2. The New York City Marathon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P65gHK245

Video via New York City News Service/Anthony Falco.

On one day of the year, the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge truly gets its moment to shine: the day of the New York City Marathon. It is one of five bridges that are used: with the others being the Verrazano, the Pulaski Bridge, the Willis Avenue Bridge and the Madison Avenue Bridge.

But the Queensboro Bridge gets special attention because it is both the entrance to Manhattan and, at around 15 miles in, the place where runners begin to really feel the burn. As a two-time New York City Marathon runner, I can confirm that the entrance into Manhattan is one of the hardest aspects of the race.