> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cascadepbs.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The forgotten history of the New York City Marathon - URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/out-back-alison-mariella-desir/2026/11/the-forgotten-history-of-the-new-york-city-marathon/ - Published: 2026-11-11T21:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-11T21:00:00.000Z - Description: Ted Corbitt, the father of long-distance running, and Civil Rights activist Percy Sutton pioneered the five-borough format. - Author: Alison Mariella Désir - Tags: Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir, #news, #article, #top-article, running Last week, I successfully ran the New York City Marathon! It was perfect weather and I surprised myself by feeling great the entire race. Along the course I saw so many of my friends out there cheering; I smiled, I laughed, I cried. My favorite moment was coming up to the Harlem Run cheer station and seeing my son there holding a BIG photo of my head! ![A kid holds a giant cardboard cutout of Alison's head](https://www.cascadepbs.org/content/images/2026/11/7-A7402850.jpg) Alison's son cheers her on with a giant cardboard cutout of her head. (Courtesy FLIMedia) I founded Harlem Run 13 years ago, and seeing the running movement continue to thrive fills me with such joy. This year, 62 members of Harlem Run completed the marathon! > *This story is adapted from the *Out & Back newsletter*. If you’re not a subscriber,* [*you can sign up here*](https://secure.cascadepublicmedia.org/page/192096/subscribe/1?ref=cascadepbs.org)*.* Going back to New York, going back home, is always reenergizing but this year was particularly special because it was the 50th anniversary of the five-borough marathon course. Prior to 1976, the New York City marathon was run entirely on loops inside Central Park. What many people don’t know is that it was Ted Corbitt, a Black man, who had the idea to move the marathon outside of Central Park. Ted Corbitt, also known as the father of long-distance running, was one of the most accomplished long-distance runners of all time. He completed 223 marathons and ultramarathons in his lifetime and was the first African American Olympic marathoner (Helsinki, 1952) and the founding president of New York Road Runners (1958–1960). In 1976, he proposed that the New York City Marathon be hosted outside of the park and through the five boroughs. Percy Sutton, Manhattan Borough President and former Freedom Rider, served on the New York City Marathon’s Honorary Board of Advisors and as chairman of the Marathon Committee, a group of NYRR officials and other runners. Sutton heard Corbitt’s idea and proposed the race begin on Staten Island and cross over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge – something many people that was impossible. But Sutton was the type of person who made the impossible possible. He went on to secure the initial $25,000 in funding to help bring the race to life. ![Four people standing arm-in-arm](https://www.cascadepbs.org/content/images/2026/11/53-MEW_261031-55.jpg) Alison founded Harlem Run 13 years ago, and 62 members completed the NYC Marathon this year! (Courtesy FLIMedia) For almost 50 years, the origin story of the New York City Marathon has been obscured. Other people have claimed the race was their idea; most people left out Percy Sutton’s name. And so, it has been important for me, as a runner and lover of history, to help set the record straight. I began doing so through the telling of this history in my book, *Running While Black*, and this year, I was able to host a panel before the marathon featuring Crystal Howard, Chief Communications and Community Office of NYRR, Gary Corbitt, historian and son of Ted Corbitt, and Keisha James-Sutton, granddaughter of Percy Sutton. In the words of Gary Corbitt, history is fragile, and it often gets lost. Now that you’ve heard this story – it's your duty to help set the record straight. ### **Behind the Scenes** Stay tuned – I'll be announcing two exciting Out and Back events very soon: an *Out and Back* screening in February and the Explore! Family Fair in March. I continue to look for opportunities to bring this community together to find joy and belonging in the outdoors (see below). As newsletter subscribers, you’ll be among the first to get access and RSVP! ### **Meet Me Outside** Summer 2027 – I'm hosting a retreat in Wyoming! Join ME for a transformative 3-day art and movement retreat at the [**Teton Science Schools Kelly Campus**](https://www.tetonscience.org/about/eventsmeetings/kelly-campus/?ref=cascadepbs.org), nestled on the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park. Set against expansive views of the Teton Range and Snake River Valley, this retreat offers an inspiring backdrop for movement, connection, and renewal. Activities will include trail running/hiking, star gazing, art (for everyone), and more. Reserve your spot [HERE](https://www.movemint.cc/events/R3Vhe2s?ref=cascadepbs.org). ### **Upcoming events** ### - [Seattle Forest Week](https://www.seattleforestweek.org/?ref=cascadepbs.org) – *Nov. 7th \- 15th*. Help create a healthier, happier, and greener Seattle by coming out to kick off planting season during Seattle Forest Week! From creating wildlife habitat to combating climate change and providing a place for residents to recreate, having a hand in Seattle Forest Week is one of the best ways to give back to your neighbors, parks and your local forest. The events are family-friendly and open to all ages. - [Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Hub Program](https://www.seattle.gov/parks/childcare/teen-programs/community-hub?ref=cascadepbs.org) – *ongoing*. Free creative programs for teens age 12-19 at Community Centers and Teen Centers citywide. All supplies, equipment, and snacks are provided. - [Union Cultural Center Danceathon](https://www.unionculturalcenter.org/danceathon?ref=cascadepbs.org) – *November 21st 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.* Join UCC for a full day of back-to-back classes led by UCC teaching artists and partners, starting at 10 a.m. - [Every Body Outside Retreat](https://www.movemint.cc/events/R3Vhe2s?ref=cascadepbs.org) – *Summer 2027*. I'm hosting a retreat in Wyoming next summer! Join ME for a transformative 3-day art and movement retreat at the [**Teton Science Schools Kelly Campus**](https://www.tetonscience.org/about/eventsmeetings/kelly-campus/?ref=cascadepbs.org), nestled on the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park.