Marathon Details - Central Park Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > NY > New York > Central Park Marathon

Central Park Marathon & Half Marathon

New York, NY USA

~~February 26, 2017~~ - CANCELLED

http://nycruns.com/races/?race=nycruns-central-park-marathon-2016

Results:

2016 | 2014 | 2013
Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	New York City Runs
Address:
Phone Number:	917-482-4401
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.4

Write a review

Number of comments: 36 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

A. C. from New York City, New York (2/24/2016) "Great Location; Bad Logistics" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Central Park Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I have run this Marathon 3 out of the 4 years. * Timing - great time of the year for a tune-up run * Location - nice to be able to run the whole race in Central Park * Was not able to run last year because they did not offer race-day pick-up nor mailing. I offered to pay a premium for both and was told no. I explained I was out of state with my kids on vacation and was told No. * No race-day or mail option offered this year. Horrible. Making this worse they had the audacity to ask runners to come into the city at the worst time - 4pm to 8pm Thurs, Fri or Sat to pick-up. What moron came up with this? So you get killed with traffic going in and it is worse leaving. And we were there early - they would NOT give out the bibs until 4pm. And good luck on the NYC parking tickets - Despite trying to park legally I got a no loading zone ticket the first year which was dismissed; and another ticket this year which was looks to be wrong as well. * High Cost - Way to high for this race. And when you add the cost of bib pick-up you are on par with the NYC Marathon. * Bling: This is so stupid it kills me. The race director makes such a big deal about what he gives runners. What do you really get for all your money? A standard tech shirt and throwaway pull over with a zipper that does not work or tears instead of a heat blanket. Big deal! That is not 'bling' Drop the costs * Volunteers: I hate to bring this up but it underscores the quality of race organization. With the exception of 2 or 3, they looked like they were sleeping or had never been to or run a race. They did nothing to momentarily stop pedestrians, bikers in the marathon lane, horses, etc. With the exception of 1 station - Gatorade and water was left on the tables - and that was good as some did not even have filled cups. 1 station made an effort to hand out to runners. The race director needs to go a real regional race that does an Awesome job - even small first year races with sub 100 marathoners do a better job. * Bathrooms - Go figure but each year they put at the finish line which is a good walk away - none are near the start lines of the full or half. * Start times - Who starts a half marathon before the full? This race director does! * Bananas? - Sorry - this Race directors has UNWASHED grapes, UNWASHED strawberries, UNWASHED apples - no Bananas - seriously - bagels for those that eat them and hot chocolate and coffee. No energy bars or other normal post race refueling options. * I could literally go on and on but one last point - Who starts their race without the National Anthem or some sign of respect - This race director - and he was demeaning to some that won their age groups!
t. s. from texas (11/18/2015) "hope it doesn't snow" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Race got cancelled because it snowed about two inches the night before. Who knew such a thing could happen....in New York....in February. Some of my favorite races in the past have been during snowy weather, it made them memorable and more fun. But not in NYC, they just cancel and don't offer a refund.
Y. S. from Brooklyn, New York (3/1/2014) "Great Event to quell the lurking late winter blahs" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great tune-up for a spring marathon ! ! I'm an NYC Resident (more specifically Brooklyn) and 5 laps around Central Park (15 hills and all) is the PERFECT threshold. The crowd is NEVER going to equal NYC or other older well known events, so don't let that keep you away. The paradoxical small-town feel & comraderie of fellow participants at the race start & throughout was a palpable and wonderful experience. The hills will test your will and reward you with stamina for your next endeavor. I'll run it again & recommend to MANY Others. Great Job to ALL Involved.
Richard Ervais from San Francisco (3/1/2014) "An intimate 'family of runners' marathon" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Central Park Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can only imagine that this is the kind of race the New York Marathon started out as before becoming the behemoth it is today. Intimate and cozy, runners cheering each other on, friends and family coming out to the park to support and even run or bicycle with the racers. Organization - friendly, accommodating, supportive. Course - rolling hills, one steep but not too long uphill and a long gentle downhill. Spectators - not too many but usually knowing one or more of the runners; or other runners out in the park for their usual Sunday laps. This is the second year I've run this race and I will be back - perhaps every year. For two years in a row we've been very lucky to have sunny, mild temperatures at a time of year that could easily bring snow and bitter cold. Yes, rolling hills, but I seem to run better when the course is not completely flat or totally downhill. Perhaps due to the use of different muscles on the uphill, downhill and flat portions. This year, with no extra special kind of training, I managed to pull at 4+ minute PR - my first PR in 5 years and at 54 years old on my 117th marathon! I'm pretty certain the varying course helped, as did the 44-48 degree temperatures and seeing my friends from Front Runners New York at key locations each time around which always gave me a boost and kept a smile on my face.
