1st New York City Marathon

The first New York City Marathon, organized by Fred Lebow and Vincent Chiappetta, the then president of New York Road Runners. The race took place in Central Park with 127 competitors, but only 55 finished. The winner, Gary Muhrcke, completed the race in 2:31:38. 

To celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial, Ted Corbitt suggested the race expand to all five boroughs, and with support from Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and Mayor Abraham Beame, the new course became the annual tradition.