Talk about a political race!
This year’s New York Marathon was tenser than a pulled-hammy over the 2016 presidential election. Brooklynites traditionally wave signs and dole out high-fives to encourage runners in the 26.2-mile dash, but during the Nov. 6 race — which came two days before the presidential election — they used the opportunity to do some last-minute stumping, according to one Park Slope mom who waved a “high-five for Hillary sign” with her kids in support of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“We’ve been talking a lot at home about the election this year and what it means for our country, and we thought this could be a fun sign to do,” said Allison Sokoloff, who made the posters with her son and daughter. “The kids loved the idea. They’re little, but they know that it’s an important election and that Hillary Clinton could become the first woman president.”
Other borough politicos waved snarky signs with phrases including, “If Trump can run so can you,” and “You’re running better than the government.”
People were runnin’ scared from Park Sloper Sarah Winter’s sign that urged racers to “Run like Donald Trump is trying to grab your…” followed by a drawing of a pussycat. The placard alluded to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s infamous comment that women willingly let television stars such as himself make unprovoked sexual advances, and that he can simply “grab ’em by the p—-.”
And athletes sprinted along main thoroughfares from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint decked out in gear for their presidential candidate of choice.
One runner was spotted speeding down Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge with a “Vote Trump” sign and a “Make America great again” cap.
Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at cspivack@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–2517. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack.
Chafing champions: Locals lined the street to cheer on their buddies in the marathon with wacky signs and slogans.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
High-fives for Hillary: Ava Sokoloff offered supportive high-fives on behalf of democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Photo by Jolene Siana
The bigger the better: Handmade signs tricked out with balloons, ribbons, and glitter peppered the crowd.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Make America run again: An athlete sprinted down Fourth Avenue bearing an American flag.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Globe trotters: People from across the globe came out to run in or support their friends and family participating in the five-borough run.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Make America run again: A runner decked out in Donald Trump gear was spotted in Bay Ridge on Fourth Avenue.
Photo by Jordan Rathkopf
Run to the rhythm: A brass band energized runners with jazzy tracks.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
If Trump can run so can you: Politics seeped into the marathon this year with political posters popping up across the route.
Photo by Jolene Siana
Cheer squad: Park Slope residents revved up runners with a chorus of cheers and screams.
Photo by Jolene Siana
Running scared: Some locals inspired runners to kick it up a gear with Donald Trump references.
Photo by Jolene Siana
Burnin’ rubber: Marathon runners embraced the crowd’s energy as they sped down Fourth Avenue in Park Slope.
Photo by Jolene Siana
Tissue supplier: Park Slopers passed out tissues for runners to wipe away their blood, sweat, and tears on their arduous journey to Central Park.
Photo by Jolene Siana
Leading the pack: Kenyan runner Mary Keitany led the charge in Bay Ridge and went on to win her third New York City Marathon title.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Pumping iron: A Tony Stark-look-alike raced along Fourth Avenue in full Ironman get-up.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Go, Cubs, go: One runner proudly donned a Chicago Cubs jersey after the historic 2016 World Series win.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Italian pride: Bay Ridgite Anna Aulisa greeted Italian runners with a flag from her home country.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Brooklyn to the bone: Brooklynites Melissa Wobbe, Danielle Toscano, and Eileen Deadly motivated marathoners on Fourth Avenue with a loudspeaker.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
