2005 New York City Marathon
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

This Sunday's New York City Marathon has to be considered one of the pioneers of our modern day marathons.   From the moment legendary race director Fred Lebow took the course out of Central Park and created a five-borough masterpiece that engaged its residents, big city marathoning has never been the same.

Lebow, along with course director Alan Steinfeld, masterminded many innovative ideas and programs to the sport of running. They developed a technique for accurate course measurement that is used by virtually every marathon. They also staged the first women-only distance running event in the world, the Women's Mini Marathon that is still the largest of its kind.   Their foresight captured the imagination of so many runners in New York that they were able to build the New York Road Runners Club into a multi million-dollar organization.

This year, there will be a changing of the guard. Lebow died eleven years ago of brain cancer. This past year, Steinfeld stepped aside to take on new responsibilities as executive director of the marathon. Now, Mary Wittenberg, who has been groomed over the past six years to assume the role of race director, will have the chance to place her stamp on one of the greatest spectacles in road racing.

For the fourth straight year, professional women will begin a half hour before the men. It enables TV coverage and spectators to give added recognition to their accomplishments.   The first four women to finish will receive extra bonuses totaling $65,000 as part of the ING Run for Something Different Program.   Another $150,000 will be donated to NYRR Foundation and City Parks Foundation in each of their names.

A guaranteed prize purse totaling more than $600,000 includes $100,000 to the male and female winners. Time bonuses are also added in, such as $25,000 for a sub 2:10 marathon or sub 2:26 for men and women respectively.

This kind of money gives spectators the opportunity to watch some of the world's best athletes. Last year's first and second place male finishers, Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa and USA's silver medal winner Meb Keflezighi will be returning. Other notables include, Kenyans Rober Cheboror, Chistopher Cheboiboch and world record holder Paul Tergat (2:04:55, Berlin).   World record holder Paula Ratcliff opted to run Chicago giving last year's second place finisher, Susan Chepkemei a chance to take the laurel wreath.   She was a mere three seconds behind Radcliff which was the closest race in New York's thirty-six year history.

Over 85,000 runners applied to compete in the race (a lottery system selects over 35,000). A world record 36,652 crossed the finish line in 2004. More than two million spectators and 100 bands are estimated to line the course. They will be on the lookout for "Fred's Team" the NYRR Foundation Team that is expected to raise more than a million dollars.

Family and friends of the marathon have also bid on the Ultimate Fan All-Access package that includes VIP passes to all the related marathon events, such as the International Breakfast Run, pre race and post race parties, breakfast at Tavern on the Green and a ride in the lead vehicle.

Plan to watch local Detroit coverage of the marathon on NBC beginning at 2 PM.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226