{"id":32528,"date":"2025-11-07T22:56:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T22:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/32528\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T22:56:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T22:56:21","slug":"thousands-bring-queens-spirit-to-nyc-marathon-in-long-island-city-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/32528\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands bring Queens spirit to NYC Marathon in Long Island City \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Eliud\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Eliud Kipchoge leading the professional men\u2019s field at his final professional marathon in Long Island City. <\/p>\n

Photo by Kent Ng<\/p>\n

The World\u2019s Borough brought the party to runners at the halfway point of the largest marathon on the planet.\n<\/p>\n

On Sunday, Nov. 2, thousands of Queens locals and spectators lined the streets of Long Island City<\/a> with electrifying enthusiasm and spirited cheers for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. The sound of cowbells, stadium horns and rhythmic beats from Fogo Azul NYC<\/a> energized the atmosphere, offering a much-needed boost to marathoners ahead of the Queensboro Bridge \u2014 one of the most physically challenging sections of the race.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe professional women\u2019s field running past Vernon Boulevard at Long Island City.Photo by Kent Ng
\n\"FogoFogo Azul NYC, the Brazilian samba-reggae drumline, at 44th Drive and 21st Street in Long Island City supporting the marathoners with music.Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

From roughly miles 13.1 to 15.5 of the marathon course, an extensive roster of Queens-based running clubs came out in droves to support participants on their journey to the Central Park finish line. The borough\u2019s running representatives included Run HUSTLE Run<\/a>, Queens Distance Runners<\/a> (QDR), Forest Park Runners<\/a>, Woodside-Sunnyside Runners<\/a>, AWSTARS<\/a> (Asian Women Stay Running), Hellgate Road Runners<\/a>, World\u2019s Fair Run Crew<\/a>, Wolf Runners of Queens<\/a> and more.<\/p>\n

The animated crowd of spectators was not just there to passively watch the marathoners \u2014 the supporters were there to reinvigorate them with energy gels, digestible carbs, hydrating fluids, pain-relieving products and, most importantly, warm embraces. At every corner, Long Island City teemed with empowerment for the resilient runners. This follows a long-standing tradition for New Yorkers across the five boroughs to encourage both seasoned and first-time marathoners to conquer 26.2 miles.<\/p>\n

\"MarathonersMarathoners turning around a corner \u2014 some dressed in costume \u2014 at the NYC Marathon in Long Island City.Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

After Ronnie Colborn, a local resident, moved to New York City two and a half years ago, she wanted to hone in on community-building by joining QDR, a Jackson Heights<\/a>-based running organization, with her roommate. Colborn further described the significance of the TCS New York Marathon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so, being able to stand and cheer with people that I know and help build community for is really special,\u201d Colborn said.
\n\"LouisLouis V. Cerna running past Mile 13.5 at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.Photo by Kent Ng\n<\/p>\n

Andrew Chin, a Westchester County native and Flushing<\/a> resident, shared that the marathon distance has been \u201cone of his passions.\u201d Once he moved to New York City, Chin has immersed himself into the city\u2019s running culture through the New York Road Runners<\/a> (NYRR) 9+1 Program<\/a>, a membership initiative where runners earn guaranteed entry into the TCS New York City Marathon through completion of nine qualifying races and one volunteer event.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve loved the energy and the ability to meet so many new people and how inclusive the sport is,\u201d Chin said. \u201cI feel like the New York City Marathon embodies all that energy and [what] the city has to give. I feel like it\u2019s a national holiday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AA pair of spectators at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

Chin also wanted to cheer on his friends at the TCS New York City Marathon, commenting that it motivates him to \u201crun it next year.\u201d The Flushing-based runner recently completed the NYRR 9+1 Program, securing his spot in next year\u2019s marathon.<\/p>\n

\u201cRunning a marathon, in general, shows the testament of all the hard work I put in,\u201d Chin added. \u201cNo matter what speed [or] distance we run, I feel like everyone is included.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

The vibrance of the Queens neighborhood showcased the power of community in spectator sports. Channeling through the pulse-pounding music and endless vocal kudos, marathoners reflected the embodiment of The World\u2019s Borough \u2014 the never-quitting spirit that does not end until the dream is achieved.<\/p>\n

\"AA marathoner running past Mile 13.5 at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.Photo by Kent Ng<\/p>\n

According to a press release, an estimated 59,226 runners crossed the finish line at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, breaking the world\u2019s largest marathon record for the second consecutive year. Of those finishers, 18,660 marathoners hailed from 132 international countries. Queens resident Karen Bdera finished in seven hours, 49 minutes and 54 seconds. Ceil Witherspoon, a Long Island City native, finished in 12 hours, 45 minutes and 25 seconds.<\/p>\n

For more information on the TCS New York City Marathon, nyrr.org\/tcsnycmarathon<\/a>.<\/p>\n