100+ Bands Play NYC Marathon Route

On Sunday, live musicians turn the marathon route into an all-day party

We love the autumn tradition of rolling out of bed on a chilly November morning, going for brunch, and then standing on the side of a road and screaming ourselves hoarse for thousands of runners from as far away as Singapore, Reykjavik and Nairobi, all of whom remind us just how lazy and out of shape we really are.

And the ING New York City Marathon gets better and better every year: On Sunday, more than 100 musicians and bands will be stationed at spots along all 26 miles of the running route, providing the soundtrack to the event. And the variety is staggering, too. Mile 11 to 12 (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) features rebellious rockabilly from Matty B and the Dirty Pickles. Caribbean bands will take over 5th Avenue and 117th in Manhattan, while over on the Bronx’s Willis Avenue Bridge, the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums will be in full kilted regalia, piping and drumming for the crowd. There are even a few of NYC’s best-loved high school marching bands turning out – check out the Bishop Loughlin High School Band in Fort Greene, Brooklyn (mile 8 to 9).

There’s plenty more: Head to ING’s mile-by-mile map of Marathon Day entertainment for a complete list of artists participating.

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