5. Look Out for the Fun Signs and Costumes

A group of kids hold up a sign on the side of the NYC Marathon course that reads "Touch Here for magic running power"

The spectators are one of the best things about the NYC Marathon. Some set up a stand or chairs and cheer all day, offering support, water, snacks, fruits, and high fives. Some make very creative signs. In 2015, we saw signs like, “If Trump can run for President, you can run 26.2 miles,” and “Hurry up, the Kenyans are Finishing Up All the Beers.”

Other signs are interactive, like “Hit here for Superpowers.” Some get even more creative, like the minions we saw handing out bananas. Marathoners are also known to dress in costume too – we’ve seen men in full suits, people in chicken costumes, superhero costumes, and more.