16 Vintage Photos of the 1980 New York City Marathon in Queens

The year was 1980.  Bell bottoms were in, disco was fading, and a brand-new chapter was opening for the New York City Marathon. For the first time ever, the race wasn’t just a Central Park loop. It expanded into a five-borough affair, bringing the excitement of the marathon to neighborhoods across the city. And among those boroughs, Queens took center stage.

Imagine the scene: October 26th, a crisp fall day. Over 10,000 runners, an eclectic mix of seasoned athletes and enthusiastic amateurs, lined up at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, ready to conquer 26.2 miles.  Their journey would wind through the diverse landscape of Queens, offering a unique glimpse into the borough’s vibrant character.

Emerging from the bridge’s majestic span, the runners were greeted by the quiet streets of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Then, they crossed the Pulaski Bridge, entering Queens with a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. The first Queens neighborhood to welcome them was Greenpoint, a working-class community with a strong Polish heritage. Cheering crowds lined the streets, offering water and encouragement to the passing runners.

The course then took a southward turn into Long Island City, a rapidly developing area with a mix of industrial buildings and modern high-rises.  The runners passed by the iconic Silvercup Studios, where famous movies and TV shows were filmed, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to their journey.

Next up was Sunnyside, a neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and friendly atmosphere.  Families came out in full force, offering high-fives and shouts of support.  The runners then made their way through the heart of Queens, passing by the bustling commercial districts of Woodside and Jackson Heights.

The streets were a kaleidoscope of cultures, with residents from all corners of the globe showing their support.  As the runners continued eastward, they entered Corona, a neighborhood known for its strong Latin American presence. The sounds of salsa and merengue music filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Leaving Queens and entering Manhattan via the Queensboro Bridge, the runners carried with them the energy and spirit of the borough. 

#1 Spectators and water station volunteers line Crescent Street as a runner passes the 14-mile marker during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#2 A runner passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#3 A runner passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#4 A runner passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#5 A runner passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#6 Volunteers at a water station place filled cups on folding tables at the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#7 Two runners pass the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#8 A runner passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#9 A runner passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#10 Runners pass the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#11 A group of runners pass the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#12 Runners pass the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#13 Spectators and water station volunteers line Crescent Street as two runners pass the 14-mile marker during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#14 Two runners pass the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#15 A runner holds a cup of water as he passes the 14-mile marker on Crescent Street during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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#16 Spectators line Crescent Street as runners approach Queens Boulevard during the New York City Marathon, Queens, 1980.

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