3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I loved every moment. A lot of it was just personal mindset, but…
Running through Prospect Park was gorgeous.
Ending on the Boardwalk
The enthusiasm
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Basically the rain.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
OK, I loved this race. I’m afraid to run it again because this was such a good experience. I went in with the mindset that I would just live it up. Ham for every camera, talk to people, be a big nerd, but still try to run my best. And I did! I was faster than I’ve been in YEARS. I had a good pace going into the big hill midway through (thank you to Matt for alerting me to this), and then coasted afterward. I saw my great friend, Brad, who waved to me on course (and told me later I was going so fast!), and I refueled even when I didn’t want to, around mile 8, if memory serves. And I did really ham for every camera but got the most epic pic of my life!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The big hill comes early, but take it in stride and know that afterward it’s pretty much downhill or flat. And the crowds cheering toward the end are going to thrill you.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
To fuel! I can’t tell you how much better I felt after I had a gel at mile 8 ish. I didn’t want it, because my blood sugar was still on the higher end (I have Type 1 diabetes), but I ended up having one and it kept me consistent through the rest of the race. I ended around 102 bloodsugar wise, which is practically perfect.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The hill in Prospect Park around mile 5 or 6 is killer, but take it slow and embrace it.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
YES!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I’d say the first half was harder than the second.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was a well-oiled machine.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s New York, so yes.
Logistics – Does it 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.
Register as soon as you can.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard.
Weather and typical race conditions
Well it was rainy as all get out from mile 8 or 9 on. It was unpleasant, but wasn’t the worst rain I’ve run through.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nope!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
YES!
How’s the Swag?
Pretty good! Much better than some of the races I’ve run in other places.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Net downhill!
The views at the start
They had two waves
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The 7:00am start time
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I enjoyed the downhills. I ran a 20 minute PR!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This is an easy beginner half marathon.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The first 8 miles are downhill.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty course!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Pretty easy even for someone who has never run a half.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
A little bit of both but it effect anything.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There were definitely an elite group of runners in the second wave.
Logistics – Does it 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.
It is popular with the surrounding area but it’s pretty assessable. There are lots of things to do in Ithaca so plan to stay a few days. Lots of nice airbnbs!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The volunteers were amazing at all the aid stations. Standard stations with an extra one that offered fruit!
Weather and typical race conditions
It can be very hot but we had perfect conditions. Some of it is on a rail trail so there is some shade.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Didn’t need anything special.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Once you get off the rail trail and onto the road headed back to town there are more spectators.
How’s the Swag?
Sway is pretty cool!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Well organized!
Point to Point
Nice views along the River
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The last two miles are grueling especially in the heat. Because most of it is on a rail trial, there are not a lot of spectators.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I finished well for me! (Thanks to my awesome coach who helped prepare me)! I had enough hydration!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If it’s hot make sure you bring enough hydration as there were only 3 water stops and no fuel.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
If it’s hot I need something to help cool down my core as there were points I didn’t think I could continue.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Most of the course is on a rail trial but there are parts that are residential. It’s more all sun than shade so take that into consideration. (It is ends at a casino so plan accordingly)
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
There are very pretty parts as it runs along the Mohawk River.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not difficult but the last two miles are a bit of an elevation.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized! The race director does an amazing job with all the races!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s a popular race for the locals so they crush it!
Logistics – Does it 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.
Very well organized. Since it ends at a casino, people who want to stay usually just book at the casino. Always rooms available!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Nothing special. Only had water available but the race handbook was clear that was going to be the deal so people should have been prepared.
Weather and typical race conditions
Hot!! Hot!!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I had a hydration vest as I knew it was going to be hot and only 3 water stops!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are places for spectators along the route. However since most of the route is a rail trial, they are few and far between.
How’s the Swag?
Amazing!!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The atmosphere. The people volunteering for the race are absolutely phenomenal. Then the cheering squads along the way really pump you up. The race organizers make sure there’s live music and lively energy all along the way.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The hill up Colvin Street!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s weird because Syracuse can be known for not being “cool,” but then you run this race, and you realize (or, in my case as a native, it’s reinforced) that this city is full of fun, funny, ambitious, talented people. I’m so proud to live here.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The BEST part of this race this year for me (and there were a few highlights to choose from) is that my Team Run Run coach, Andrew Dionne, and I ran the same race at the same time. He WON THE ENTIRE RACE with an average time of 5:17/mile. With his help, I achieved my goal of finishing under 90 minutes. He waited for me at the end, and we got to chat and congratulate each other for a bit. He’s wonderful— such a good coach but (more importantly) a really kind, generous, and humble person. Loved that we could run this race at the same time!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Know the course and practice for the hills.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, it highlights the best parts of Syracuse proper. I love that we run through so many parts of the city!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It’s hard! But I’m not a terribly experienced runner so maybe you should ask Andrew Dionne (my Team Run Run coach!)
