One New Thing: New York City Marathon

Today Elliot's cub scout troop was handing out water to the marathon runners, so we got to head over to East Harlem to give out cups of water at mile 19. We didn't get there until 2:30, so I was afraid that all the action might be over. But that turned out to be a silly worry because when we got to first avenue there was a steady parade of runners. It was so exciting to see everyone going by! By mile 19, lots of people were walking or jogging slowly... I couldn't believe how happy most of them still looked. I saw lots of fun costumes (Mexican wrestlers, Sumo wrestlers, etc.), people wearing team shirts from all over, someone on crutches, old people, young people... it was great. And people (especially kids) on the sidelines were all competing for the chance to give cups of water to the runners!


This river of runners boggled my mind, so when I got home I looked up how many people participated. Before I had gotten there, I thought maybe 1,000. Elliot guessed 83. Apparently it is something like 50,000--so we were both way off.

Unfortunately, Elliot, the killjoy, wasn't particularly excited about the marathon, or giving water. He did think it was a little exciting to push the little boys standing around him, to see who could get out in front to give out the most water. But after ten minutes, he said his arms hurt and he wanted to go home. So we didn't stay long. But I did think the energy and goodwill I saw was pretty amazing!

Also, on the way home we found a garden supply store underneath a bridge, with a pen full of chickens. I thought this was very exciting. Of course, you know who wasn't phased. As if we see chickens running around under subway bridges everyday.

-Kristin

I also watched the marathon, but in Brooklyn at the eight mile mark. Up the block from Cat's house there was a marathon block party. One man has been putting on this party for 25 or so years with a DJ, so it was very exciting. The runners seemed to really enjoy it too. Many stopped to dance. My favorite runner was one of the very last ones, all alone, who danced all down the block. When she got to the end where most of the people were congregated the spectators formed two lines, one on each side of her, and applauded as she danced down the center. When the last runners had passed we got to take over the block and have a fifteen minute dance party before the streets opened back up. It was super fun! And I had my first hot chocolate of the season. Many more to come.

- Megan Leigh