NYC Marathon: NYC Marathon Spectators, Participants Affected By LIRR

Planning on taking the LIRR to see the NYC Marathon? Plan carefully...

Are you ready to run?

Or, at least, are you ready to watch other people run?

Tomorrow, November 7, 2010, is the NYC Marathon, arguably the biggest race of its kind in the region. Now in its 40^th year, runners will compete in the NYC Marathon for some $600,000 in prize money. It will attract runners from around the world to NYC.

It will also attract crowds, traffic and congestion.

Click Here for More Pictures of the New York City Marathon

So how should Long Islanders plan a trip to NYC to view the NYC Marathon?

Perhaps frustratingly, the NYC Marathon occurs as the Long Island Rail Road is finishing the system updates that have slowed passengers for weeks now, and the truncated schedule will affect those planning to make the trip from LI to NYC for the Marathon.. The limited LIRR schedule will impact participants and spectators of the NYC Marathon.

Those looking for direct service from Long Island to NYC’s Penn Station should plan to take one of the following lines: Long Beach, Port Washington and Babylon. Those traveling via the Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Huntington, Ronkonkoma and Port Jefferson lines will have their trips affected, including delays of more than an hour coming into Penn Station.

All Long Islanders planning to attend the NYC Marathon are encouraged to check the Long Island Railroad website for updates.