Scoreboard Gourmet

Watch the NYC Marathon, On The Streets

NYC Marathon Tomorrow. And The Clocks Fall Back.

Did you know that the Zagat guide recommends 26 (get it?) restaurants along the route? Not sure I agree with the list, but it's a good idea nonetheless. As you know, I generally watch the start on TV (Race coverage starts at 9am on NBC) then run out to catch the front runners. I've done it in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and twice I went to both boroughs.

I suggest finding the least populated spot to watch - that benefits both you and the runners. Those dead zones are killer for them, and great for spectators. Mile 20ish, Bronx, is typically the opposite of, say, Mile 16, Manhattan, where this year Food Emporium will be giving out snacky food and drinks, and there will be a DJ (that's 59th and First Avenue). If you really want to see how fast the fast people are, start on First Avenue then run over to Fifth and see them twice. They might beat you.

Watch the NYC Marathon, In A Bar
This year there are about 100 bands playing along the course, and Coors Light is doing some parties called "Race To Refreshment" since the beer is really just a can of water:
Becky's Pub, 1156 First Avenue, 12:00-1:30pm
The Wharf, 587 Third Avenue, 1:00-2:30pm
Bar-Coastal, 1495 First Avenue, 1:30-3pm
Baker Street, 1152 First Avenue, 3:00-4:30pm
East End Bar and Grill, 1164 First Avenue, 4:30-6pm

Atlanta's West Egg restaurant

breakfast all day. garlic grits, biscuit sandwiches, fried green tomato blt with pimento cheese, deviled egg salad, sweet tea, various coffee drinks...all delicious, all available for take out (check your bag), which SG highly recommends if you're on Howell Mill before a game, or this weekend's marathon

Atlanta Marathon Expo at Georgia Dome this weekend

Georgia Dome (far right) seen from deck of Six Feet Under off Howell Mill Road.

Blackberry Bolt

Did I just see a commercial with a guy sprinting and blackberrying? the fastest blackberry ever. That's not Usain Bolt or am I insane? what's happening here?

I know I just saw Joe Biden at the Giants/Eagles game (because Delaware borders PA he gets to sit in the owner's box? interesting).

Best Places to Eat and Watch the NYC Marathon

Well, the BEST thing to do is go out early and watch the elite runners. At that time there is still space all over the 'sidelines'
Then, hold your ground. Send someone in your party for bagels and coffee. By the time the mass crowd arrive you will be ready to give up your front row 'seat'
Go Early is really the theme here.

The WORST thing to do is think you will enjoy any amount of time on First Avenue in Manhattan, unless you go above 110th Street - anywhere north of Mile 19 is comfortable AND a part of the race where runners can really use some support.
Restaurant and Bars along the route will be very crowded. It's fun, but prepare yourself for craziness.
Again, Go Early to try to get a window seat.

START TIMES:

Early Start: Athletes With Disabilities 8:00 a.m.

Wheelchair Division 9:05 a.m.
Handcycle Category 9:20 a.m.
Professional Women 9:37 a.m. (F1-F100)
Foot Locker Five Borough Challenge 9:45 a.m.
Open Field including Professional Men 10:08 a.m.

Pre-NYC-Marathon Pasta Party

Runners can carbo-load at the Barilla Marathon Eve Dinner on Saturday, November 3, from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Tavern on the Green (Central Park West at 67th Street). Guest tickets to the pre-race dinner will be available for purchase at the expo for $20.

can you carbo-load After the Boston Marathon?

It's Patriots Day / Marathon Monday in Boston. I can't imagine it's fun to run 26.2 miles in this (or any) weather but there is a light (dry space) at the end of the tunnel...NEXT Monday, 4/23, the first branch of UK-ramen chain Wagamama will open in Boston at Faneuil Hall. A Harvard Square location will follow this summer. Having been to a Wagamama in London, I can bet a meal here will be better than the pre-race pasta party that took place at Boston City Hall Plaza.