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New York City Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New York City Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 4.9
Number of comments: 604 [displaying comments 331 to 341]
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C. S. from Chicago, IL
(11/14/2006)
"Awesome course, poorly organized" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This is a wonderful course. There is a wait at the start, similar to Boston; however the NYC race, being in November, was pretty cold. We all waited in Staten Island for four hours (34-36 F) and it was pretty awful. The race should also finish in Central Park West, rather than the middle of the park, so that the flow of runners is not cramped past the finish line. Despite the fact that I completed the race in the top fifth of runners, I still had to wait six minutes to get my space blanket... and then an additional hour to get my gear check bag! Oh, and there was also no food at the end. Yes, no bananas, pastries, fruit, Clif Bars, and whatnot. Everyone was pretty pissed. With my gear check bag was a white plastic bag containing a small mealy apple, a dried bagel in cellophane, and a cereal bar... sort of like the prefab breakfast you get on an airplane, but without the condiments, napkin, or beverage. Again an awesome course, but it doesn't nearly compare to the organization of Chicago, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Boston, or the Rock and Roll Marathons. | |
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S. C. from Ontario, Canada
(11/13/2006)
"Fantastic experience!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The ING NYC Marathon 2006 was my 15th marathon in 36 months and another Boston Marathon qualifier. My experience during the ING NYC Marathon 2006 and while in NYC was fantastic. There are a wide variety of able participants from all over the world, comprising everything from well versed marathoners to those who have yet to participate in their first marathon. I met marathoners, their families, and their friends - from all over the world. The marathon organizers did a fantastic job, the hospitality of the people I met was wonderful and the NYC transit was excellent. The ING NYC Marathon is a must-do in my opinion. If you can qualify with a guaranteed entry as I did, great; if not, start applying as soon as possible, as it may take you four years to be accepted. Otherwise there are the options of fundraising entries or expensive tour company entries. The expo was a great time, as was the decadent pasta dinner. The Friendship Run, breakfast and shirt swap were great. Take your country's flag, pins and shirts to swap. In my opinion, factoring in close to 40,000 marathoners, the logistics were ideal. If you have time, take a training run through Central Park, as it is an amazing experience and brings familiarity to the finishing area on the big day. I did not participate in the entirety of the Friendship Run, but did join the participants at the south end of Central Park for the run to the finish line. One should rest as much as possible the day before the marathon, in my opinion. I was asleep the night before the marathon by at least 10:00 p.m. I woke at 4:30 a.m., left the hotel at 5:30 a.m., walked to the library bus loading area, departed sometime between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. and arrived at the Marathoners' Village shortly after 7:00 a.m. The bus trip was very scenic, in my opinion. Plan ahead if you want a cup of coffee in the morning as I was not fortunate to find any coffee shops open in the hotel or en route to the library. I would suggest packing a coffee thermos and filling it up the night before. Contrary to what many say, NYC does sleep. In my bag to the start I took all kinds items including, a Thermarest mattress, which I did not have time to use; vaseline; sunscreen; a two-way radio for the finish; food - gels, Gatorade, Clif Bars, bananas; and throw-away warming clothes, which I never used as I simply wore a clear garbage bag over my clothes; shoes, socks, loose shorts with six safety-pinned gels, of which I only used three to four; a singlet; gloves; and a hat. I also took Canadian flag stickers, peel-and-stick large sheets to mark my name, city, etc. to be placed on the front and back of my singlet for the spectators to read and cheer me on. A group from France borrowed my sheets and markers as well. Wearing your name on your singlet truly is a great inspiration. I suggest you bring your own food, drink and coffee due to the crowds and personal preferences people have pertaining to drink and food. Be prepared to line up to use the washrooms. Sorry, there are not enough porta-potties for each marathoner. Granted there are many, but never enough. The 2006 weather was awesome, with sun, clear skies, and temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius at the high. There were also spectators and volunteers at the water stations. The security-guarded corrals are large, allowing room for adequate warm-up. I found the guiding of the corrals to the start line to be very orderly. The three starts, blue, green and orange lent themselves to an efficient start. I was fortunate to be three to four deep from the start line, and with that found no crowding during the commencement of the marathon or thereafter. Don't forget to smile for the cameras - both still and video are on the course. The spectators and police were awesome. The UPS trucks did a great job packing the marathoners' bags and unloading them at the finish line, complete with a goody bag of food. The apples were a nice touch! The finish line volunteers did a great job assisting marathoners in need, removing chips and handing out water. The family meeting area was nearby and ideal. Granted, NYC is expensive. However, there are economical