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Oh yeah. The Syracuse Track Club folks know how to operate a race.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
YES! This is the best part. Friends and family can find you easily in friendly city neighborhoods.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Race: Front Runners New York Indoor Track & Field Meet
Runner: Elisabeth R
Race Date: 03/26/2023
Location: The Armory Track
Results: 3:17.18 (800m)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I loved running in The Armory!
I liked the comraderie between runners – telling each other “good luck” and chatting through tips on running the bank track.
I PR’d!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I paced the race well and felt like training had prepared me. Thanks, Coach Sam!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Warming up on the 2nd floor is really helpful.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes! Front Runners New York and the folks at the Armory were all very friendly and supportive.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The heats were created well so I got to race folks at a similar pace. It helped push me when I needed an extra push!
Logistics – Does it 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.
Nope! Just sign up on the Front Runners New York website.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Check The Armory’s rules on spikes first.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes!!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I loved the atmosphere (DJ, announcer, lots of spectators, and cheering)!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
They didn’t take pictures of each person.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It was my first time racing on a banked track!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I loved putting my training to use and feeling confident going into the race! I loved watching other heats before mine and getting inspired by the other runners.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
It was great practice to race with other people. I will take lessons into the next race about navigating passing and being passed.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
You can warm up on the 2nd floor!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s historic and I love the wall of fame on the way up the stairs – great inspiration!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well-oiled machine. They explained everything!
Logistics – Does it 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.
Just sign up on the Tracksmith website or Trials of Miles.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There were concession stands and vending machines.
Weather and typical race conditions
Indoor meaning weather wasn’t a factor (huge relief)!!!!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
If you wear track spikes, The Armory has specific rules so check the website first.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very spectator friendly!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
It’s close to home (I live in the Bronx) and easy to get to.
It’s hilly, but there is a considerable amount of down to balance the up.
It’s a nice size (5,000) runners and pretty park scenery.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
3 times up Harlem Hill is cruelty to runners (it used to be 2…they adjusted the course).
I don’t love races that are out and back or double loops. I like running from point A to point B with no repeats.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
January. January is the weirdest thing about this race. Weather is unpredictable.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I’ve run this race a total of three times: 2018 (2:02:25 – second half ever and a 4 minute PR but not a sub 2), 2022 (2:07 – I went out too fast, was overtrained, and completely mentally and physically imploded. It set me back quite a bit and was a big impetus for me hiring a coach in the months after). This was an awful race I was really anxious about it happening again and was so happy to have run this well with an even effort thanks to Coach Gilpatrick!
What I did well: I started one corral back and went out with a slower pace team so I wouldn’t blow up mid-race. I ran an even effort for the entire race.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The first Harlem Hill is Mile 1. Start slower than you think you need to. It will be easier to pick up speed on the downhills after Mile 2 but if you go out too quickly you will gas out at the mid – race Harlem Hill lap.
Mentally chunk the race. I hate loops so I broke the race down into 2-3 mile segments to focus on at a time. This helped me keep going even when I got “bored” or wanted to stop.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Don’t take a quick walk so close to the end (last Harlem Hill). I still was well within my goal time but need to work on giving more at the finish.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There are some rolling hills right after Harlem Hill that are challenging because they are slow and gradual inclines. Harlem Hill is the “big hill” but these subsequent hills creep up on you as well. Keep your effort up Harlem Hill and these hills similar (about two miles). Your body will thank you.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
YES.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
NYRR races are always well – run.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Didn’t pay attention.
Logistics – Does it 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.
NYRR races tend to sell out. This one is usually available through early – mid December but you can’t just show up on race day.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Classic water/gatorade. There is a gel station but I bring my own. The gatorade came in handy when I reached for my second gel at Mile 9 and realized it had fallen out of my pocket. A few sips at the next aid station carried me through.
Weather and typical race conditions
Climate change is real and January is erratic in NYC. This year the conditions were PERFECT! 35 at the start and overcast skies.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner
Nothing out of the ordinary.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes. It’s not a crowded race so you can really spectate anywhere on the course.
How’s the Swag?
I love beanies and I run in them all the time in the winter. I don’t really care about medals but am happy to accept one always.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5 stars. It is overall a challenging course and when you run it well, you will feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. The 4 stars are due to difficulty of the course (3 Harlem Hills is just mean) and unpredictability of the weather. It also took me a long time to sub – 2 this race. Everything else is great!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I loved having a separate men’s and women’s race. There were a lot of photographers because Trials of Miles had a “shot of the night” competition for them. There was a great afterparty at a bar down the street afterwards and you got a free drink! You could also jump in the ocean after you finished!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It was a 2.5 loop course on a beach boardwalk, so there were 5 x 180 degree turns.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
There’s no water on the course, so come in very well-hydrated!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Really just to be prepared for all of the turns. The course last year was different, but I think it was also created to be spectator friendly, so involved a lot of back and forth for a 5K.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! The boardwalk is right on the ocean and beautiful!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It was very flat and fast except for the turns.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was very, very well-run!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes! around 3/4 of the female field ran under 25 minutes and it was only about 80 runners. The men’s field was similarly competitive.
