City
Marathon in support of philanthropic organizations.
3. History of the New York City
Marathon
Runners completed the first official New York City
Marathon in 1970. The race, which took place
entirely in Central Park, involved a total of 127
participants, only 55 of whom finished all 26.2
miles. Although this was the first official New York
City Marathon, it was not the first marathon run in
the greater city area. The first, a precursor to the
1908 Olympics, took place in 1907 and began in
Yonkers. In December of 1908, the New York
Evening Journal sponsored a marathon that began
in Westchester County and finished at 59th Street
and Columbus Circle. This stands out as the first
marathon race run on New York City streets.
4. History of the New York City
Marathon
The official city marathon moved to the streets in
1976. Today, the New York City Marathon involves
more than 39,000 participants with a total audience
of 315 million, watching both in person and on
television. It is the largest marathon of its kind
worldwide.