<P> The race was founded by Fred Lebow . Ted Corbitt helped plan the course of the New York City Marathon . The initial course of 1970 consisted of repeated racing around Central Park . From 1976 , the course covers all five boroughs of New York City . It begins on Staten Island , in Fort Wadsworth , near the approach to the Verrazano - Narrows Bridge . The bridge , which normally carries only vehicular traffic , is closed for the event . Runners use both sides of the upper level of the bridge and the westbound side of the lower level . In the opening minutes of the race , the bridge is filled with runners , creating a dramatic spectacle that is closely associated with the event . </P>
<P> The race was founded by Fred Lebow . Ted Corbitt helped plan the course of the New York City Marathon . The initial course of 1970 consisted of repeated racing around Central Park . From 1976 , the course covers all five boroughs of New York City . It begins on Staten Island , in Fort Wadsworth , near the approach to the Verrazano - Narrows Bridge . The bridge , which normally carries only vehicular traffic , is closed for the event . Runners use both sides of the upper level of the bridge and the westbound side of the lower level . In the opening minutes of the race , the bridge is filled with runners , creating a dramatic spectacle that is closely associated with the event . </P>
where does the new york city marathon start
where does the new york city marathon start
on Staten Island , in Fort Wadsworth , near the approach to the Verrazano - Narrows Bridge
on Staten Island , in Fort Wadsworth , near the approach to the Verrazano - Narrows Bridge