Frank Stonitsch from New York City (2/28/2014) "Great weather very enjoyalbe marathon" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Could have had some porta potties close to the marathon start, most were nearer to the half marathon start. Giveway shirts not given at bib pickup only at race finish. Ran out at race needed to email organizers for a shirt and told would take 60-days to receive. Inexcusable since no race day entries. Organizers knew the number of participants. Would be nice to have different cups to distinguish which contained water and which contained Gatorade.
M. T. from Mamaroneck, NY (2/27/2014) "Nice local (for me anyway) race." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a five loop course. I've run numerous races in Central Park over the years, so I knew what to expect course wise. The race was capped at 1500 runners. 376 people finished the marathon, the rest ran the half. The half marathon starts a half hour earlier. First loop was fine, but after that, you have to dodge slower half marathoners, plus pedestrians of every ilk including young moms pushing baby strollers on the course. That is my biggest issue with the race. Nice finisher's medal & long sleeve tee shirt, liked the hot chocolate at the finish.
R. A. from Long Island (2/27/2014) "Loved it!!!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The views and conditions for the half were amazing! I felt there should have been portopotties near the start as well as finish line. In addition, more people directing people to the proper areas could have helped too. People looked lost. The mileage completion signs were all wrong and I found that aggravating. However, all in all I had a great time! I will be back!!! :)
J. L. from New York City (2/27/2014) "Well organized race" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Central Park Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ran the half marathon and NYCRuns put on another good show. Well organized race with plenty of staff at the start/finish as well as on the course at the water tables.
M. M. from Harrison, NJ (2/26/2014) "Great first marathon experience!" (about: 2014) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This will always be special to me because it was my first marathon. Baggage check was easy and hassle-free. The race started on time and the feel of a local-race was prevalent because there were just over 350 participants. The course was 5, 3/4th loops of Central Park (No Harlem Hill yay!!!) cutting at the 102nd street traverse. It was definitely not easy and at one point I was exhausted enough to consider quitting. When I started my 5th loop, I knew I would finish much after the 5:15 time limit but the organizers waited till I finished the race and were very encouraging!! All in all, this is a great New York marathon!! It is easily accessible by subway and easy to register for.
E. S. from Ny (2/26/2014) "Great race!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon an placed 5th overall with a time of 1:18:51. This was my first half marathon and will definitely be back next year, god willing!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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A. C. from New York City, New York (2/24/2016) "Great Location; Bad Logistics" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Central Park Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I have run this Marathon 3 out of the 4 years. * Timing - great time of the year for a tune-up run * Location - nice to be able to run the whole race in Central Park * Was not able to run last year because they did not offer race-day pick-up nor mailing. I offered to pay a premium for both and was told no. I explained I was out of state with my kids on vacation and was told No. * No race-day or mail option offered this year. Horrible. Making this worse they had the audacity to ask runners to come into the city at the worst time - 4pm to 8pm Thurs, Fri or Sat to pick-up. What moron came up with this? So you get killed with traffic going in and it is worse leaving. And we were there early - they would NOT give out the bibs until 4pm. And good luck on the NYC parking tickets - Despite trying to park legally I got a no loading zone ticket the first year which was dismissed; and another ticket this year which was looks to be wrong as well. * High Cost - Way to high for this race. And when you add the cost of bib pick-up you are on par with the NYC Marathon. * Bling: This is so stupid it kills me. The race director makes such a big deal about what he gives runners. What do you really get for all your money? A standard tech shirt and throwaway pull over with a zipper that does not work or tears instead of a heat blanket. Big deal! That is not 'bling' Drop the costs * Volunteers: I hate to bring this up but it underscores the quality of race organization. With the exception of 2 or 3, they looked like they were sleeping or had never been to or run a race. They did nothing to momentarily stop pedestrians, bikers in the marathon lane, horses, etc. With the exception of 1 station - Gatorade and water was left on the tables - and that was good as some did not even have filled cups. 1 station made an effort to hand out to runners. The race director needs to go a real regional race that does an Awesome job - even small first year races with sub 100 marathoners do a better job. * Bathrooms - Go figure but each year they put at the finish line which is a good walk away - none are near the start lines of the full or half. * Start times - Who starts a half marathon before the full? This race director does! * Bananas? - Sorry - this Race directors has UNWASHED grapes, UNWASHED strawberries, UNWASHED apples - no Bananas - seriously - bagels for those that eat them and hot chocolate and coffee. No energy bars or other normal post race refueling options. * I could literally go on and on but one last point - Who starts their race without the National Anthem or some sign of respect - This race director - and he was demeaning to some that won their age groups!
