The voice of the announcer is transcendent: "ATHLETES! ON YOUR MAAAARKS!!!", the starting waves follow each other with their own cannon shot, the sound system spits out New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, it's a cliché but it's damn effective. It's by far the most stylish start we've ever had. The New York City Marathon is a running slap in the face, Disneyland for runners, a myth, a legend, on of the 6 majors of course, impeccable organization. And on top of all that, that crazy American touch that sweeps you up in a euphoria that starts as soon as you arrive at the airport and doesn't end until you're back home.