Race: United Airlines New York City Half Marathon
Runner: Coach Dakotah Lindwurm
Race Date: 03/20/2022
Location: New York City, New York
Results: 1:10:38
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- I loved the course. It starts in Prospect Park and ends in Central Park. Along the way you run up the Manhattan bridge to get an incredible view of the Hudson River and get the chance to run along the river for a while. Then you turn into the city where you run through time square. All around a very pretty course.
- Strong crowd support. There were plenty of fans along the course. The only real quiet time was running along the Hudson, but the view was so pretty it made up for it.
- The timing of the race. March in New York was beautiful and really good racing conditions. Obviously, that could be different other years, but it sounds like the 50s we ran in were the norm. It is also a great tune-up race for the Boston Marathon being that it was 4 weeks out.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
We stayed in NYC and had to be bussed out to Brooklyn, which took about an hour. Not really a big deal as it that is pretty normal for a point-to-point race, but it did mean we had to get up pretty early.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I felt I was strong on the hills, which was my main goal as I am building up for Boston.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
- Bring some food on the bus to the start.
- The Manhattan Bridge is a monster, but don’t focus on looking at the top of the bridge. Enjoy the sights of the river.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The roads in Brooklyn were not perfectly paved, and it would be good to really keep your attention on your footing early.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, incredibly beautiful. One of the most beautiful I have done.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It is a tough course. It is a net uphill race. The hills in Brooklyn are long grinders, then the hills towards the end in Central Park are short and steep.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
NYRR is very well known to be a well-oiled machine. They have perfected the art of putting on a fantastic race.
Weather and typical race conditions
50s, low wind, not humid.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Being point to point, friends and family are only really going to see you once.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10. It’s a race I’ll have on my calendar every year!
Dakotah Lindwurm is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Dakotah, check out her coaching page.