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, steps from McCarren Park in Greenpoint. The Longest Pastry Table runs Saturday, October 24, from noon to 2 p.m., on the stretch of Driggs between N 12th and Lorimer streets, which will be closed to cars.

The hosts are 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 start taper week over shared food. The format 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. Guests bring a carb to share, either something from their own kitchen or a favorite bakery. Dishes with common allergens should be labeled, and the organizers say local bakeries are adding to the spread. Tables will carry allergen information for donated food.

Seating is open and first come, first served. Clubs can sit together, and people without a club can choose "No club" on the RSVP; greeters will point arrivals to open seats. A friend needs a separate RSVP. The event goes ahead rain or shine, with a judgment call made on the day.

Volunteers are wanted for check-in, greeting, setup, cleanup and photo or video, and table captains need not belong to a run club. Bakeries and businesses that want to take part can write to hello@pastryrunners.com.