Has Anything Really Changed?

BY MADELINE STRUM PHOTOGRAPHY

The return of the New York City marathon felt like it should be a step toward pre-pandemic life. When the 2020 race was canceled, the 50th anniversary was canceled. Before I lived in New York, I knew people who wanted to run in the New York City marathon. When I moved here, I didn’t want to be a tourist. The first time I finally went to the marathon, George W. Bush was in office. Whole neighborhoods seemed to turn out to show some local pride. There are plenty of things to contrast between 2007 and 2021, like outdoor dining, bootcut jeans, pet dogs, and camcorders.

BLUE TAPE The police line used to only run down the middle of the street, so spectators ended up completely on the course (center left). As a rule follower, I want everyone to take the blue tape seriously. The women in front of CityMD were not behind the tape, but they were still on the curb— and they cheered so hard for every racer other spectators asked if they knew the racers personally. What irritates me to no end is spectators not only strolling down the down the street but parking themselves right in my kids’ sight line (bottom right). Hello? There’s so much room on the sidewalk!

BEIJING OLYMPICS The red jackets on these guys trying to catch their friend on the course designates they had attempted to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics marathon. The 2022 Winter Olympics will also be in Beijing.