In this New York Marathon race review, runner Cassie G shares her experience running the 2018 marathon and shares her tips for you! That includes setting your expectations accordingly, planning for a long start, and enjoying the experience.
New York Marathon Race Review
Race: New York City Marathon
Runner: Cassie G
Race Date: 11/04/2018
Location: NYC
Results: 3:57:11
3 Bests – What aspects of the New York Marathon did you like the most?
The crowds, the city, the excitement in the air, the organization, the water stations every mile, the other runner from all over the world!!! I couldn’t limit it to 3!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Being able to keep the same pace for the majority of the race. In the past I usually go out fast and lose speed the second half.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Just know to expect the crowds! It’s the New York Marathon, go there to experience it not to crush a new PR! It’s too cool of a race to be hyper-focused on speed that you might miss out on the entire experience of running the New York Marathon!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Nutrition…nutrition…nutrition!
Review the course: What do runners need to know about the New York Marathon course?
- It’s so crowded. I don’t know if anyone could actually PR on this course. I weaved in and out trying to get past walls of people almost the entire race and it was very challenging at the end when I was tired!
- Also, knowing that it might take you a loooooong time to get to the start line or you might be waiting for a long time to start!
Review the Aesthetics – Is the New York Marathon a pretty course?
If you love city landscape, YES!
Review the Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Since I trained in Seattle, I didn’t think the New York Marathon course was very tough. Some hills up the bridges and through Central Park, but it didn’t feel dramatic when I was running them.
Organized and well run – Did the New York Marathon feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It did take us 3 and half hours to get to the start- mainly because of the line to get from the ferry onto the bus to the start line on Staten Island. I think we stood in line for over an hour! That felt like it needed improvement. Other than that I thought the organization was amazing. There were people holding signs saying ask me questions which was really helpful. It is clear that they have done this many times before. I never felt lost!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s big, I’m not sure how strong the field is for us non-elites :)!
Logistics – Does the New York Marathon require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Yes, hotels are expensive! We found a great VBRO in Harlem. Flights were on the cheaper side. You do have to either qualify, run for charity or win the lottery meaning that you do need to apply about 8 months in advance.
Review the Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They were all over the place!
Weather and typical race conditions
Perfect sunny 54 degree day! We were so lucky and thankful!!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope! I debated carrying a water bottle, but was so happy that I decided not to. Water every mile (after 3 miles). Which was also mentally uplifting to see each mile!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Depends on how well your friends know NYC. It is a HUGE party in the streets of New York!
Review the New York Marathon SWAG
Great shirt and awesome post run poncho (if you choose it over a drop bag).
The Overall Score – What is your starred review of the New York Marathon race?
10 stars out of 10!!! For the first 13 miles or so I thought it was truly the most amazing race to experience. I did not expect how crowded it would be the entire race, and that got tough at the end of the race, however it’s NYC, and I have to give it a 10!!! And there’s no better way to experience the city!!! The crowds were absolutely amazing!!!