Picture of NYC Marathon runners on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
New York City Marathon runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
New York City is home to one of the largest and most famous marathons in the world: the ING New York City Marathon. It has been held annually since 1970, and crosses all 5 boroughs of the city.

The race starts in Staten Island near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which takes the runners to Brooklyn. In Brooklyn the runners pass through several neighborhoods, and then continue on to Queens, where the runners take the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan. The runners continue north to the Bronx, and finally end in Manhattan, where the finish line is located in Central Park. This year, the 42-kilometer (26-miles) race will take place on November 4th, 2012. Almost 50,000 runners will compete, and it is estimated that there’ll be more than 2 million people watching the race in the different boroughs.

Whether you’re one of the lucky people who acquired a spot in the marathon, or you’re just coming to New York to cheer on the runners, you’ll be looking for a place to stay. Our New York City vacation rentals and Bed & Breakfasts offer all the amenities you’re used to having at home, as well as the chance to experience the city like a local!

If you’re going to run the NYC marathon, you’ll need a nice quiet bedroom with a good bed to be well rested before you start the race. Furthermore, you’ll want to have access to a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare the healthy meals you need to retain your strength! Our rentals offer all this and more, such as your own laundry facilities and internet access to look up last-minute details or tips about the race. If you’re coming with friends and family to cheer on the runners, a vacation rental can also be a real money saver since you’re paying for the apartment, not for the number of people staying in it!

To give you an idea of the apartments that are a perfect fit for the New York City Marathon, we’ve selected three apartments with top locations in the neighborhoods the marathon passes through!

4-bedroom Vacation Rental in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Image of a bedroom in the Clinton Hill apartment in Brooklyn
A bedroom in the duplex apartment in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill
This duplex vacation rental in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn is ideal for larger groups of friends or family. The apartment is located on the top two floors of a typical Brooklyn townhouse. The elegant furnishings reflect the history of the building and neighborhood. The living room of the apartment features high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood floors. It is a perfect place to relax after a run or a day of exploring the city. The apartment also contains a fully equipped open kitchen with a kitchen island and granite countertops. The four bedrooms and classic bathroom are located on the top floor of the townhouse.

Clinton Hill is one of the neighborhoods the NYC Marathon passes through, and located centrally in Brooklyn. You’ll find many other gorgeous townhouses in the area, as well as many shops, restaurants and bars. Getting to Manhattan is also easy, with a subway station just 6 blocks away from the apartment.

3-bedroom Vacation Rental in Harlem, Manhattan

Picture of the living room in the 3-bedroom Harlem apartment
The modern living room of the 3-bedroom apartment in Harlem
Another apartment well suited for families, this 3-bedroom New York loft is located on the 2nd floor of an elevator building in Harlem. The living room of the apartment features hardwood floors, modern furnishings and a TV with cable where you can watch the live coverage of the NYC Marathon if you are not running! The three bedrooms are all converted, and have an ideal layout for families because of the low walls.

The apartment is located just two blocks away from Marcus Garvey Park, and Central Park is just a short run away. For the non-runners, there is also a subway station with access to both local and express trains just 5 blocks away. Because the apartment is on the east side of Manhattan, you’ll be able to experience the marathon up close!

2-bedroom Bed & Breakfast in Morningside Heights, Manhattan

Image of a bedroom in the Bed & Breakfast apartment in Morningside Heights
One of the Morningside Heights Bed & Breakfast’s bedrooms with an exposed brick wall
This 2-bedroom New York bed & breakfast accommodation has an ideal location in Harlem’s Morningside Heights. Hilly Morningside Park is just one block away, and you can find the northwestern point of Central Park also just a mere three blocks away. Situated in Columbia University area of Harlem, you’ll have quick access to great soul-food restaurants, fun college bars and plenty of stores. The nearest subway station is also just three blocks away, so it’s easy to commute to downtown Manhattan. The accommodation itself is located on the top floor of a 3-story townhouse. You’ll have the whole upper floor to yourself, which includes two elegant bedrooms, two ensuite private bathrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen. The two bedrooms feature exposed brick walls and both contain a flat-screen TV, and offer the perfect space to recharge before a run.

These three apartments are just a sample of our New York City apartments, so if you’re looking for something more specific be sure to have a look!

Image of New York City Marathon runners crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
The New York City Marathon kicks off at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
As for the marathon, there are lots of fun activities to take part in during the race week. For the race week schedule and more information about the NYC Marathon, check out the ING New York City Marathon.

Of course, there is also much to see and do in New York City unrelated to the marathon, so you might consider coming a bit early or staying a little longer to enjoy everything the city has to offer!

Will you be competing in the NYC Marathon this year?