Logistics – Does it 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.
There’s not many places to stay near the race, but it’s an easy (and beautiful) ferry ride from Manhattan.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
None
Photo: @christina.bearden
Weather and typical race conditions
Hot and humid!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes! Spectators can stay in the same spot and see you 5 times.
How’s the Swag?
They had a Tracksmith tank for purchase.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I’d. give it 5 stars! It was a really strong field, which encourages fast running and a very fun environment. The post-race party was really fun and well organized, as well.
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.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The course: The route is awesome. It starts on Staten Island and takes you through all 5 boroughs of New York City. I’ve been to the city numerous times for work as well as pleasure, and the race took me through neighborhoods I hadn’t seen before.
The prestige: One of 7 World Marathon Majors. An opportunity to run in the same race as Olympic Medalists and World Record Holders. In a non-COVID year this is usually one of the largest races in the world with 50k+ runners, including the best runners from across the globe.
The people: The only portion of the race where people weren’t lined up on the sidewalk screaming was on the bridges. The entire city comes out to scream and cheer on the runners, its an atmosphere I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The course is hard towards the end! I wasn’t expecting the last few miles down 5th Avenue (uphill) to be as hard as they were, but my legs were zapped. And through Central Park, the winding and rolling hills got really hard for me. That’s more of a reflection on my state at that point than it is on the race.
The waved starts were further apart this year, and I ended up running a lot of miles basically by myself. In smaller races I have been running the same pace as any number of folks and had the chance to chat during the early miles and work together. In this race I started with a big group but after mile 1 I was running pretty much solo. Then in the final 5k the course filled up with slow runners from previous waves, and I was fighting through people to reach the finish.
Getting to the start sucked also. I had to get on a bus at 5:15am, only to sit on a sidewalk on Staten Island for over 3 hours. They could handle this a little better, I wish I had a chance to get more sleep and maybe stay warm.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
No one pees off of the Verrazzano Bridge, contrary to all the rumors. Trying to spectate the Central Park section is really hard, the whole park is fenced off.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Fueling went really well during the race for me. I was drinking water as frequently as I could, up until the 20mi mark, and taking a gel every 4-5mi. I was also able to keep a reign on my effort for the first 20mi, which left me with the legs to push the final 10k.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t underestimate the final 3-4 miles of this course! The hills look tame on any other day, but after running 22+ miles they are a real challenge to push through.
It would be really easy to push yourself too hard in the first half of the race. Keep your body in check and wait until you are running on 5th Avenue to dig into your reserves.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
If you like cities, it definitely is pretty.
NYC Marathon Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Moderately tough. The difficulty comes in the last 5-8k which only adds to the fatigue you’re feeling at that point.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well organized for sure.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Arguably the strongest field in marathoning
Logistics – Does it 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.
There are lots of ways to get into this race; time qualifying, through the New York Road Runners organization, through charity, etc. Travel and hotel accommodations are simple enough, but can cost you if you wait until too close to race day.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Pretty standard aid stations. You can get water and gatorade every 2-3k.
NYC Weather and typical race conditions
This years race conditions were perfect! Sunny sky with cool air, little wind, no rain. It’s November in NYC so it can be cold. I’ve heard horror stories of the freezing rain in other years. More often than not it seems to be perfect fall running weather.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It is generally spectator friendly. Trying to get into Central Park for the last 5k takes time and effort. Other parts of the course are very easy to spectate.
How’s the Swag?
Swag is standard, a technical T and a medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Results: 2:09:30 (not closed course, running through the city)
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/dhash/
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1) the COURSE: this is NOT a closed course — you’re literally running through the streets of Queens & Brooklyn, with cars, dodging pedestrians, waiting at traffic lights (or running through them!). But you really get a feel for each neighborhood, and the…
2) the VIBE! This has an “urban trail run” feel. The organizers don’t waste energy on fancy frills – everything is volunteer driven, and everyone is there to support each other and enjoy the experience. The civilians along the route were cheering us on as well.
3) the race was not overly crowded – around 150 runners or so. Best for safety reasons, and nothing gets overly crowded.
4) the SWAG: you get a great shirt, and everyone scores a beautiful Pint Glass to take home! (and a simple medal too!)
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I really love this race, but if I had to choose something…..
The race is really all about feeling the boroughs, and getting to appreciate the very NYC experience of running through the streets. One down side is that the race attracted a lot of first-timers who kept complaining about the concept of an unsanctioned race. “no bike lanes?”
