History of the ING New York City Marathon

New York has continued to lead in race management. In 2002, NYRR created a separate start for the professional women as a way to highlight the most competitive women’s field in race history. The leading women continue to start 35 minutes before the men and the rest of the field.

In 2003, ING became the title sponsor of the race and joined with NYRR to initiate grassroots running and fitness programs among the city’s youth. The ING Run for Something Better has contributed over half a million dollars to the City Parks Foundation and to the New York Road Runners Foundation Running Partners program, which together put running-based health and fitness programs in city parks and schools year round.

Thirty-six years after its start, the ING New York City Marathon continues to grow in size and to be the leader among marathons around the world. In 2005, 36,856 people crossed the finish line, making it the largest marathon of all time. Also in 2005, a record 87,625 people worldwide applied to run.

The ING New York City Marathon continues to evolve and serves as an example to marathon organisations the world over.