Thousands gathered accross the five boroughs of New York to take part in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, in what turned out to be a beautiful November day. Along the marathon route, which at points had the festive atmosphere of a parade, people gathered to cheer, play music, watch, or volunteer with the logistics of the event.
The 26.2 mile foot race was particularly notable this year as Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, aided by nearly windless conditions, set a course record of 2 hours 5 minutes 6 seconds, breaking a record that had stood for a decade. Other, slower participants still went home with the satisfaction of having completed the difficult test of great physical stamina.
Staten Island: Runners cross the Verrrazano-Narrows Bridge to begin the first stretch of the 2011 ING New York City MarathonReutersBrooklyn: Runners near the 6th mile of the marathon, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, speed by a clock displaying their course timeEleazar David MeléndezA man dressed as a bee runs in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Many runners choose to wear outlandish costumes during the event.Eleazar David MeléndezTwo people show signs to encourage participants during the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Thousands lined the entire marathon route on a pleasant Autumn day Sunday.Eleazar David MeléndezA four-piece band plays for the runners participating in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Along the course, musicians made many appearances, from lone percussionists to live bands to DJ setups.Eleazar Daivd MeléndezTwo people run to use the portable toilets at a designated rest stop next to the course of the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. The event is a logistical juggernaut that involves hundreds of corporate partners and thousands of volunteers.Eleazar David MeléndezBrooklyn: A family of volunteers hands Gatorade to parched runners during the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Tens of thousands of volunteers donate their time to make the event a success every year.Eleazar David MeléndezBrooklyn: A woman holds a unique sign alongside the course for the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Tens of thousands gathered to watch on a pleasant November day.Eleazar David MeléndezQueens: Backed by the Manhattan skyline, runners proceed down the route of the 2011 ING New York City Marathon.ReutersManhattan: A runner speeds up for the last 200 meters of the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. This particular runner would finish under 3 hours.Eleazar David MeléndezA runner receives encouragement from the crowd during the last 100 meters of the 2011 ING New York City MarathonEleazar David MeléndezManhattan: Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya crosses the line to win the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. On a day with little wind, Mutai set a course recordReutersManhattan: Firehiwot Dado of Kenya drops to her knees after winning the Women's Competition in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Compatriot Buzunesh Deba was four seconds back.ReutersManhattan: A marathoner walks out the 65th Street gate of Central Park after finishing the 2011 ING New York City Marathon.Eleazar David MeléndezManhattan: A medalist from the 2011 ING New York City Marathon rests against a building on Central Park West.Eleazar David Meléndez
