Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2000

Release #405-00

 
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Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958

   

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS RECEPTION AT GRACIE MANSION TO CELEBRATE THE 31st RUNNING OF THE NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

Declares Sunday, November 5th, New York City Marathon Day

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening welcomed members of the New York Road Runners Club to Gracie Mansion to celebrate the 31st running of the New York City Marathon, which is scheduled to begin at 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2000.

Joining the Mayor at the reception were New York Road Runners Club President Allan Steinfeld, New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, New York City Sports Commission President Ken Podziba and representatives of the various New York City Marathon sponsors.

"Today, the New York City Marathon not only reflects the magnificence of the New York City, but it is fittingly the largest annual marathon in the world," said Mayor Giuliani. "As one of the premier international sporting events in the world, the Marathon is a showcase for New York City - covering all five boroughs and passing through many of the City's great neighborhoods. The millions of people who come to watch the race and the millions more who will watch it at home will truly be able to see why New York City is The Sports Capital of the World."

"I want to thank the New York Road Runners Club for organizing this quintessential New York City event, and for all it does year-round to serve the tens of thousands of New Yorkers from all walks of life who love to run. In recognition of these important contributions, I am proud to proclaim Sunday, November 5th, New York City Marathon Day," the Mayor concluded.

The New York City Marathon was founded by Fred Lebow in 1970, when 127 runners completed four loops around Central Park. This year's race will begin in Staten Island at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge; continue through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx; and finish in Central Park. Since its inception in 1970, 470,000 runners have participated in the Marathon. The November 5th race is expected to draw over 2 million spectators and a television audience of 347 million in 150 countries.

This year, more than 30,000 people from all 50 states and from 110 countries have signed up to run.

 

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