Peer to the right at the Mile 24 marker and try to spot a statue of Alexander Hamilton, which was commissioned by his son, John C. Hamilton, and dedicated in 1881. Mental soundtrack alert No. 1: “Ten Duel Commandments,” from the musical “Hamilton,” is a good cadence keeper, with its “one-two-three-four-five-six-seven-eight-niiiiine.”

Farther right, through the trees, is the Great Lawn, where in 1983 Diana Ross became a New York symbol of perseverance (like Hamilton) when she sang to hundreds of thousands of people through a torrential downpour. Mental soundtrack alert No. 2: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is fitting considering the downhill stretch that’s about to begin.

But first, one more glance to the right, where a 66-foot obelisk known as Cleopatra’s Needle was installed in 1881 after being moved from Egypt. At about 3,600 years old, it’s the oldest outdoor object in the city to be made by humans. Don’t try to read the hieroglyphics while running.

Walking down stairs may be difficult for the next few days, but wise is the runner who embraces the next four-tenths of a mile, a gentle winding glide downhill. Beats going up, right? If your quadriceps are burning as you descend and you see a mountain lion ready to pounce, you are not hallucinating. “Still Hunt” is the name of the bronze work, and it was created by Edward Kemeys, who was inspired to become a sculptor while working with a crew that was building Central Park.

Down at the bottom of the hill the Loeb Boathouse, with its row boats for rent, flies by on the right, followed by Central Park SummerStage, an outdoor concert venue. Just a little bit farther, and there’s the marker for Mile 26.

Image

Mile 26 and 385 yards: The Finish

Perhaps you have visited Central Park, or maybe you’re a New Yorker who runs there regularly. Regardless, the park feels different right now. There is temporary lining on either side of the road, creating a slight tunnel effect, and the crowds and sounds and disorientation from having run so far can make familiar places seem foreign.