History of the New York City Marathon

Timothy Higgins

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.

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.

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.