You Don't Need X-Ray Vision to Watch the NYC Marathon (But it Might Help Spot That Pigeon in a Costume)
The New York City Marathon is upon us! Every year, folks lace up their running shoes (or, ahem, rollerblades for that one guy we all saw in 2019), and conquer the Big Apple's iconic streets. But what if you're more of a "cheer from the couch" kind of person? Don't worry, fellow spectator, this guide is your one-stop shop to catching all the action without having to dodge rogue pretzels.
Channel Surfing Like a Pro: Your TV Options
Calling all couch potatoes! This year, you've got a few options for watching the marathon from the comfort of your living room.
- East Coast Enthusiasts: Craving that local flavor? Tune in to WABC-TV (Channel 7) in the New York Tri-State Area for live coverage.
- Nationwide Cheer: For the rest of the US, ESPN2 will be broadcasting the marathon. Don't forget the snacks (and maybe some tissues for those emotional finish lines).
Word to the Wise: These broadcasts might not show the entire race. If you're obsessed with every single high five and costume change, you might need to explore other options...
Tech Time: Apps to the Rescue
- The Official App: That's right, there's an app for everything these days, and the NYC Marathon is no exception. Download the TCS New York City Marathon App for uninterrupted coverage of the professional races. It's like having your own personal marathon director...without all the yelling through a megaphone.
- The Streaming Squad: If you've got a subscription to a service that carries ESPN or ABC, you can also stream the race live on their respective apps. Just remember, this might require some fancy footwork with logins and passwords.
Bonus Tip: Download these apps beforehand! You don't want to be scrambling during the race when everyone's glued to the screen waiting to see if that rogue pigeon makes it across the finish line.
How to Spot the Winner (Besides the Giant Trophy):
Let's face it, some of us are here for the competition. Here's a quick cheat sheet to help you identify the champion:
- Look for the leader pack: These are the elite runners at the front, typically setting a blistering pace.
- Pay attention to the announcers: They'll be highlighting the top contenders throughout the race.
- Watch for the emotional finish: The winner's arrival is usually a tearjerker (or a fist-pumping moment, depending on your style).
Pro Tip: If you see someone skipping merrily along, high-fiving everyone, they're probably not the winner. But hey, they're having a blast!
Frequently Asked Spectator Questions:
How to Cheer Like a Champ: Enthusiasm is key! Practice your loudest "Go!"s and "You've got this!"s. Bonus points for creative signs and costumes (though maybe avoid the pigeon suit this year).
How to Spot a Friend in the Crowd: This can be tricky. Download the app that allows you to track runners and keep an eye out for their bib number.
How to Avoid Traffic Mayhem: The marathon does cause some road closures. Check the official website for a detailed course map so you can plan your viewing spot (and maybe your post-race brunch) accordingly.
How to Pace Yourself with Snacks: The race is long, so stock up on a variety of healthy and not-so-healthy snacks. Pretzels, anyone?
How to Embrace the NYC Spirit: This is a city that loves to celebrate! So wear your orange (the marathon's official color!), cheer on the runners, and soak up the electric atmosphere. You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity (or at least a very dedicated hot dog costume).
