Every year, thousands of runners from around the world gather in the streets of New York City to participate in one of the most iconic marathons in the world – the NYC Marathon. This legendary race covers a distance of 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of the city, from Staten Island to Central Park. As a running enthusiast and a New Yorker myself, I have always been fascinated by the rich history and unique traditions that surround this event. One such tradition that has captivated both runners and spectators alike is the song that kicks off the NYC Marathon.
Picture this: It’s an early morning in November. The air is crisp, and excitement fills the streets. Runners are stretching, smiling, and taking deep breaths as they await the starting gun. And then, it happens. The iconic song “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra blares through the speakers, signaling the start of the NYC Marathon. It’s a moment that sends chills down your spine and brings a sense of unity and pride to everyone in attendance.
Why “New York, New York”? Well, this song has become synonymous with the city itself. Its lyrics embody the spirit of New York – a place where dreams are made, and anything is possible. The soaring melody and Sinatra’s powerful voice create an atmosphere that is both electrifying and inspiring. It sets the tone for the marathon, reminding every participant that they are about to embark on an incredible journey through the heart of the Big Apple.
But “New York, New York” wasn’t always the official song of the NYC Marathon. In fact, it wasn’t until 2001 that this tradition started. The tragic events of September 11th that year had a profound impact on the city, and the marathon took on a new meaning of resilience and unity. To honor the city and its people, the organizers decided to incorporate “New York, New York” into the marathon’s opening ceremony, and it has been the official song ever since.
As a runner, hearing “New York, New York” at the start of the NYC Marathon is an incredibly emotional experience. It’s a reminder of the months of training, the early morning runs, and the sacrifices made to reach this point. It’s a reminder of the camaraderie among runners, who have come together from all corners of the globe to tackle this challenging course. And most importantly, it’s a reminder of the indomitable spirit of New York City and its people.
So, as the song plays and the runners take their first steps across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, I can’t help but feel a surge of adrenaline and pride. I am reminded of the countless stories of triumph and perseverance that have unfolded on this very course. From elite athletes to everyday runners, each person has their own reason for running the NYC Marathon, and the song “New York, New York” unites them all.
In conclusion, the song that kicks off every NYC Marathon, “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra, holds a special place in the hearts of runners and spectators alike. It embodies the spirit of the city and serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that defines the marathon. As a New Yorker and a running enthusiast, I am proud to be a part of this incredible tradition, and I can’t wait to hear that familiar melody fill the streets of my beloved city once again.