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
I think the weird / COOL thing about this race, is that they have a “no runner left behind” policy. They have a beloved NYC running figure named Power Malu who runs at the very back of the pack and makes sure every single person makes it across the line. He carries with him a golden broom, since he’s the Sweeper! 🙂
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was the first race since the pandemic, so I think I just got way too excited! I think I was happy with my consistent pacing, but perhaps started that consistent pace too quickly.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This is a race to enjoy and experience, not to PR. You’re running on a non-closed course, so you have to balance safety with speed. I’d say this race is really about running & seeing a part of Queens & Brooklyn that most people probably don’t get to experience on a daily basis. It’s an ode to borough running.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Start slower!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course changes every other year: one year, you’ll run clockwise, the next year, you’ll run counter-clockwise.
Watch out for the cars!
Listen to the volunteers at the aid stations (which are situated at every turn) to make sure you don’t take a turn at the wrong place.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s “urban pretty”
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It’s not technically difficult (unless you count potholes!), but definitely have to be alert for traffic & surroundings, so it’s more challenging mentally. Not only are you making sure not to trip on an uneven sidewalk or pothole, but you have to make sure you’re looking at traffic lights, cars, and pedestrians also.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It’s well-organized but casual. It’s a labor of love for the running crew that organizes it.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
A lot of the local NYC running crew starlets definitely show up for this!
Logistics – Does it 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.
Nope. Just follow the Queens Rebel Run Crew (https://www.instagram.com/qrrc718/) for when the registration opens up.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Just water/sports drink bottles I think?
Weather and typical race conditions
Typical NYC June weather
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Could be friendly for friends along the way.
How’s the Swag?
Great! You get a very simple medal, a shirt (non dri-fit) and a gorgeous pint glass!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars, but you have to really want to embrace this kind of race!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. The course was gnarly and a lot of fun
2. The views were pretty spectacular
3. The people who put on the race were awesome
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1. I was a little confused with the course markings at first
2. Communication issue w/ the pre-race email
3. Not trying to be the math police here, but I am fairly confident that 25k is more than 13.5 miles… just sayin’
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
West Point Military academy is nearby, so for a solid part of the race you can hear active gun shots echoing in the distance.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The weather was great for this one, perfect fall day in upstate NY. The leaves were in full color-mode and everything was beautiful. The course was a lot fun and quite challenging. The post race food was great as well.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This race is limited in the number of participants due to parking permit limits with the park. This means there is a strong cap and you should sign up early if you wish to partake in this gem of a race, which you should. Check out the Newburgh Brewery post race (or pre and post race if you please)! It is a beautiful space, the beer is great, and it has great food (FISH TACOS!!!).
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I got to the aid station around mile ten where I met a charming pair of humans, and we got to chatting about the course. I mentioned that it was a little wet, but that I was really enjoying it and it wasn’t too slippery. To this, the male human replied something to the effect of, “oh, you’re lucky it is wet, if the leaves were dry they’d be as slick as sheets of ice.” Contemplating this, I thanked the duo, finished my Gatorade and set off to tackle the final few summits. Unbeknownst to me, this coincided with the moment in the day when the sun had been out long enough to dry out all the leaves on the remaining stretch of course. I was slipping and sliding all over the rest of the course. It was wild. I was very fortunate to encounter those humans. The lesson that dry leaves are the slippery-est is one I won’t soon forget.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
This race squeezes over 3,000 feet of climbing into “25k” and the downhills are as steep as the climbs so I don’t think I made much, if any, time up going downhill as they were all somewhere on the spectrum of steep to scramble. I got lucky with the amazing weather, apparently last year is was pouring rain and racers were racing uphill in flows of waist deep water in some parts. This sounds wild to me and I plan on doing this race continually until I get to see something like this. As usual, if it is upstate NY in fall, you can expect the weather to be unpredictable at best.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yas!!! It is scenic and beautiful. There are breathtaking views and the foliage was top notch. Highly recommend suffering thru this one.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I found the climbing to add a very enjoyable degree of difficulty. My goal was to go slow and enjoy this one (stop take pictures, enjoy the views, and whatnot). This race was perfect for that because it was tough and you could really challenge yourself if you were trying to crush it. Also, the fallen leaves were just deep enough to hide the majority of the ankle hungry rocks and roots that dwell on the course. So that added a few points to the difficulty scale as well.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
So overall yes, but there were some hiccups. First hiccup, this was the first race where I did not receive a pre-race email. I found this wildly odd and questioned if the race had been canceled or what may be going on. I figured I was gonna show up regardless and if it wasn’t going down I would just run in the woods anyway. I was slightly nervous because I wasn’t sure if there were gonna be course markers and I had forgotten to print the turn by turn directions. Sure enough I got there and there was an amazing race to be had; and, to my relief the course was marked. My partner was doing some hiking and hanging around while the race was going down and she overheard the people running the race talking about the lack of email. Turns out that the guy who runs it was super busy with his day job and forgot to send it. I get it, it took me two weeks to find time to write this report. No big deal.