accommodations such as hostels, the YM-YWCA, and some apartments and condos. I was fortunate to cash in Air Mile points for a free return flight and for a few nights at the hotel. There are many healthy delicatessens in the area as well as economical restaurants on 9th Avenue. Bring along a few cooler bags, fill with ice and store drinks and foodstuffs in them as well. For $7.00 US you can travel NYC for 24 hours on the subway/bus lines. This is a great way to see the city. The museums are fantastic, and in some cases, entry is based upon a donation, despite the suggestion being $20. However, no one will be turned away, as in the case of the Metropolitan Museum of Art - a wonderful museum. Plan ahead if you wish for tickets to The Late Show with David Letterman - this was fun. Tickets to Broadway can be had in the early afternoon the day of outside the Marriott Hotel near Times Square. Times Square itself along with Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building make for interesting visits, as did a trip to Macy's and nearby Victoria's Secret (as well as many other sites). Would I go back year after year to the ING NYC Marathon? No. However, another year perhaps. I am very pleased that I participated in the ING NYC Marathon and hope that one day if you have yet to participate in the ING NYC Marathon that you will share the same successful experience that I was fortunate to enjoy. Good marathoning, everyone. | |
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Jo Stevens from South Carolina
(11/13/2006)
"An Experience To Remember!" (about: 2006)
2 previous marathons
| 2 New York City Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This isn't a marathon as much as it is one of life's greatest things you get to experience! This was my second ING NYC Marathon and I hope to run it year after year! Thanks New York! You rock! | |
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M. B. from Brussels, Belgium
(11/13/2006)
"Best Day Ever" (about: 2006)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I second every word said by Joseph. This was really the best running experience I ever had (and I have run 57 marathons). Thank you, New York. | |
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H. G. from Ivyland, PA.
(11/12/2006)
"Undoubtedly one of the best experiences in my life" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon experience, so I was not sure what to expect. I must say it was even better than I ever imagined. From meeting runners at the start from across the globe, to finishing to the cheers of thousands of fans in Central Park, it was truly awesome. Every runner should run this course at some point in their career. The only downside and I think most people know this about the city, is that it can cost you $25.00 to cross the street - but it is still worth it! | |
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Desire Thomas from South Africa, Johannesburg
(11/12/2006)
"Great, but no comparison to Cape Town's Two Oceans" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the NYC Marathon in 2006; however, South Africa is by far the best host for marathon running. The Two-Oceans' 56KM is the most beautiful in the world and every marathon runner would find total bliss in running it. Then there's the Comrades 87KM in June, a phenomenal test of patience and endurance. I ran both these and the NYC marathon in 2006. Of course if you've run in SA, any great race elsewhere comes in second, in camaraderie, logistics, support and smooth flow. I've never experienced such cold in my life before. The logistics were great apart from the finish, where runners walk another mile or so to their families in the cold; I pretty much felt like a refugee, but thanks to my friend who was waiting on the other side with warmers and food. Although the race glorifies the runners, I respect and honor the friends, families and spectators who sacrificed a cold Sunday morning to support and root for runners. I ran my personal best perhaps due to the absence of hills and the fact that runners do not stop to walk at all, which placed pressure on me to keep moving. | |
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Emanuele Ghiraldini from Ferrara, Italy
(11/12/2006)
"You have to run NYC at least once in your life!" (about: 2006)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, so I actually have none to compare this to. However, I must say that it was a great experience overall, from the expo, to the course - from the people cheering you on to the volunteers. I had quit with running in 1998 at age 20, but after seeing 2005's race on TV with that epic Tergat-Ramaala sprint, I was spurred into starting to run again with a goal in my mind: runnning New York. And so I did! One thing I loved about the race is that everyone -fans, volunteers, the kids along the route - is so supportive even if you're not running at WR pace, and they make you feel like you're doing something special. When I was really fatigued along 5th Avenue and in Central Park people would keep yelling, "Keep it going, you're looking good!" - even though I was looking anything but good (lol). Had it not been for the people in those final miles I don't know if I would have made it to the finish. A big "thank you" goes out to all of them! In the end I ran a minute slower than I expected to, but I can't say I'm disappointed, even though those last four miles hurt a lot. A 40th place in NYC in 2:27:43 is a start I can live with, I guess. :) I'll definitely come back next year! | |
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B. W. from Fairfield County, CT
(11/11/2006)
