Whether you need to celebrate or drown your sorrows, the NYC Marathon is a pretty good excuse to get up on a Sunday morning and party. Sunday, November 4, the NYC Marathon crosses the Pulaski Bridge and winds its way through the streets of Long Island City to the Queensboro Bridge for the Manhattan leg. LIC/Hunters Point is the 14-mile spot—a nowhere's land in the middle of race, where some friendly yelling would be a real pick-up-my-legs-and-get-this-done for the runners. The route goes up Vernon Boulevard, a short walk from Gantry Park, and over on 44th Road to 44th Drive to Crescent Street/Queensboro Bridge.

• Photo: Top women marathoners on Vernon Blvd during the 2004 NYC Marathon

With temperatures expected in the 50s, it could turn into a brilliant early winter day if you dress warm enough. See below for bars and cafes on Vernon Boulevard that are great spots for cheering on the runners. Or step out onto the sidewalk to really join the marathon party.

Bars and Cafes in Queens to Toast the NYC Marathoners:

• Lounge 47, 47-10 Vernon Blvd, 718-937-2044. Usually opening early at 11 a.m. for brunch on the morning of the marathon. Step out front to cheer on the runners.
• Dominie's Hoek, 48-17 Vernon Blvd, usually opening around 11 a.m.
• Brasil Coffee House, 48-19 Vernon Blvd (cafe), opening at 8 a.m. (Best place for coffee)
• Communitea, 47-02 Vernon Blvd, opening at 10 a.m. (tea cafe)

• NYC Marathon in LIC - November 4, 2007
• Mile 14, Vernon Boulevard and 45th Avenue
• Arrival times: wheelchairs, 9:54 a.m.; lead women, 10:52 a.m.; lead men, 11:20 a.m.; 9-minute milers, 12:16 p.m.
• Directions: G to Court Square/23rd Street, 7 to Vernon/Jackson, E to 23rd St/Ely Ave.
• Guide to the NYC Marathon
• Afterwards: Nearby P.S. 1 has up new exhibits