Runners on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge between Staten Island and Brooklyn

© David Madison/Getty Image

High above the NYC marathon. And they’re off!

The route for the 2018 New York City Marathon starts right here on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, crossing from Staten Island into Brooklyn, and eventually coursing through all five boroughs of New York. This photo—taken by a camera drone—shows just how many people will be running in today’s race. Because the race starts early on a typically cold November morning, many runners show up in layered clothing. But once they heat up from running, those layers come off and are often discarded on sidewalks. Race organizers collect items left behind and work with charities to donate the active wear.