Second hiccup was that it took a while for me, and presumably a large portion of the other runners, to figure out the course marking strategy. The course markers (they were a white and black checkered pattern and so easy to see), were very far apart in some places. What I eventually realized was that the markers were only at places where you needed to turn unexpectedly or switch to a different trail. In between the markers, you have to follow the blazes of the trail you are on. So it could be you see a marker, run two miles on the blue trail and use the blue blazes, see a marker turn onto the white trail, follow white blazes, and so on and so on. When I realized this it made the remaining race markings easy peasy to follow. This seems to be what caused a bunch of runners to get lost and run in the wrong area or miss the loop that started around mile 7 completely.
In retrospect, both of these things reminded me that part of what I love about trail running is the adventure and it is ok to not have my hand held from start to finish, and it is ok to get lost, and it is ok to not know everything in advance, as long as you show up and have fun doing it.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Field seemed pretty strong to me. I finished 32nd out of 62 racers so there were equal people in each direction and I was about an hour behind the finisher so there was more than enough competition for me. Rumor on the street is that everyone who finished before me missed that loop at mile 7 but that may be #fakenews 😉
Logistics – Does it 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.
You must register early, space is limited. Follow their facebook page for updates.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Water and Gatorade and good conversations. I don’t remember any food on course, but the foot at the end was dope! Cans of seltzer water, muffins, some assorted fruits, pretzels, chips, and like three different types of pasta. It was great.
Weather and typical race conditions
Crisp fall day in upstate NY. It had rained a few days earlier so there were some streams and puddles. Mud and leaves were prevalent.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope, just wear the appropriate clothes to keep warm and you will be great.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
As long as they are in the car with you it can be. There is a limit to the amount of cars allowed so you can’t have your fans arriving on their own.
How’s the Swag?
Cotton t-shirt was nice. I liked the design. Got a cool sticker w/ the design as well.
The “medal” was real cool, it was made out of wood and had the design burnt into it.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
It’s near a nine star out of ten for me. The inconveniences were trivial and everything else was near perfect. I may make this race a yearly tradition.
Team RunRun coach Heather LeFriec shares her experience running the New York City Marathon for the second time. Read on for her tips on how to plan better for the course, whether to choose the poncho or the bag, and how she pushed through her mental wall at mile 19.
3 Bests – What aspects of the New York City Marathon did you like the most?
The crowd support, the spectators, besides Boston 2014, the loudest spectators I’ve experienced! This race takes you all over New York City and you get to experience all the boroughs.
Not so much – Aspects of the New York City Marathon that didn’t do it for you
The concrete was hard on my legs and I wore the wrong shoes–combined with the hills, this sent me into a really hard wall at mile 19.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about the New York City Marathon?
Running through the Hasidic Jewish neighborhood on a Sunday, quite very quiet.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I felt great for the first 13 miles, hydrated and fueled well. When I hit my wall at mile 19, I stayed positive and let go of my finish time and instead focused on the awesome energy of the spectators and the city.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the New York City Marathon to help the next runner
Prepare for the hills! Wear a shoe with a little more cushion. I wore a “tempo” shoe, and my feet, ankles, and shins did not respond well to the concrete. Also, the last few miles through Central Park are hilly – let the crowd’s energy pull you through.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This was my second time running the New York City marathon. I knew it was a hard course, and next time I won’t run a marathon 3 weeks beforehand. Bad idea and I paid for it!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the New York City Marathon
Starting line logistics are time consuming so prepare mentally & dress warm for waiting to get into corrals. You have to walk a long way to get out of Central Park – I’ve ran this race twice and chose the post race poncho option at finish this year over the bag check the first time I ran nyc! Choose the poncho – it’s warm and you get to it quicker, plus it makes a good race souvenir!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes – you get to see all 5 boroughs of NYC (Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx) and finishing in Central Park is beautiful.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes!! Hilly and hard concrete.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes!! Very well oiled machine, especially getting to the start. It was smooth and easy!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes! Best in the world.
Logistics – Does the New York City 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! I recommend qualifying! I qualified for guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon. If you don’t qualify, you can enter the lottery and hope to get chosen!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Awesome race support! Everything you need and the volunteers were so positive.
Weather and typical race conditions
This year was sunny and 50, perfect! 2 years ago when I ran, it rained and was 45, so just depends – but typical fall-like weather.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Extra warm up gear to throw off and donate at the start! It’s cold, and you wait for a couple of hours before you start.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes! My friends said it was exciting to watch and an adventure to hop around on the subway to catch spectator spots.
How’s the Swag?
