(Courtesy of NYC Marathon Minyan) For the 40th straight time, on November 3, the New York City Marathon will feature morning services for the convenience of the many Jewish runners from across the country and around the globe who will be participating in the 53rd edition of this world-famous road race. Begun in 1983, the International Minyan for NYC Marathoners has become an institution at the marathon, and is now the longest established religious service of any kind at any major sporting event, anywhere in the world.

Services are held at the 600-square foot tent on Drum Road (designated on the site map), just a short distance inside the main entrance to the Fort Wadsworth staging area on Staten Island. The first service will begin at approximately 7 a.m., and subsequent services will follow as soon as a new minyan gathers. Each service normally takes about a half hour, and runners should join a minyan that will allow them at least 45 minutes after completion to get to their marshaling corral.

Please note that there are no facilities for checking personal items for transport to the finish line in Manhattan, so runners are urged not to bring religious articles with them to Fort Wadsworth. Minyan organizers will have an ample supply of tefillin, talleisim and siddurim for use during all services, as well as water and healthful kosher refreshments.

The tzedakah collection this year will go to Chai Lifeline, a renowned charitable organization meeting the social, emotional and practical needs of children and their families and communities impacted by illness, trauma or loss.

For more information on the Minyan, contact Yisroel Davidsohn at [email protected], 646-529-1351 or Peter Berkowsky at [email protected], 973-477-7908. Check out the International Minyan’s unique website at nycmarathonminyan.com