The City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation will host the 94th running of the Yonkers Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 20. The day will also include a half-marathon and 5K, all beginning at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on the Yonkers Waterfront at 8 a.m.
“Each year, the Yonkers Marathon continues to establish itself as a prominent event in the region,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Last year was extra special, as we nearly quadrupled the amount of runners compared to the previous year, and added post-race activities for runners and spectators.”
The event will also feature a Family Fun Zone, food, music, and plenty of other attractions to make it a great day of family fun in downtown Yonkers.
The Yonkers Marathon has a long and storied history, and was once home of the national championships and Olympic team qualifiers. Marathon legend John Kelley called it a “marathoner’s marathon,” and New York City Marathon founder Fred Lebow cited it as one his favorite marathons, saying, “You haven’t run a marathon until you’ve run Yonkers.”
The first marathon in Yonkers was held Thanksgiving Day in 1907. The Yonkers Marathon – the second-oldest marathon in the country – is USA Track & Field certified and is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.
To register today, go to www.YonkersNY.gov/Marathon. For more information, call 914-377-6450.
One of the runners in this year’s Yonkers Marathon is attorney Jim Veneruso, who is running this year’s half-marathon for the fifth year. Together with his brother Jimmy Veneruso, who is running for the third year, the two are using the marathon to raise funds for a good cause.
“We have once again partnered with The Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City in an effort to raise funds for an incredible organization,” said Jim Veneruso, who serves on the Board of the Fuller Center. “The Fuller Center is run by our good friend Jim Killoran (formerly of Habitat for Humanity), and this year, we are raising money to finalize various builds throughout Yonkers. All money raised will go directly to helping The Fuller Center complete these ongoing builds in Yonkers.”
The Venerusos have a fundraising goal of $5,000, and have setup a donation page at www.gofundme.com/f/8dy7n-yonkers-half-marathon.
