NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — First there were sporting events, then Broadway, and now the 26.2-mile TCS New York City Marathon is another important milestone in the city's recovery.
The marathon's return not only brings back a sense of normalcy to the city, it also signifies that New York resiliency.
"It's definitely a comeback story and what better way to describe New York than the 'comeback city'? You know, tough, resilient, able to navigate through some challenges, applying and learning all of the things that you went through during the darkest times," said race director Ted Metellus.
Metellus became the marathon's first Black race director in February following staff cuts and leadership changes within the New York Road Runners organization during the pandemic that came amid workplace complaints and allegations of racism and sexism.
"I don't take that lightly, you know, you're setting the path, but fortunately I'm a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx," Metellus said.
He'll be presiding over the 50th running of the storied race.
"Everyone's got a New York City Marathon story, whether if you ran, volunteered, supported, cheered, you know someone that's been a part of this event so it's almost like a giant alumni party," Metellus said.
He believes the city is overdue for a big celebration.
"New York City will be out in full swing this coming Sunday and I'm looking forward to that," Metellus said.
The New York Road Runners staged much smaller races during the pandemic to learn what works and doesn't work.
"This year we're going to be about 40% smaller, so we'll be at and around 30,000 participants. Instead of four waves, we have five waves, so our last wave will be released at noon, so that will automatically increase the space that the athletes will have," Metellus said.
With the return to standard time, it also means many runners will finish in the dark.
"Our runners at a certain point within the course will be all given some glow sticks, it'll almost look like a rave and a party as they're making their way up to the drive to the finish line," Metellus said.
The final finishers aren't expected until sometime after 8 p.m. Sunday.
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