The only woman who entered the race, Nina Kuscsik, dropped out after 15 miles due to illness. Gary Muhrcke, a New York firefighter who went on to become one of the city’s top running retail store owners, was the winner in 2:31:38, as the first of 55 runners to complete the course.

There were 127 registered runners in that inaugural race. The New York City Marathon was first held in 1970, when Vince Chiappetta and Fred Lebow of the New York Road Runners Club organized a multiple-loop course around Park Drive in Central Park.

(If you’re not feeling it yet, check out this video to jump-start the vibe.) How It Got Started This year’s New York City Marathon on November 6 will once again represent the pinnacle of all things running in the U.S., based on the depth of the professional races, the massive field of 50,000 recreational runners registered, the running shoe and apparel brand activity surrounding the race, and the New York City-sized buzz it will all create. If Frank Sinatra had been a runner, he’d certainly have sung, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.” No matter if you love or loathe New York, running from the starting line on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the finish line in Central Park is an unparalleled experience and one that, no matter what your finishing time is, will be an unforgettable experience. Let’s get one thing straight: There’s nothing in the world of road running that compares to the New York City Marathon. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

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