Image from interactive story map, showing marathon route and first highlighted stop, Fort Tompkins. Image Credit: NYC LPC
New Yorkers anticipate the return of the marathon after last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19. On November 3, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission released 50 for the 50th, an interactive story map that highlights 50 landmarks and historic districts along the NYC Marathon route to celebrate the 50th running of the marathon. The marathon, which started in 1970, is having its 50th running this year as last year’s marathon was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NYC Marathon runs through all five boroughs and attracts runners from around the world. Landmarks’ story map follows the route of the race course and highlights landmarks and historic districts along and near the course, from the route’s start in Staten Island near Fort Tompkins to the finish line in Central Park. Other select highlights include the Queensboro Bridge and views of the Empire State Building; brownstone or brick row houses featured in historic districts like in Fort Greene and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, or in Mott Haven in the Bronx; civic buildings like the New York Public Library Harlem Branch and the New York State Supreme Court in Long Island City; commercial buildings like Somers Brothers Tinware Factory or the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building in Brooklyn; parks landmarks like the Thomas Jefferson Play Center in East Harlem; and many others.
The 50th running of the NYC Marathon will occur this Sunday, November 7th starting at 8:30 AM. The race will be broadcast locally on WABC-TV, Channel 7 and nationally on ESPN2. For more information about how to watch the race in person along the parade route, click here.
To view the interactive story map, click here.
Landmarks Chair Sarah Carroll stated, “The New York City Marathon is an awe-inspiring event that unites tens of thousands of athletes running for personal causes and personal bests and over a million spectators cheering them on all the way. With this story map, we want to highlight many of the significant landmarks and historic districts along the way that represent the city’s diverse history and architectural highlights, and offers incredible views connecting the runners and crowds to the city around them.”
NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff stated, “The 50 for the 50th interactive story map is a wonderful new and unique way to engage with our city’s landmarks, historic districts, and parkland while following the marathon route. The NYC Marathon offers the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s sights and sounds, and with this new map, visitors can enjoy the marathon and learn about some of our city’s most historic landmarks along the way!”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)
Nice work !