wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

2/2
If you've ever run a few blocks to catch a bus and almost passed out, then you can really appreciate the dedication, discipline, enthusiam and effort it takes to do this event. Seeing thousands pushing their limit - no matter what their standard (not to mention the elites with their mind-blowing capacity), is both thrilling and elevating in a way that speaks to the true deeper meaning and purpose of athletics. I think the 'Fitness Guru' who sadly recently passed away - Sri Chinmoy, said it best in his quote: "There are only 3 winners: The one who competes with himself, the one who crosses the finish line first, and the one who finishes the race.". In the marathon this means essentially all 39,000+ people. Pretty amazing.

1/2
Marathon running is possibly the most intrinsically democratizing of sports. One doesn't need 100's of millions in infrastructure, or even thousands of $$ in equipment - just a pair of running shoes and willingness to run. Perhaps this is why so many from so-called poorer countries can compete on equal footing (for Brian the punster) with those of 'richer' nations. Actually they are rich in spirit, and for a mararthon that is what really counts. This is one aspect of what is appealing and inspiring about the sport, especially in this era of globalization with all the attendant difficulties and negative manifestations that are so common, so hyped and so depressing. This event is a genuine bright spot, and along with the Olympics (those ancient Greeks were on to something) shows the possibilities of human cooperation and human achievement for everyone - with simple joy and inspiration in the process - something we all need, and something the marathon provides and demonstrates in great breadth, depth, and height for participants and spectators alike.

Also, as a matter of local pride, for the above reasons, the NYC marathon is a feather in the city's cap, and what makes NYC the world capital and global exemplar in yet another category.

Perhaps Nascar is the marathon for people who live in places without sidewalks? (I am a Nascar fan)

By the way, the people who pour into the street at mile 8 might be enjoying themselves, but they're not doing so after the last runners pass - they're getting in the way of people who are still running. I'm not talking about the real stragglers, I'm talking sub-5-hour runners.

The NYC Marathon is one of my favorite days of the year. I am not an avid runner nor do I like it for the sport - but I enjoy it for the spirit and the fun. Every year we set up a table with coffee, bagels and mimosas and act like fools - cheering and chanting for the runners. Fun, fun day.

I do not run but have always watched on TV ... out of admiration for the runners' triumphs and struggles, and what they have overcome to get to the starting line-- and to stick with it and finish. It always brings tears to my eyes... as right now thinking abut it.

It's interesting to see what people see in this event....personally I've never been fascinated with it....and I don't see the "working for one common goal"....I mean the goal is to beat everyone else to the finish line...so how is that working for a common goal? To me the kind of thing that is inspiring where people work together for a common goal is something more like working to help the victims of Darfur or something...not a race

But, it was interesting to hear what others see in the race cause I never really understood it.

Admiration of accomplishment is a very important part of American identity. You can hear in in the voices of people that call the show.

40,000 people with the common goal of beating each other! Frankly, I don't get the appeal of watching a sport this personal. And Brian, if you find it so exciting to watch, can you imagine how exciting it would be run? I'm frankly tired of the excessive media coverage given to this event, as if it were some kind of grassroots Olympics. (The real Olympics gets too much coverage as well, considering it's one big commercial for nations and corporations.) Could this be NASCAR for yuppies?

I've only ever watched it from Lafayette Ave. in Fort Greene, around mile 8. There's a guy who sets up a giant sound system on his stoop and cheers the runners on, and as the last runners pass, the crowd gathers into the street and it turns into a dance party. Black, white, old, young, all types just out in the street doing the electric slide and the conga. It's like a scene out of a movie.

as a displaced new yorker, i didn't watch this year, but i did watch last year, knowing that i was leaving the city. it was incredibly emotional - i found myself tearing up despite the fact that i didn't know anyone in the race, and i had just wandered over to see it around east 106th. the sense of cameraderie with the other spectators was tremendous, the setting was lovely (autumn foliage, etc), and watching these people from all over the world running past was a truly beautiful experience.

what is that goal?

I noticed that TV coverage wasn't prominently covering the countries where the runners were from. I would have been far more engaged if there was more talk about how international the event is.

40,000 people from all corners of the globe with ONE COMMON GOAL...where else can you find that?

I watch to support the runners, and for the personal catharsis. It's overwhelming to be so close to so much determination, and as I cheer I inevitably cry.