In 1976 , year of the US Bicentennial celebration , New Yorkers George Spitz and Fred Lebow dreamt of transforming the city 's marathon and coursing it through city streets .
Runners and spectators alike could cheer on and celebrate the occasion .
In 1976 , year of the US Bicentennial celebration , New Yorkers George Spitz and Fred Lebow dreamt of transforming the city 's marathon and coursing it through city streets so that runners and spectators alike could cheer on and celebrate the occasion .