NYC Marathon coming; don't let this run right past you

Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge. Photo: Desperately Seeking Susan

This Sunday, more than 40,000 runners will hit the streets for the annual ING NYC Marathon.

While we most likely will be in our pajamas, the devoted will kick things off at 9 a.m. in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island.

By Mile 2, they're in Brooklyn, crossing the Verrazano and heading north in Bay Ridge along Fourth Avenue, passing through Sunset Park, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Williamsburg and Greenpoint, before crossing the Pulaski Bridge into Queens.

Those looking to cheer on the runners, make sure to check out the map of the marathon (26.2 miles, 10 of which are in Brooklyn) and see where they might pass you by.

Those looking to make a morning of it, ING recommends Fourth Avenue and 7th Street in Park Slope, where Time Warner Cable will have video screens and access to the Race Day Tracker, so you can get an idea of where a friend or family member is.

Fourth Avenue and Lafayette, near BAM, also comes recommended, especially since there'll be an ING Cheering Zone, where you can watch as different streams of runners merge and the lead pack often begins to break up and, of course, cheer. Or, if you're in the neighborhood, relax indoors at Pacific Standard (Fourth Avenue near St. Marks Place), which will open early (9 a.m.) to host people as the marathon goes right by their bar. By lunchtime, chow down on hot dogs and burgers from their barbecue station on the sidewalk outside, and enjoy a Marathon Mary.

By Miles 10 and 11, the runners will be in South Williamsburg. Catch the run at McCarren Park, or station along Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, which is one of New York Times sports reporters Liz Robbins' favorite neighborhoods to watch. "I love Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, if not for its 1950s feel of shops and streetlights, than for its steamy blintzes in the Polish section of the block," she says.

As Sunday is typically big for brunch, Zagat recommends restaurants good for viewing the race and eating a bit to eat as well. For Brooklyn, that means the Med-Middle Eastern Tanoreen in Bay Ridge, Park Slope's Belleville, Chocolate Room (where you can warm up with some hot cocoa), Press 195 and Nana (good for groups), Fort Greene's Thomas Beisl (head to the beer garden) and Olea, and Williamsburg's Roebling Tea Room, and Fornino and Bonita.

Readers, where's your favorite spot for viewing the marathon?