By Shmarya Richler

The upcoming New York City Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 2. Last year, for the second time, there was a Chabad presence in the crowds lining the streets of NY.  BH, hundreds of people put on Tefillin, and I know of 3 Bar Mitzvahs! Hopefully, we can do even more this year!

About two million people come out throughout the day to watch and cheer the runners. Having run it four times, I know that there are many Jews among the spectators. It’s a great opportunity for Mivtzah Tefillin and Neshek.

Given the situation in Eretz Yisroel, it is imperative that we come out in force. The marathon route is 26.2 miles long! Not counting the bridges, where spectators are not allowed, there are about 22 miles of people lining the streets all day. Considering both sides of the streets, that’s about 44 miles of people!

The whole way is packed with spectators, but there are many spots along the route where there are much larger numbers of spectators. For example:

· The area around 4th and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn (near the Apple store). Take the 3 train and get off at Atlantic Avenue.
· The area around First and 59th in Manhattan.
· First Ave from 59th to the Willis Ave Bridge.
· Fifth Avenue from the Madison Avenue Bridge to 86th Street
· The finish line area on Columbus Ave (9’th) from West 69th to West 76th streets in Manhattan
· Central Park East from 86’th to 59’th (and 59’th street along the park).

There are thousands of people at these locations the whole day! I’ve set up a website with information about the route, the crowds, the times etc. Check the maps and information on the site. The link is at the end of this article

The race begins on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazano Bridge. It starts in stages between 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM. The crowds start lining the streets in Brooklyn at about 9:00 AM and a bit later in the other Boroughs.

The route takes us through all five boroughs and goes through many neighborhoods on our way to the finish in Central Park. Many streets are closed, so make sure to check the street closure list on the website. The best way to get to the Manhattan sections of the race may be by train.

Please send me your name and your mother’s name so I can bring them to the Ohel after the race. Also, please send pictures and, if possible, the number of people you put on Tefillin with and gave Neshek to.

Let’s do our part to help our seven million family members in Eretz Yisroel and give the Rebbe a Nachas Ruach.

The website address is http://Nycm-mivtzoim.org

Contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

We Want Moshiach Now!

Shmarya Richler