Jaunted

Bay Ridge: After the runners cross the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge, they descend into this Brooklyn neighborhood, which many New Yorkers have probably never heard of, let alone been to. The mix of Latino, Middle Eastern and Eastern European restaurants offer plenty of places for a quick pre-race breakfast--and tons of sidewalk space to watch the runners hit their stride.

Clinton Hill: As the race winds into Brownstone Brooklyn, the borough’s residents are doing what they do best: Brunch. Those lucky enough to live along Lafayette Avenue turn out for raucous stoop parties, complete with bands and boom boxes--and maybe even paying a little attention to the race. Pretend you know someone, and maybe you can snag a prime spot, a bagel and a bloody Mary.

Long Island City: The marathon doesn’t venture into Queens for long, but it’s here that the race hits its halfway point, giving the tired athletes a much-need psychological boost. Shortly after, the runners kick it up a notch for an uphill sprint to the Queensboro Bridge. As they get ready to enter Manhattan, the race starts picking up for real, but the streets are relatively calm and empty.

Fifth Avenue: Thousands of viewers flock to Central Park West, hoping to catch a photo finish. This rarely happens. Most years, the winner breaks away from the wannabees over on the East Side of the Park, and the race is won or lost along the 22-25 mile stretch here.

Related Stories:
· Marathons coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo from 2007: ultraclay!]