**New York City Marathon Sparks Pasta Rush at Local Italian Restaurants**

With the New York City Marathon just around the corner, over 50,000 runners are gearing up by indulging in the time-honored tradition of carbo-loading. This practice, which involves increasing carbohydrate intake three to six days before a major race, has New York's roughly 800 Italian restaurants buzzing with activity.

Bevacco, a popular Italian restaurant in Brooklyn Heights, is one such spot that marathoners have flocked to. General Manager Amy Mascena, somewhat mystified by the annual influx, speculates that the runners may be coming from nearby hotels in Downtown Brooklyn. "We hire extra staff. We have to make extra pasta," Mascena noted, highlighting the extensive preparations for the marathon crowds. She first realized her restaurant was a marathon hotspot years ago when she observed customers ordering double portions of pasta and skipping wine.

Not all restaurants experience the marathon rush in the same way. Victoria in central Harlem and Vineapple in Brooklyn take the opportunity to create special pre-marathon pasta dinners, complete with ticket sales. Meanwhile, Azalea in Hell's Kitchen hosts the New York Flyers running club, inviting notable guest speakers such as Jeannie Rice, a 76-year-old record-breaking runner, for their carb-filled festivities.

Another Brooklyn Heights eatery, River Deli, owned by Andrea Mocci, has seen a consistent influx of runners each year since it opened 15 years ago, with the exception of 2012 when Hurricane Sandy led to the marathon's cancellation. Mocci, a runner himself, isn't surprised by the patronage. "When you travel for marathons, the first thing you do is find an Italian restaurant to have pasta the Friday and Saturday night before," he explained.

Mocci enjoys the camaraderie with fellow runners who visit his restaurant, even though he also prepares to race on marathon day. He makes it a point to engage with them, sharing in the tradition and excitement of the marathon weekend. "I can cook [pasta] at home," Mocci said with a laugh, explaining why he prefers being at the restaurant before the race.

As the marathon approaches, these restaurants exemplify the unique blend of community and tradition that defines one of New York City's most anticipated events.