t. s. from texas (11/18/2015) "hope it doesn't snow" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Race got cancelled because it snowed about two inches the night before. Who knew such a thing could happen....in New York....in February. Some of my favorite races in the past have been during snowy weather, it made them memorable and more fun. But not in NYC, they just cancel and don't offer a refund.
Y. S. from Brooklyn, New York (3/1/2014) "Great Event to quell the lurking late winter blahs" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great tune-up for a spring marathon ! ! I'm an NYC Resident (more specifically Brooklyn) and 5 laps around Central Park (15 hills and all) is the PERFECT threshold. The crowd is NEVER going to equal NYC or other older well known events, so don't let that keep you away. The paradoxical small-town feel & comraderie of fellow participants at the race start & throughout was a palpable and wonderful experience. The hills will test your will and reward you with stamina for your next endeavor. I'll run it again & recommend to MANY Others. Great Job to ALL Involved.
Richard Ervais from San Francisco (3/1/2014) "An intimate 'family of runners' marathon" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Central Park Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can only imagine that this is the kind of race the New York Marathon started out as before becoming the behemoth it is today. Intimate and cozy, runners cheering each other on, friends and family coming out to the park to support and even run or bicycle with the racers. Organization - friendly, accommodating, supportive. Course - rolling hills, one steep but not too long uphill and a long gentle downhill. Spectators - not too many but usually knowing one or more of the runners; or other runners out in the park for their usual Sunday laps. This is the second year I've run this race and I will be back - perhaps every year. For two years in a row we've been very lucky to have sunny, mild temperatures at a time of year that could easily bring snow and bitter cold. Yes, rolling hills, but I seem to run better when the course is not completely flat or totally downhill. Perhaps due to the use of different muscles on the uphill, downhill and flat portions. This year, with no extra special kind of training, I managed to pull at 4+ minute PR - my first PR in 5 years and at 54 years old on my 117th marathon! I'm pretty certain the varying course helped, as did the 44-48 degree temperatures and seeing my friends from Front Runners New York at key locations each time around which always gave me a boost and kept a smile on my face.
Frank Stonitsch from New York City (2/28/2014) "Great weather very enjoyalbe marathon" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Could have had some porta potties close to the marathon start, most were nearer to the half marathon start. Giveway shirts not given at bib pickup only at race finish. Ran out at race needed to email organizers for a shirt and told would take 60-days to receive. Inexcusable since no race day entries. Organizers knew the number of participants. Would be nice to have different cups to distinguish which contained water and which contained Gatorade.
M. T. from Mamaroneck, NY (2/27/2014) "Nice local (for me anyway) race." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a five loop course. I've run numerous races in Central Park over the years, so I knew what to expect course wise. The race was capped at 1500 runners. 376 people finished the marathon, the rest ran the half. The half marathon starts a half hour earlier. First loop was fine, but after that, you have to dodge slower half marathoners, plus pedestrians of every ilk including young moms pushing baby strollers on the course. That is my biggest issue with the race. Nice finisher's medal & long sleeve tee shirt, liked the hot chocolate at the finish.
R. A. from Long Island (2/27/2014) "Loved it!!!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The views and conditions for the half were amazing! I felt there should have been portopotties near the start as well as finish line. In addition, more people directing people to the proper areas could have helped too. People looked lost. The mileage completion signs were all wrong and I found that aggravating. However, all in all I had a great time! I will be back!!! :)
J. L. from New York City (2/27/2014) "Well organized race" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Central Park Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ran the half marathon and NYCRuns put on another good show. Well organized race with plenty of staff at the start/finish as well as on the course at the water tables.
M. M. from Harrison, NJ (2/26/2014) "Great first marathon experience!" (about: 2014) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This will always be special to me because it was my first marathon. Baggage check was easy and hassle-free. The race started on time and the feel of a local-race was prevalent because there were just over 350 participants. The course was 5, 3/4th loops of Central Park (No Harlem Hill yay!!!) cutting at the 102nd street traverse. It was definitely not easy and at one point I was exhausted enough to consider quitting. When I started my 5th loop, I knew I would finish much after the 5:15 time limit but the organizers waited till I finished the race and were very encouraging!! All in all, this is a great New York marathon!! It is easily accessible by subway and easy to register for.
E. S. from Ny (2/26/2014) "Great race!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Central Park Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon an placed 5th overall with a time of 1:18:51. This was my first half marathon and will definitely be back next year, god willing!

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Marathon Details - Central Park Marathon