Great finishers shirt and an apple shaped medal!!! I also really like the finishers poncho.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Indoor, heated area w/ coffee and legit bathrooms to wait/prep/warm-up prior to race
2. The number of runners was relatively small
3. The course elevation was laid out in a way that was (mostly) downhill for the final 5k
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1. The first 5 miles was clogged w/ runners so getting into rhythm took longer than ideal
2. I personally found the pink trail markers hard to see at times against the multi colored leaves on the ground
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The race wasn’t allowed to utilize the grounds where the castle (yeah, the one from the name of the race) is located. They said it was just this year and they hoped to use it again in the future.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The views were spectacular on the back half of the course. I found the climbs challenging enough to be fun but manageable enough that I could run up most inclines or at least hike up the climbs quickly. There were a lot of fun down hill sections, but I saved my quads til the second half before I really started bombing down some of them. Like I said above, the course is laid out so that there is a lot of down hill in the final 5k and at times I was borderline sprinting. The people were super friendly, being able to use the recreation center for a home base was awesome, and the veggie chili at the end was top notch. Fun run for sure. And instead of (another) medal at the end they gave a nice, little, tech material towel that was branded w/ the race name as a finisher prize.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Parking was easy and there was plenty of it. You can also take the metro north train to a station just a mile from the start. Check in was easy. There is plenty of room in the (heated) rec center to hang out before the race. Pace yourself on the first half (altho that may be decided for you if you are in a crowded group) and ball out on the second half. If you aren’t used to running in the Northeast, get ready for rocks and roots a plenty, many with a nice covering of leaves to make it even more interesting. But fear not, there are plenty of runnable sections as well, based on memory I’d put it at about 2/3 of the course being runnable. Also, take time to stop and look around, there are some really nice views.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I will be more conscious of where I am in the starting pack as that probably added a few mins to my time. I will also bring a to go container so I can take some chili w/ me.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s pretty traditional Northeast terrain (read: rocks on rocks on roots under leaves), so take that under consideration.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, I was pushing to perform well on this one so I didn’t take the time to slow down and look around as much as I could have. When I did, it was pretty special.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I found it challenging but accessible. The most challenging parts would be the climbing and the terrain (when rocky). I’d rate it as moderately tough.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well organized, plenty of course markings, good communication, great facilities.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Dude who won finished an hour before I did, so there was plenty of competition for me 🙂
Logistics – Does it 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.
I don’t know if they even sold out. Super accessible by car or public transit from NYC, I drove up from Queens so I can’t speak to hotels but we did peak at air bnb’s a few days before and there were some available. It takes place in near peak foliage season so there were a lot of people in the area and on the roads post-race who were up to see the leaves, pick the apples and pumpkins, and do other fall things. It was less than an hour and a half drive from Queens when leaving at 6am.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There were three on the course. Really more useful for the 50k’ers or the people who were running sans water. I had my hand held and it pretty much never got less than half full. I got some flavor of Tailwind at the first one (not the Green Tea I was rocking in my bottle, so that made for a fun new flavor), went with some water to water it down at the second, and skipped the third as I was still half full and basically running at full speed. I think they were at miles ~3, ~7, and ~11.
Weather and typical race conditions
Weather for this day was perfect amazing beautiful ideal fall day, not being hyperbolic.
Weather for last year’s race was so horrible they had to reschedule it to March.
There was a Nor’easter in the area on like Wednesday before the race.
It’s the Northeast in Fall; buy the ticket take the ride.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
It was chilly to start and stayed cool enough to wear gloves the whole time. Bring gloves regardless. Check the weather for everything else. I saw more than a few people wearing hydration packs, that is probably overkill for this course.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes indeed, they even do a kid’s race. Great family event as long as they don’t mind the occasional blood stained racer (not me) coming across the finish line.
How’s the Swag?
Meh. You had the choice between a nice Salomon hat (which would be more exciting to me if my head wasn’t on the larger end of the spectrum) or a basic cotton t-shirt. I took the t-shirt. Best part was the little towel in lieu of a finishing medal. I like the towel mostly for the novelty, but it may prove useful in some unforeseen way.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
8/10
Super fun, accessible, well run race. Benefits the community center. Highly recommend.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
It was well run.
The weather was amazing.
It is along the canal and I like running next to water.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It is a bit boring/similar most of the way.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
There are two moving bridges you have to cross each out and back, you can get caught at these.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was my first 50 mile race and I was really happy with how it went. I ran the first 30 and and kept up a good a pace with a little walking in the miles beyond that. The overall time I am happy with and was a little shocked to see I was the third 50 mile finisher out of 45. Also I felt I did well with fueling which I was a bit nervous about.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This a 25 mile out and back course (so depending on the distance you do it is 1,2, or 4 trips). You can have pacers after 25, it helps a lot since the course is a bit samey.
The turnaround aid station is in a building, they put a sign to it but it is not super obvious the first time you get there.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Turn off more settings on my watch, it died at 48.8 miles :(. Try more real foods, I ate fig newtons as one of my foods and I liked having that in there to break up the gels.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There isn’t much to know. It’s a very simple course and the few turn offs are marked. There is little cover so make sure to bring sunscreen.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is okay. I enjoy running along the water and it has some nice vistas but it is a basically a path along side a canal the whole way.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
No, there are no hills and it’s a packed rock path almost the entire way.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was very well run. The workers and volunteers knew exactly what they were doing and were extremely helpful.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I don’t know.
