A historic marathon expansion in 1976 brought New York City’s race to Staten Island for the first time, transforming the event by extending its route across all five boroughs. For runners like Dave Obelkevich, the unfamiliar terrain of Staten Island added an element of adventure to the challenge. The shift marked a turning point in how the marathon was experienced, breaking away from its traditional Central Park confines. The article explores how this change reshaped both the race and the island’s role within it.
When Dave Obelkevich ran the New York City Marathon through all five boroughs in 1976, Staten Island felt like uncharted territory. The race was expanding beyond Central Park for the first time, ...
