Yeah, I know, the marathon is supposedly about running 26.2 miles. I am a runner, so I can appreciate that.

Still, for me, New York City’s annual marathon spectacular is more about culture and language. Because of the global obsession with the random distance of 26.2 miles, people descend on this city each November from dozens of countries around the globe, bringing with them fantastic linguistic opportunities for foreign-language aficionados.

German, French, Spanish, and Italian are especially well represented, but of course there are far more languages than that floating about. Central Park, the subways, shopping meccas, and tourist attractions are in the days before this event stuffed with speakers of languages other than English.

Just living here will give you exposure, but if you want a more intensive experience, you can volunteer as a translator for the various events leading up to the race, as well as for the race itself.