For the 40th straight time, the New York City Marathon—scheduled for Nov. 3—will feature morning Shacharit services for the convenience of Jewish runners from across the country and around the globe who will be participating in the 53rd edition of this world-famous road race. Started in 1983, the Marathon Minyan has become an institution at the marathon and is believed to be the longest-established religious service of any kind, at any major sporting event, anywhere in the world.
Services are held in a 600-square-foot tent near the main entrance to the Fort Wadsworth staging area on Staten Island, N.Y., where the race begins. The first service is slated to begin at approximately 6:45 a.m., and subsequent services will follow as soon as a new minyan gathers. Each service normally takes about a half-hour. Runners should join a minyan that will allow them at least 45 minutes after completion to get to their marshaling corral.
There are no facilities for checking personal items for transport to the finish line in Manhattan, so runners are urged not to bring religious articles to Fort Wadsworth. Organizers will have an ample supply of tefillin, tallitot and siddurim for use during all services, as well as water and kosher refreshments.
To learn more, contact Yisroel Davidsohn, davidsohn888@gmail.com, 646-529-1351, or Peter Berkowsky, peterberkowsky@gmail.com, 973-477-7908 or visit: Themarathonminyan.com.