"Please don't come" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 New York City Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 For those of you who do not think this is a terrific marathon, I respectfully suggest that you don't come back. There are almost 100K people who what in. Please make room for them. This marathon is the perfect essence of the city. Disorganized, overcrowded, messy, passionate, colorful and international. If that does not appeal to you - don't come. Yes, Chicago is a "better run" event. The only thing is - it is not in NYC. You run through every type of neighborhood and are encouraged in many languages by people of all sizes and colors. I had no idea where the water stations were but folks would hand you a bottle as you ran by their front door. There is nothing like NY - a 26.2-mile parade where you are the attraction and all the good things about NYC are in full view. | |
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J. E. from Long Beach, CA
(11/10/2006)
"The best experience ever" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thanks NYRR and New York; this was my first marathon and it was amazing. It couldnt have been better organized for a race with 37,000+ people. The number of people that cheer for the runners brings tears to your eyes. I didn't really notice the hills that much, but maybe it was because I was distracted by all the excitement. The first 10K go by so fast you feel like you have only been running for 10 minutes. I got to the bus leaving from Midtown at 5:45 and everything was very smooth and organized. Spent most of the time at the start area waiting to use the potty, but I was prepared for that. Of course it's cold - it's New York in November! Just wear plenty of throw-away layers and have a positive attitude, and you will be fine. I had a smile on my face the entire way. Every runner should do this marathon. It's a blast! | |
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J. L. from Cedar Park, TX
(11/9/2006)
"Fantastic experience" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The ING New York City Marathon was absolutely fabulous, from the organization, to the course, to the fantastic fan support. In 2006, the NYC even featured fantastic weather. This was my first out-of-town marathon and it was a tremendous experience all the way around. The expo was crowded on Friday and not all of the techical apparel was available in all sizes. In addition, the selection of non-technical apparel, specifically polo-style shirts was limited. The race day organization was excellent. I took the no. 7 train to Bryant Park/42nd Street at the NY Public Library and volunteers were there to greet runners and direct us to waiting busses. I didn't break stride from subway to my seat on the bus. The wait on Staten Island was long, but with pleasant weather, it wasn't bad. It could be much worse if there had been precipitation or if it were much colder or if it had been very windy. Stake out a place to sit/relax early as the grounds fill up. Take along a trash bag or something else to put on the ground. Some brought sleeping bags and I saw one guy with an inflatable easy chair. Lines at the port-o-lets in the orange (one of three) waiting areas became very, very long within an hour of race time but I had discovered a long line (~200 or so) of port-o-lets near the edge of the grounds that had lines only six or eight deep, so I had no problems taking care of business. The clothing drop-off with UPS was easy and worked great. The race was great with 100 bands and two million spectators. It was crowded throughout Brooklyn and was difficult to run a pace other than that dictated by the group. NYC is not a PR race. The Queensboro Bridge offers a nice incline at around mile 15, but I was ready for that. There was a section that was closed on the sides (we ran on the lower deck) and it was very dark. I was afraid of stepping on a deck joint, but that didn't happen. It is an arched roadway and the incline can be a challenge, but the downhill side makes up for it, especially with the large, loud crowd waiting for runners to come off the bridge. The run up First Avenue was great. There were still lots of spectators even though I'm more of a back-of-the-pack runner. The sponge zone offered some treacherous footing for a few blocks but the PowerBar gels available at mile 18 were welcome and quite tasty. After a quick trip through The Bronx, it was back into Manhattan on Fifth Avenue. There is a long, gradual incline on Fifth that seems to go on forever. After entering Central Park, there is a tendency to think the end is near, but there are still a couple of more hills to navigate as well as the incline on Central Park South (59th Street). After turning back into the park at Columbus Circle, the finish line was close, but not yet in sight. After another hill and rounding a curve, the world-famous finish line loomed and was a welcome sight. After crossing the line, runners were funneled down to a crowded, shuffling mass of people each getting water, a heat sheet, a finisher's medal and, after a seemingly endless walk of several blocks, our clothing and a bag of food - apple, granola bar, bagel. My UPS truck required a walk from 67th Street (the finish line) all the way to 81st. That was a LONG 14 blocks. Finisher's t-shirts and caps and other apparel was available the next day at Tavern-on-the-Green. The wait for engraving was about 30-35 mintues for me, but longer for those arriving later. My only complaint was that the finisher's shirts offered for sale the day after the race were lame in terms of design, style and color selections. I would expect a race of this magnitude could do a better job in this area. All in all, the NYC Marathon is a fantastic experience with runners from across the country an all over the world coming together with the volunteers and spectators to put on a wonderful event. I would highly recommend any marathoners interested in running out-of-town (or in town for New Yorkers) to run NYC at least once in their lives. |
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