Yonkers Marathon

The Yonkers Marathon, held in Yonkers, New York, is the second oldest marathon in the United States, after the Boston Marathon. The course of the Yonkers Marathon is known as being tough and hilly.[1]

The Yonkers marathon (the standard distance, 42.195 km) is typically held on the third Sunday in September. It is a double loop course which also stages a half marathon (21.1 km). It was initially sponsored by the Mercury Athletic Club.[2]

The first few kilometers (or miles) of the race are very scenic, overlooking the Hudson River. However, the majority of the race is in urban industrial areas that are less than aesthetically pleasing.

Every year approximately 200 runners participate in the Yonkers marathon.

The first Yonkers Marathon was held on Thanksgiving Day 1907.[3] From 1907 to 1945, the race was typically held in November.[4] Johnny Hayes and Jim Crowley won the first two races.[4][5][nb 1]

Sammy Mellor helped establish the Yonkers Marathon with Edward Wetmore Kinsley, and finished second in the event's first two runnings.[5][8][9]

Notes

  1. ↑ Some references incorrectly state that Robert Fowler broke Johnny Hayes' world best in the marathon at the 1909 Yonkers Marathon. Fowler's mark was actually set at the Empire City Marathon on January 1, 1909.[6][7]

References

  1. ↑ Corbitt, Ted (2003). "Ted Corbitt: A Willingness to Suffer". In Kislevitz, Gail Waesche. The Spirit of the Marathon: What to Expect in Your First Marathon and How to Run Them the Rest of Your Life. Halcottsville, New York: Breakaway Books. p. 234. ISBN 978-1-891369-36-0.
  2. ↑ "MARATHON VICTORY FOR HARRY JENSEN; Finishes First in Yonkers Event With a Half Mile Advantage. SHERIDAN RUNS SECOND Leads for Twenty-three Miles, When Pastime Athlete Overhauls Him -- Winner's Time, 2:46:43 1-5." (pdf). The New York Times (New York). November 28, 1909. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  3. ↑ Cooper, Pamela (1999). "The New York City Marathon Culture". The American Marathon. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-8156-0573-7.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Association of Road Racing Statisticians. Yonkers Marathon. Retrieved May 15, 2010
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "J.F. CROWLEY WINS YONKERS MARATHON; Irish-American Runner Leads Big Field Over Westchester County Roads.", New York Times, November 27, 1908: 7, retrieved May 15, 2010
  6. ↑ "POLICE BREAK UP YONKERS MARATHON; Order Official Off Track and Referee Sullivan Stops the Contest.", New York Times, January 2, 1909: 7, retrieved May 15, 2010
  7. ↑ Sullivan, J.E., ed. (1910), "Marathon Road Races", Spalding's Official Athletic Almanac for 1910, Group XII. No. 1, New York: American Sports Publishing Co., p. 93
  8. ↑ "Samuel Mellor Marathoner". www.yonkersny.gov. Yonkers, New York: City of Yonkers. September 11, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Edward Wetmore Kinsley". www.yonkersny.gov. Yonkers, New York: City of Yonkers. September 11, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2011.

External links