NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The 51st New York City Marathon kicked off at 8 a.m. on an unseasonably warm Sunday morning, operating at full capacity for the first time since before the pandemic.
More than 50,000 runners from 150 countries participated in the race, according to New York Road Runners CEO Karen Hempel.
The race was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had a downsized capacity in 2021 as a safety precaution.
Hempel said the international travel ban last year also limited international participation, which is back in full effect this year.
“We are excited to bring back this unifying event — this global demonstration to march down the streets of New York,” she told 1010 WINS. “It’s really incredible to run through all the different communities and see the different spirit and the vibrant culture as you transverse all five boroughs.”
Temperatures will reach as high as 74 degrees Sunday — a record for November 6 and the marathon.
That may seem like a perfect day to spend outdoors for most New Yorkers, but runners know temperatures that high can be dangerous.
A 32-year-old man died after completing the Brooklyn half marathon in May with temperatures ranging between 59 degrees at the start of the race and 70 at the time of his death.
Organizers set up 21 fluid stations throughout the race — one for each mile of the 26.2-mile race. There are also misting stations along the route.
Hempel said medical support is on standby and runners have been instructed on how to stay hydrated and safe during the marathon.
Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi one the men's and women's races respectively. This year's race was both of the Kenyan runners' debuts.
Traffic will be delayed throughout the city as streets are closed off for the marathon. The NYPD posted a full list of closures on Twitter.
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