Where’s Fred? NYC Marathon Tribute and Inspiration

Oct 30, 2025: Pre-NYC Marathon Prep – Where’s Fred?

Good morning and welcome to NYC marathoners and spectators (extremely important and celebrated people!)!!

A little piece of marathon history everyone should know: Fred Lebow, one of the original founders of NYRR, has a statue that traditionally stands at the entrance to Central Park on 90th Street at the Engineers’ Gate. Every year for the marathon, he is carefully moved to a place of reverence by the marathon finish line.

I’ve been waiting to see where he was placed this year, and here you go, right next to the finish line and the marathon pavilion by Tavern on the Green! Please be sure to give him a hello when you see him. He helped start all of this.

It’s incredible to think about how one step can affect so many people. The first NYC Marathon was just four loops in Central Park. What we’ll experience on Sunday has grown into something truly extraordinary. Fred’s story is a perfect example of why it’s so important to pursue your dreams. You never know how many people you will affect. Could he have ever imagined 59,000+ runners this year from that first pursuit of “Let’s have a NYC Marathon”?!