NYC Marathon Mile by Mile - Miles 14 and 15
We pass the halfway point, enter and exit Queens and begin to climb the Queensboro Bridge
Mile 14: The Pulaski Bridge, Halfway and Queens
Elevation Gain: 0 meters (0 feet)
Best Part: The view off the Pulaski Street Bridge. And we’re halfway!
Watch Out: The bridge incline and if it’s a warm day, the sun
Photo Opportunity: Unimpeded view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline on your left
The climb up the Pulaski Bridge is relatively gentle – a little over 40 feet over 0.3 miles. There’s an aid station at the foot of the bridge.
About halfway up the bridge you will pass the halfway point. There’s one of many timing mats and clocks here. Since TCS launched their amazing app, I think of my family and others tracking me. The information gets sent around the world as we run by the timing sensors. Amazing!
You will also notice an incredible view to your left. You have an unobstructed view of Midtown, our goal. If there is one moment to stop and take a selfie, this is it.
The descent off the Pulaski Bridge is negligible. You take a left turn, a right, and a 2nd right as this mile ends in the heart of Long Island City, Queens.
Mile 15: Long Island City and Starting the Queensboro Bridge Climb
Elevation Gain: +22 meters (+73 feet)
Best Part: Spectators in Long Island City
Watch Out: The First Half of the Queensboro Bridge Climb
Queens does not get its fair shake with the marathon route. Queens is a diverse, dynamic borough, but it only gets 1 ½ miles of the race in Long Island City.
LIC has changed a lot in the past 30 years, and marathoners run by many high rises. Thanks to its many residents and subway routes, spectators PACK this stretch.
After the Mile 14 marker the course makes 2 left turns. Smile at the many spectators. You’ll realize you’ve already seen some of the signs earlier in the race.
Make sure you take in some liquid at the aid station prior to the Queensboro Bridge. This stretch on the bridge is the longest one without an aid station since the start.
One training tip: the total climb is 100 feet over a half mile. Practice this at home, repeatedly. I run the Harlem Hill loop 6 times in a row as a test. This is both a physical and mental challenge: climbing the Queensboro Bridge looks harder than it is.