Continental Airlines International Friendship Run

While the main event takes place every first Sunday of November, there's a smaller but no less significant run that takes place at 9am the day before marathon Sunday. That's the Continental Airlines International Friendship Run (CAIFR). Flagged off at the United Nations HQ after the presentation of the Abebe Bikila Award (annual award to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of distance running), the fun run through the streets of Midtown Manhattan sees participation from marathon registrants the world over - international participants run for FREE! Friends and family members too can run if they'd purchased USD20 tickets at the Marathon Health and Fitness Expo.

The celebration of friendship and diversity is never more joyous than this run, a testament that running brings people together. It drives home the fact that runners can make a difference. Many participants wear their national colours or carry flags in joyful demonstration of international diversity. The experience in NYC will not be only about the marathon but also about making friends and soaking up the atmosphere. You can see more photos of the event here.

Note: Past winners of the Abebe Bikila Award include Fred Lebow, Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Tegla Loroupe and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani.