The Yonkers Marathon, the second oldest marathon in the nation predated only by the Boston Marathon, is happening on Sunday, September 14. The annual event, which is in its 98th year, also includes a Half Marathon and 5 K. The event starts kick off at 8 am, rain or shine, at the Yonkers Train station, 1 Larkin Center.
The first Marathon in Yonkers took place on Thanksgiving Day in 1907. Johnny Hayes, who later won the Olympic marathon in 1908, won the first Yonkers title. In its early years, the race was known as the Mercury Athletics Club Marathon, approximately 25 miles long.
The Yonkers Marathon gained prominence when the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) named it the U.S.A. National Marathon Championships from 1938 to 1965, and again in 1974. During those periods, it also served as a qualifying event for the U.S. Olympic team.
Known as “Marathoner’s Marathon,”: the course is best known for its challenging, hilly terrain. Fred Lebow, the New York City Marathon founder, cited it as one of his favorite marathons because of its difficulty. The hills, especially between miles 7 and 9 in Hastings-upon-Hudson, contribute to its reputation as a difficult race.
To register visit https://events.elitefeats.com/25yonkers