An assortment of race bibs sprawled across the table at the inaugural Queens Marathon Expo in November 2024.
Photo by Marek Antoniuk
Queens Marathon Expo Returns for a Second Year
The highly anticipated Queens Marathon Expo is set to take place on Saturday, March 29, at the Queens Museum located in the iconic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. As the second edition of this event, participants and running enthusiasts are gearing up to experience a vibrant hub of camaraderie, resources, and invaluable insights into the world of running.
A Gathering of Runners and Vendors
Organized by the Queens Distance Runners (QDR), the Expo is specifically designed for registered participants of the Queens Marathon. Here, attendees can pick up their race bibs, socialize with fellow runners, and engage with various vendors. The event not only promotes a sense of community but also emphasizes the importance of health and athleticism as shared values.
Inspired by Major International Marathons
The concept of the expo has been a long time in the making, influenced by large-scale marathon events observed by Kevin Montalvo, the race director of the Queens Marathon. Drawing from international races, Montalvo seeks to promote an expo that celebrates the unique characteristics of Queens while providing a platform for connection among runners and organizations.
Expanded Vendor Participation
This year, the expo will feature a greater presence of nonprofit organizations, enhancing the experience for attendees. Montalvo stated, “It’s going to give people more of a world-building experience where they say, ‘We have the opportunity to connect in ways that wouldn’t be possible if you just sign up for the race, finish, grab the medal, and go.’” Organizations such as New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) and Queens Community House will be among the vendors at the event.
Unique Experiences at the Expo
The Hustle Barbershop, owned by renowned local entrepreneur Carlos Mercado, will reprise its popular initiative of offering free haircuts to participants. Additionally, The August Tree Inc., also present at last year’s expo, will be providing food and refreshments to marathon finishers, representing Montalvo’s aim of enriching the overall race experience.
Future Plans for the Queens Marathon
The Queens Marathon Expo serves as a vital component for the upcoming fall edition of the marathon. Montalvo plans to transform the race into a street event that weaves through the diverse neighborhoods of Queens to enhance the runner experience and ensure safety. This exciting development is expected to attract more participants, with an estimated 2,000 runners anticipated for the fall.
Join the Race Weekend Festivities
The Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Queens Museum. Runners can enter through the iconic Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Note that the QDR 10K is already sold out, and the Half Marathon is approaching capacity, so prospective participants should register here to secure their spot and partake in a memorable race weekend in Queens.
Among the various activities planned, information will also be disseminated regarding additional races taking place in the borough, including the QDR Track Meet at St. John’s University in Jamaica, and the Bayside 5K in Bayside.
