More than 1,000 runners gathered at Flushing Meadows Corona Park to take part in Queens Distance Runners‘ Ninth Annual Queens Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 17.
This marked the first year that the event featured over 1,000 participants. Runners who signed up for the Queens Marathon had the option to choose whether they wanted to take part in the half-marathon or 10K. This event embodies Queens Distance Runners’ mission of connecting communities through running and highlighting the unique neighborhoods and cultural diversity of the borough.
“The Queens Marathon, with its strong community-building efforts, commitment to providing an organized and top-tier race experience and support for runners of all levels, makes it an excellent addition to the RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Championship Series,” Road Runners Club of America Board Eastern Regional Director and Vice President Mickie Sanders-Jauquet said. “The RRCA celebrates this race’s ability to unite people in celebrating health and fitness. Congratulations to everyone involved as the Queens Marathon continues to thrive and inspire future generations of runners.”
Prior to the race, runners had the opportunity on Saturday, Nov. 16, to meet with and learn about local organizations and vendors as they picked up their numbers during an “Inaugural Expo” at the Queens Museum.
“The Queens Museum was thrilled to have partnered with Queens Distance Runners to host the inaugural Queens Marathon Expo, and Pre-and Post Race festivities,” Queens Museum Development Manager Isabelle Montesinos Romero said. “The Museum welcomed over 1,000 runners to our space, celebrating this vibrant community of athletes.”
Founded in 2013, Queens Distance Runners has grown immensely over the years. The organization has gone from hosting small park-based races to creating large-scale events, including the Woodhaven 5 and 10 Miler, the Jackson Heights Mile and the Elmhurst Mile.
“I remember feeling a sense of pride during the first Queens Marathon in 2016,” Queens Tourism Council Director Rob MacKay said. “My feelings have only grown. It’s a great race in a beautiful park that attracts people from all over the world. Plus, it’s growing and growing. I take off my hat to the organizers and the runners and wish for many, many more. You never know. It might replace the NYC Marathon soon.”
Queens Distance Runners Founder and Race Director Kevin Montalvo has expressed interest in expanding the Queens Marathon’s route beyond Flushing Meadows Corona Park and into the streets of the borough in the future.
“As exciting as it has been to watch our team in gold grow over the years, my vision for QDR is to create an institution of well-supported races that connect runners with Queens and Queens with runners,” Montalvo said. “While we cherish participating in races with long-standing traditions, our true excitement lies in organizing events that will stand the test of time here in Queens. With the growing interest in running and the unique diversity of our neighborhoods, I believe we are well on our way to making that vision a reality. Don’t miss out on the Tenth Annual Queens Marathon in Spring and Fall of 2025!”
Before the end of the year, Queens Distance Runners will be hosting the Bayside 5K on Saturday, Dec. 14. Signups are now open for this street-permitted race.
Queens Distance Runners remains committed to fostering community connections through running and expanding access to fitness events across the borough.
