Runners in “waiting for the race” garb enter the Marathon Village, in Fort Wadsworth. Since 1663, this military fort has guarded the passage called The Narrows, the narrowest point of New York Bay between Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Entry into the Marathon Village is allowed only to those taking part in the race and authorized personnel. In total, over 60,000 people crowd to the start area in the very early hours of the morning.