It was cold on November 3rd, and we had to be at the start line long before the departure, but once it started, it was just a huge rush of adrenaline and the pleasure running through my veins.

I ran this race in 2008. This was my best marathon. I have run 8 marathons and this by far was the most exciting - even more than my first!

The race was very well organized. This was the first year that did a wave start, which was great. There was no bottleneck at the start line. The course was challenging but great. I cut my PR by 12 minutes. Transportation to the race was very simple and well organized. I had a blast in the city.

The only cons were that it was pretty windy and chilly in the morning and it was a very long wait until my wave got to the start line. Although it had nothing to do with the race, I picked the worst hotel. It was ridiculously small and dark and unbelievably expensive. The only good thing was that it was in Columbus Circle, which was close to everything.

NYC is a truly great race, and it is one of those races all runners think about when they hear the word "marathon." But if you decide to run it, be prepared for what you're getting into. First, the NYC Marathon is not just a race. It is a major sporting event more like the Super Bowl or the World Series than a race. Literally the entire city turns out to watch it, and believe me, in NY that's a LOT of people. There are only a few empty sections along the route, and many parts where the crowds at five- or six-deep for many blocks, screaming and yelling all the way. The crowd is a major player in this race.

Still, the expo is kind of hard to get to unless you take a cab. But that's a minor complaint.

The biggest obstacle is the start of the marathon. You begin on Staten Island, very far away from the finish in Central Park and from where you will probably be staying if you come to NY for this race (or from where you live if you're a native). Getting 30,000+ plus people by bus to Staten Island takes a long time and involves a LOT of sitting around once you are there. I suggest bringing a blanket or even a pillow because you might have time to nap.

Once you start, there is plenty of water and food en route. You won't get thirsty running this one. NYC firemen, police and medical personnel are out in force on race day, and if you have any problems you will find help easily. Years ago, I saw one runner collapse on a hot day. Literally, he was on a stretcher within 15 seconds. So don't worry about that. But be prepared for the long wait at the start. If it's extremely cold or rainy, you could be in for a rough time. But if you can get through that, you'll find the race is great fun. And the finish in Central Park is astounding.

The New York Marathon was a beautiful race, but in all three qualities that you assess a marathon experience for, CHICAGO wins. The New York Marathon was an enjoyable race, although the organization wasn't top-notch, the runners were not as affable and excited as others I have witnessed from another race, and the pre- and post-celebrations were less fulfilling. Overall, I'm glad I experienced this race and it's one to give a shot, but if you're looking for a splendid race, I'd have to say Chicago tops all.

Chicago was the most organized, beautifully scenic, friendly and fun race I have ever experienced. Both the runners and the spectators (which NY and Chicago have the largest spectators of equally, at 1.5 million) share a wonderful camaraderie in Chicago that I have never witnessed! I've also completed Boston, NY, Tampa, and Berlin, and after Chicago, I'd say Boston was the next most enjoyable experience.

Overall, New York was beautiful. It's a great experience.

I enjoyed this marathon. I was very moved by New York's citizens' hospitality and supporting volunteers. I won't forget the spectators' warm cheers.

Pros:
- The NYC Marathon is THE largest spectator sporting event in the world. Read that again! About 3 million people come out to see the race. The crowds never thin more than 3-deep, lining virtually the entire race course. The bands, the kids, the cheering, the energy... well there's nothing like it.
- NYC is amazing; you run past and through iconic places, neighborhoods, buildings, etc. Amazing.

Cons:
- This is one of those marathons where you start one place (Staten Island) and finish far away at another place (Central Park, Manhattan). It is brutal to get to the start. My buddy and I awoke at 2 a.m. The buses to the starting venue left soon thereafter. Since the runners start the race on the Verrazano Bridge, they close the bridge at something like 5 a.m. to traffic. Thus you must be at the starting venue at an ungodly hour and then just sit there and sit there and sit there in numbing predawn cold, hungry, thirsty, and quite uncomfortable outside, just sitting on grass. There's no other way to describe this, it just plain sucks. Other marathons with easier logistics just have people show up 30 minutes before race time. Not here. You've got to be miserable, bored, and bone-chilled for hours before the race. And the waiting for porta-potties is not enjoyable either.
- The field never really thins out. I ran nearly elbow to elbow with other runners for about the first 22 miles. That's just plain uncomfortable. Running 26 miles is hard enough, and adding the hassle of jockeying for asphalt and elbow room on top of that just isn't enjoyable. But what do you expect when you try to run with 30,000-40,000 people down a race course? If you really don't like claustrophobic running, consider a race with a substantially smaller field.

It's the best because the city, organization and people make the marathon experience. The expo isn't the best; the course is very difficult. Sure. The start, waiting, is horrible; and after the finish line, it's tough to see your family. But is NYC Marathon is the best experience than ever running. Thanks, NYC, people and cheers; you generate the top athletic challenge in the world.

I ran this race for the first time and all I can say to other marathon runners is: put this event on your list of "things to do before I die." It was an unbelievable experience in every respect and I plan on running it again and again and again....

So it's New York, the greatest city in the world. I agree. But the greatest marathon? No way.

Positives: I love the course. Very challenging for many reasons - the bridges, the hills, the crowds in your face. Lots of energy on the course, incredible spectators and fantastic views. Plenty of aid stations and medical assistance.

Negatives: Does anyone really like sitting around for three hours? One year my bus broke down on the way to Ft. Wadsworth and we walked the last mile or so on the highway. Pre-race is a complete and total nightmare. The volunteers don't know what is going on and most don't really seem to care. Ask a question and if you do indeed get an answer, chances are it's wrong. Everything just seems so disorganized.

I was lucky enough to be one of the women selected to be in the female corral, in the front of the pack. Well, to my surprise the corral was about 15% filled with men. Were the volunteers asking them to leave or NOT allowing them entrance into the corral? NO.

In my opinion, Boston and Chicago are FAR better organized than NYC, and I've seen all three first hand.

Despite the many negatives, you really need to do this race at least once. Where else can you join 47,000 other people in running across a bridge? COOL....

I waited a long time to get into this marathon and it was well worth it. The expo was huge and had a very large selection of merchandise. The pre-race area was nice, with bagels and coffee... I just wish I could have stayed warmer. A few more tents for the runners were needed for that chilly morning. The course was awesome and the fans were great! The finish through Central Park was amazing. The post-race walk to the bag check was very crowded and quite a long walk... but it was worth it to be FINALLY wearing an NYC Marathon medal. This marathon is a MUST-RUN!!! There is nothing else like it. ;-)