Press Release Archives #344-01 - MAYOR GIULIANI PAINTS LINE "RED, WHITE, AND BLUE" FOR THE 32nd RUNNING OF NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today painted part of the dashed 26.2-mile line, that will be painted red, white and blue for the upcoming running of the 32nd annual New York City Marathon - to be held this Sunday, November 4th. The dashed marathon line runs the entire race course and is designed to guide runners during the race. The marathon line is traditionally painted blue, but this year red and white were added to serve as a patriotic reminder to runners and spectators that the 2001 Marathon is dedicated to the victims of the tragic events of September 11th and to the rescue workers at the World Trade Center disaster.

Joining the Mayor at the New York City Marathon finish line in Central Park were Allan Steinfeld, President of the New York Road Runners, Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern, and Cristyne L. Nicholas, President of NYC & Company.

"On Sunday, thousands of runners from all over the world will take to the streets of New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "Millions of spectators will be watching and cheering the runners as they pass through all five boroughs and through many of the City's great neighborhoods. The marathon is a test of endurance, and this year the marathon will be a tribute to the enduring spirit of New York City."

The Mayor also advised New Yorkers and visitors of traffic changes due to Sunday's marathon. Although the 26.2 mile marathon route itself is nearly unchanged, the Mayor noted some additional traffic restrictions this year. They are as follows:

The Verrazano Narrows Bridge will be completely closed, as vehicular traffic will not be allowed on the upper and lower levels, Brooklyn bound and Staten Island bound. In previous years, Brooklyn bound traffic remained open. Upper levels will close at midnight Saturday and the Staten Island lower level will close at 8 a.m. Sunday. The Brooklyn bound level will close at 10 a.m. Sunday, if not sooner.

This year, there will be no car-carrying Staten Island Ferry vessels, since the Ferry has not carried vehicles since the September 11th tragedy.

At the Queensboro Bridge, the upper level will be open for cars and buses. However, trucks will NOT be allowed on the Queensboro Bridge this year during the marathon.

Finally, three bridges - the Willis Avenue Bridge, the Madison Avenue Bridge and the Pulaski Bridge - will remain closed in BOTH DIRECTIONS this year, as opposed to just the marathon-bound direction in previous years. All three bridges will be closed about one hour before marathoners arrive at the bridges and will remain closed until the last runner crosses.

Mayor Giuliani encouraged New Yorkers, marathon participants and spectators, as well as tourists to use mass transit, and to keep these traffic restrictions in mind when preparing to attend or participate in Sunday's marathon.

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

MAYOR GIULIANI PAINTS LINE "RED, WHITE, AND BLUE" FOR THE 32nd RUNNING OF NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

MAYOR GIULIANI PAINTS LINE "RED, WHITE, AND BLUE" FOR
THE 32nd RUNNING OF NEW YORK CITY MARATHON