In Greenpoint, NYC: The Longest Pastry Table Fills Driggs Ave Before the Marathon

On the weekend before the NYC Marathon, runners will sit down together at a single long table on Driggs Avenue, right beside McCarren Park in Greenpoint. The Longest Pastry Table runs Saturday, October 24, from noon to 2 p.m. It takes over the block of Driggs between N 12th Street and Lorimer Street, which will be closed to cars for the occasion.

Three groups are behind it: Pastry Runners NYC, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance and the North Brooklyn Open Streets Community Coalition. They are inviting run clubs and individual runners from all five boroughs to open taper week over a shared meal. The event follows the Longest Table model, which began in 2022 and has since spread to communities across the country.

Admission is free, but street space is limited, so an RSVP is needed to hold a seat. It is a potluck: each guest brings a carb to share, either something from their own kitchen or a favorite bakery's. Anything containing common allergens should be labeled. Local bakeries are adding to the spread, and the tables will carry allergen information for donated food. Because potluck dishes come from many kitchens, the organizers ask guests with allergies to use their own judgment.

Seating is open and first come, first served. Run clubs are encouraged to bring their members and sit together, and people without a club can choose "No club" on the RSVP. Greeters will point arrivals toward open seats. A friend needs a separate RSVP so there is a seat for them. The event runs rain or shine, with a judgment call made on the day based on the weather.

Volunteers are wanted for check-in, greeting, setup, cleanup and photo or video. Table captains, who help bring people, set up their table and tidy it afterward, do not need to belong to a run club. Volunteers can tick the box on the RSVP form or use the separate volunteer form. Bakeries and businesses that want to take part can write to hello@pastryrunners.com.