NYC Marathon volunteer has helped runners chase glory for 50 years

As nearly 60,000 runners take on the 26.2-mile course of the iconic New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 1, all eyes will be on the finish line. But ask Joanne Navarra and she'll tell you the real magic happens at the start, where the full spectrum of the human experience unfolds."You know, it's more exciting than the finish because you have everybody at one time, you know, and it's like an adrenaline rush," Navarra said.This year marks the 50th anniversary of the marathon's five-borough course. It's a milestone that holds special meaning for Navarra, who is celebrating 50 years as the head volunteer at the race's start village at Fort Wadsworth."I would never have thought the first year I was there, I'd still be doing this 50 years later, but I enjoy it," she said.On Oct.

24, 1976, as part of New York City's celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial, the marathon's starting line moved from Central Park to Staten Island, sending runners across five bridges and through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan. At the time, the event looked nothing like the sprawling start village runners see today — only 2,090 participants took part, paying a $5 entry fee, supported by a small group of volunteers."It was like just a local race. You went