(Video: Acacia Squires and Sky McCarthy)
Nov. 10- 46,000 New York City Marathon runners were treated to a few unique cheering sections along First Avenue this weekend. Since the 1970’s, the Marathon course has been positioned through the center of the Wagner Housing Development, which sprawls four uptown blocks from East 120th Street in East Harlem. New York City residents from all boroughs dotted the sidelines as marathoners headed out of Manhattan towards the Bronx.
For some Wagner residents, Sunday was an opportunity to step out and join in the marathon zeal. Ashley Watkins was excited to bring her son and nephew to 1st Avenue. “I’ve lived in Wagner all my life,” she says. “We come out every year.” In previous years, she says Wagner House residents would hand out water bottles as marathon participants ran through the stretch in the housing development. This year, however, the Wagner presence at the marathon was subdued. Only a handful of the 5,000 residents dotted the sidelines as participants approached the 19th mile.
A few onlookers from the younger set who came out to support the runners were excited to see their first marathon. Isis, Cindy, Justin and Roberto could barely contain their excitement for the runners as they passed by their homes. All of the children were cheering for Rebecca Yergin, a teacher who works at Harlem Prep Charter School, just across the street from Wagner.
Just a few blocks from the heart of Wagner, members of the East Harlem community crowded the streets to welcome the runners. Rapper Swan Smalls provided some run-by entertainment for weary marathoners as he free-styled songs, frequently pausing to call out the names of marathon participants. Store owners and local residents came out for the free concert and soon the sidewalk was transformed into an impromptu block party. This is the second year Smalls has performed on Marathon day. He said he believes its important for everyone in the community to keep the runners motivated. A few excited contestants show they still have plenty of energy and groove it up with the musicians!
Runners passed by thirteen NYCHA housing developments. The marathon kicked off in Staten Island, ran through the Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park.