Logistics – Does it 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.
Nope, easy to find and not hard to get there.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Pretty standard but they have everything I felt was needed. Water, some drink like gatorade (I don’t remember), watermelon, freeze pops, pickle juice, pretzels, candy, etc….
Weather and typical race conditions
Typically around 80 high and a bit humid. It was an amazing day for it this year 73 high and mild humidity. Also a bit of cloud cover.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
No.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Extremely, my friends and crew were able to see me at multiple points.
How’s the Swag?
It is okay. I guess they did something different this year and gave a discount code to ShirtPickle to order stuff. I ordered a few things and am excited to get that stuff but I haven’t seen it yet.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Beer at the finish line
Low key
Gannett Hill State Park
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
You basically ran 26.2 miles (well almost 27 miles) in a two mile radius. Plus two loop courses are mentally tough.
And the switchbacks… you think you’re almost to the top of the hill only to turn and head back down before switching back and climbing again.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Right before you start the last mile of the course you almost run right to the finish line before starting on another seemingly endless zigzag through the woods. You think you’re so close because you can hear the music and the people cheering, only to turn and run for another grueling mile. That and it was an 8:30 AM start (I guess they wanted you to experience the full effects of the June sun).
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Finished 4th overall behind three talented runners. That and only about 60% of the runners that started the marathon finished.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This is a very technical and very hilly course. Be prepared to run endless switchbacks on single track mountain bike trails.
This was probably the most mentally challenging race I’ve ran. You think you’re close to the runner in front of you only to find out he is on his way out of a mile long switchback.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Cramping is real and you need to prepare for it.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
I may have mentioned the switchbacks. Oh and 4 miles of continuous climbing (each loop).
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Some views from the top of the course but mostly buried in the NY woods.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes… you’re probably not getting a PR on this route.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well ran. The beer at the finish line is from a local brewery and a volunteer was kind enough to walk around with a growler filling up your mug as you agonized over your legs twitching uncontrollably .
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The top three finishers crushed it.
Logistics – Does it 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.
No special entry requirements, but I strongly recommend staying at the gorgeous and well maintained campground the night before.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations are frequent and well stocked. Special shout out to the ladies at the aid station right before the 4 mile climb that filled my vest with ice.
Weather and typical race conditions
70s and humid.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Water, lots of water.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes, since you don’t get any farther than 2 miles from the start/finish there is plenty of time to watch your friends/family suffer.
How’s the Swag?
Nice t-shirt and good beer. In other words, perfect.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
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.
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!!!
Thinking about running a race? Check out our coach’s tips for finding the best running race for you.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Great logistics – As my first time racing a North Face Endurance Series event, I was honestly super impressed by how well thought out and organized everything was, especially for such a popular/large trail event. There was ample parking, plenty of shuttles to the start, never a line for the bathrooms, on-time start, great start/finish area. Honestly the easiest race from a logistics standpoint I’ve participated in ever.
2. Challenging course – From a trail running perspective, this course is a dream. Plenty of steep uphills to get your lungs working, rocky downhills and deep mud flats to test your footing, and lots of fast, flat stretches for picking up speed and passing. This course really makes you work for it.
3. Beautiful location – Bear Mountain/Harriman is just an awesome place in any type of weather, and has lots of options for sticking around after to picnic or hike if you have the time.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The only aspect that was a bit of an adjustment for me personally (and not necessarily a bad one), was that the North Face Races are now officially cupless, which just meant making sure I didn’t lose my handheld in some unfortunate twist of fate on the course and be SOL at the finish!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was the first race I’ve ever run where I came to run hard and see where I could push myself to. I’m not a fast runner, but I wanted to see where I would land with the training I’ve put in so far. It was a pretty technical course a lot like the trails I train on regularly in NJ, but with a little more vert, and a lot of mud and rain. I was able to approach the uphills with a mix of running and strong hiking without getting winded, and really hit my stride on the downhills and flats where I was able to build speed and practice footing while passing other runners. It was wonderful to just get outside, move my body strongly, and meet lots of other runners all having fun on the trails!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The 10K distance was pretty big by trail race standards with over 500 participants. While they sent folks out in smaller waves at the start, the course doesn’t really open up until after mile 3 after the last of the big climbs. Be patient on the initial climbs – the back half of the course is a great place to push the pace for a fast finish.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There’s a lot of runners out there, and a lot of mud (even when it hasn’t poured for the 24 hours leading up to the race!); be ready for both and be patient/courteous when passing other runners.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
This year’s race took place after a lot of rain, and so everything looked really magical with the contrast of dark, rain-soaked wood and trails to new spring growth. Kind of like running in Narnia.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
This course is definitely challenging and you will be slowed down in places by steep climbs, slick rocks, and ridiculously deep mud flats, but it’s runable if you approach it with a smile and a lot of energy!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This race was very laid back and everything went off like clock work.
