Randall’s Island – Home of The Nike+ Human Race
If you have ever run along the East River heading north, you've definitely passed Randall's Island. On 8.31.2008, Randall's Island will be the hottest spot in New York City - the home of The Nike+ Human Race 10k in New York.
Here is everything you ever wanted to know about Randall's Island:
Randall's Island is located along the East River in New York City, between Northern Manhattan and Queens. It was previously named Montresor Island - named after British Army Engineer John Montresor who purchased the island in 1772. The island was purchased by Jonathan Randel in 1784 after the British Army evacuated the city in 1783. After Jonathan Randel purchased the island, it was renamed Randall's Island and served as a house of refuge for juvenile delinquents, a hospital for homeopathic treatment, an asylum for inebriates and a home for Civil War veterans. In 1933, the state took over ownership and began to transform Randall's Island into a recreational hub.
For many years, Downing Stadium was the centerpiece of activity on the island, holding a number of unforgettable sporting events. In 1992, the Randall's Island Sports Foundation was formed to support capital projects and programming on Randall's island. Downing Stadium was demolished in 2002 to make way for Icahn Stadium, which opened in April 2005. Icahn Stadium is the sole International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Class 1-certified, championship-quality track-and-field facility in North America.
Now, on 8.31.2008, Randall's Island will welcome more than 10,000 runners while they compete in the world's largest race - making history on an already historic site.
Here is everything you ever wanted to know about Randall's Island:
Randall's Island is located along the East River in New York City, between Northern Manhattan and Queens. It was previously named Montresor Island - named after British Army Engineer John Montresor who purchased the island in 1772. The island was purchased by Jonathan Randel in 1784 after the British Army evacuated the city in 1783. After Jonathan Randel purchased the island, it was renamed Randall's Island and served as a house of refuge for juvenile delinquents, a hospital for homeopathic treatment, an asylum for inebriates and a home for Civil War veterans. In 1933, the state took over ownership and began to transform Randall's Island into a recreational hub.
For many years, Downing Stadium was the centerpiece of activity on the island, holding a number of unforgettable sporting events. In 1992, the Randall's Island Sports Foundation was formed to support capital projects and programming on Randall's island. Downing Stadium was demolished in 2002 to make way for Icahn Stadium, which opened in April 2005. Icahn Stadium is the sole International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Class 1-certified, championship-quality track-and-field facility in North America.
Now, on 8.31.2008, Randall's Island will welcome more than 10,000 runners while they compete in the world's largest race - making history on an already historic site.
