Hey Folks!

This is Martin Rowe with the big marathon update. Sorry to those for whom this is new news. You can find out what this blog's about by clicking here.

First of all, a BIG thank you to all of you who've pledged to support me as I run for the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary on November 4. For those who've yet to put down the cash: you still have time. We've raised $6,800 so far, and that's going to help this wonderful organization a ton. Wouldn't it be great to get to $10K?

Now, for those who are actually thinking of coming out to support me in person, here's the skinny on where I'll be and when (with any luck). The race will start at 10:10; however, I probably won't even cross the starting line until 10:30. I'm going to be running a 9:00-minute mile, although I probably won't reach the mile 2 marker in under 30 minutes because of the crush of the crowd. However, assuming that I do run at these times, here are five suggested viewing spots where I'll keep an eye out for you. I don't think I'll be able to stop to say hello, but I'll definitely wave, and I'd really appreciate your support. (To see the map of the race and the mile markers, click on this URL and in the menu bar, click on "Course Map" [PDF]).

Just in case you unaccountably want to watch real runners as well as cheer on schlubs like me, here's a comparison between the world-record-holder, Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia), and not-the-world-record-holder, Martin Rowe (England & Brooklyn).

Carroll Street and 4th Avenue in Brooklyn (7 miles)
Gebrselassie: 10:40 am
Rowe: 11:30 am

At this stage of the race, the regular runners are split into three channels. In order to see me, you need to be on the Park Slope side of 4th Avenue. Subways are: Union Street and 4th Avenue (M and R); Carroll Street (F and G), walk west (down the hill), across the Gowanus Canal at either 3rd Street, Union, or Carroll streets; then cross 3rd Avenue, and come to 4th Avenue.

First Avenue and 70th Street in Manhattan (17 miles)
Gebrselassie: 11:25 am
Rowe: 1:00 pm

The crowds will be packed deep along First Avenue as we run downhill. I'd suggest being on the west side of the street, on the southwestern corner of 70th Street. I'll look for you!!

Fifth Avenue and 90th Street in Manhattan (23.5 miles)
Gebrselassie: 11:55 am
Rowe: 2:00 pm

This is the point where the runners enter Central Park, having run alongside it up (up!) Fifth Avenue. I'd suggest being on the Park side of the road.

Finish Line at 63rd Street and Tavern on the Green in Manhattan (26.2 miles)
Gebrselassie: 12:15 pm
Rowe: 2:30 pm

You'll have to yell really hard since I might be delirious by that stage.

Post-Race Meeting Point: the steps of the American Museum of Natural History (81st and Central Park West, Manhattan)

Rowe: 3:00 to 3:30 pm

Who knows when I'll really finish, given delays at the start and "The Wall" that runners have to "climb" in the last stages of the race? Plus, it'll take me 30 minutes or so to make my way through the finish line, collect my belongings, eat something, drink, stretch, etc. But I'll be really happy to see you at the AMNH, at which point I'll be ready to be stuffed for a diorama, or my bag of bones collected for their fossil collection.

By the way, if you can't be there in person, you can follow me on GPS. Just go to this webpage (I think) and type in my number (131546).

All the best, and thanks for all your support.

Martin