Logistics – Does it 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.
Again, this race was a dream from a logistical perspective. Packet pick up locations were clear and easy to get to (one in the city, and one in Westchester, plus the option of race morning, too). It was an easy drive from the tri-state area (just under an hour from NYC), with more than enough parking, plenty of shuttles to the start, and ample amenities. If you’re coming from elsewhere, the North Face sends emails in advance with lodging and travel suggestions, making planning a breeze.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
This is a cupless race, so make sure you bring your own handheld. The race also provided runners with HydroFlask cups to carry, as well.
Weather and typical race conditions
It rained heavily for 24 hours leading up to the race, and was still drizzling when the race started, making for tricky/muddy/slick conditions along the entire course. Temps were cooler but humid, hovering around 55-60 degrees. Honestly, a great day for trail running.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Be prepared for the mud and wear your grippiest trail shoes, if you have them. Otherwise, be ready to slide!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
For the 10K, the only spectator viewing area is at the start/finish, which is kind of a bummer.
How’s the Swag?
From what I could tell, the 5k and 10k runners received non-technical North Face sleeveless tank tops, and the longer distances got tech shirts. Everyone got a ninja star medal for their distance, plus there was a beer tent for finishers hosted by Sierra Nevada and free medal engraving offered.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars for a challenging, muddy, ridiculously fun trail race to get your blood pumping and quads burning. I definitely recommend the race/distance for anyone looking to try their first trail race as well as folks wanting to get out there and bring some heat!
3 Bests – What aspects of the New York City Marathon route and overall race did you like the most?
The crowds, the crowds and the crowds. They say 2 million people lined the course. It was utterly unbelievable. It was also so amazing to run through the different neighbourhoods and experience the cultural varieties New York offers.
Not so much – What about the New York City Marathon didn’t you like?
Running mostly trail and ultra races, I like the small-town feel of these races and the ability to walk up to the start line an hour before, collect your number and head off. This was totally different. There was a fair amount of standing around time. Getting up at 5:30am for a 10:15am start time felt a tad ridiculous. That said, when trying to get 50,000+ runners to a start line and on their way these are the sacrifices that need to be made.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Honestly, I was really skeptical about these mega-marathons. The logistics, the headache and planning all seemed so unnecessary. Going into it, I was so apathetic. Running the race turned that opinion around 180-degrees. The energy and excitement generated from running with thousands of other people, the inspiration of those with disabilities completing the race and the amazing crowds (as well as high-fiving Kevin Hart, who was running too) made the experience something truly special. The race itself was not the focus of my season so I went out to enjoy myself, not blow up and not run so hard I lost the next week of running to recovery; happily all that was achieved.
Lessons Learned – share your pro-tips on the New York City Marathon to help the next runner or yourself on the next time around:
Get into the planning details, I didn’t know enough about how to get to the start line and that song and dance that involved until the week before when registration for official services had closed. I recommend researching and understanding these options way earlier than I did.
What do runners need to know about the New York City marathon route?
There is a 2ish mile hill at mile 24, be prepared, I wasn’t. (Check out our overall NYC Marathon page for more course-specifics!)
Organized and well run – did the New York City Marathon feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
A well oiled machine doesn’t quite do justice to just how well this race is organized and run, especially when you consider the number of participants involved.
Logistics – Anything special regarding getting to/from the race, hotels around the course, registration…?
I mentioned getting to the race above, otherwise the rest is up to you. We went for an AirBnb in Park Slope which gave us easy subway access to Manhattan and an easy escape after the marathon but there are plenty of good options.
Weather and typical race conditions:
I don’t think conditions could have been better, in the 50s and overcast, made for a great day.
Is the New York City Marathon route friendly for spectators?
Very friendly for spectators and in many places the crowds are two or three deep. To see the finish line you do have to pay for tickets in the grandstand though. The organizers identify several key spots but really anywhere along the course is easily accessible to spectators, as you get into Manhattan it gets very busy though. I high-fived my wife and kids at around mile 8 as we passed through Park Slope which was great and then it was easy to find them after the race too.
How’s the swag?
The swag is pretty dope. You get a nice long sleeved New Balance shirt at bib pickup. You can buy plenty of other (heavily over-priced) goodies too. Post-race the poncho is unbelievably good. They also provide a bag with water, protein milk and snacks. The medal has some serious heft, and if you visit the expo on the Monday you can get it engraved with your name and finish time.
How many stars do you give the New York City Marathon and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10 – try to make sure you run this race!
Thinking about running a race? Check out our coach’s tips for finding the best running race for you.
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Logistics – Does it 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.
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