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New York City Marathon Runner Comments

Back to New York City Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 604 [displaying comments 81 to 91]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 7 8 9 10 11 .. 61 > ]

 

M. W. from New York, NY (11/7/2011)
"Great except for the forced march at the end" (about: 2011)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 5


Fantastic fans. Great course. You'd be crazy not to want to run NY once. My one complaint, and it's not insignificant in my opinion, is the post-marathon forced march. I know that NYRR swears that it's impossible to avoid, but I'm not sure there's any excuse for this. After running 26 miles, we had to shuffle along for 45 min in a massive crowd. At points we just stood still for long periods. People seemed to be dropping like flies. I don't know what was going on (lactose buildup in muscles?), but I saw maybe a dozen people eventually just sink to the ground and need medical attention. And I saw another lady puke after a half hour. Such a mess. NYRR can and should do more about this.
 

Hans Wauters from Mechelen, belgium (11/5/2011)
"Magnificent race" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The crowd, the organisation, everything was just perfect. It was my first marathon ever. I 'LL never regret this!
 

D. M. from NJ, US (10/23/2011)
"Can't imagine a better organized event" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 6+ New York City Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Been in this event since 1994 and I can't believe how much effort is put in by all the volunteers during the race. I also have seen how there are small improvements made every year.
Even after running so many times I get excited just thinking that the race is almost here.
I'm not an elite runner, but I'm treated like I was an elite runner. When most of the runners have finished and probably already took their shower, I get to the finish line and WOW the volunteers are there and making sure everything is fine.
The EXPO is organized so much better then 1994 and the lines are always moving.
If this is your first NYC marathon, say hello to me, I'll be wearing a white hat.
 

E. J. from Ireland (10/4/2011)
"Running my 5th NYC Marathon in 32 days" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 New York City Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have been counting down the days to this years marathon. I am addicted. I ran my first marathon in 2007, it was the NYC Marathon and it was the most amazing experience. Since then I have ran the '08, '09 and '10 Marathon.

The experience from the start was amazing. The volunteers out on Sataten Island are cheering you on from the moment you get off the bus. It might still be dark, freezing cold but those volunteers cheer you on as you enter the meeting area. you feel like a pro.

Plenty to do and see as you wait for the start.

I have nothing to say about the experience of running the actual marathon as there is nothing you can say. It has to be experienced.

If you run wearing earphones and listening to music, don't when you are taking part in this marathon. You will miss so much.

At the finish line, you will be fighting back the cheers.
 

A. C. from Montana (6/28/2011)
"Unbeatable Marathon" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I cannot say enough about this marathon. It was my 11th one, and I am unsure if I'll run another, simply because I don't know if it gets any better than that. The crowds were amazing! I felt like a rock star. It wasn't until about mile 16 that I realized I was running a marathon! It was all about the experience. It was a tough course, only because your emotions jump up and drop when the fatigue hits. But there is nothing better than having NYC's finest cheering for you.

I suggest you put your name on your shirt - or a fun saying, because the messages people carried were as entertaining and inspiring as it gets.

I felt a little like a member of a herd of cattle, but getting 45,000+ runners out of Central Park is no small feat.

DO THIS MARATHON!
 

James Skinner from Gloucestershire, England (6/16/2011)
"Great marathon taking place in late autumn" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Whilst this was my first marathon outside Europe, it was my eleventh overall. I am able to draw comparisons as I have run several of the other world major marathons such as London, Paris and Berlin.

The New York City Marathon is a fantastic event. When you consider that over 40,000 runners compete, then the organisation is superb. My only criticism would be that the marshalls prior to the start were very aggressive in terms of letting runners through into their designated starting zones. Allow plenty of time as the volumes of people are huge.

One thing to bear in mind is that this race takes place in November and you have to be out at the start very early (6am), meaning that it can be really cold. This was the case on this occasion with a biting northerly wind taking several degrees off the temperature at the start (approx 7ÚC / 45ÚF). Even by the lunchtime finish, it was only a few degrees up on this.

The course is challenging with several inclines, particularly as you enter the final mile or two coming through Central Park. This is a beautiful section of the course though, especially with the trees losing their colourful leaves. The course really encapsulates the whole city taking you through each of the boroughs from Staten Island to Manhattan.

Given the shear size of this event, the climatic conditions and the tough course, I would not recommend NYC as a marathon for a first-timer. These factors all mean that some previous marathon experience really helps.

The registration expo is amongst the best that I have witnessed. Huge amounts of official merchandise on offer. Asics are the manufacturer and they have developed some nice kit. It will take time as there are lots of stands to walk past and browse.

All in all, this marathon comes highly recommended. Just remember to pack a long-sleeved running top, some gloves and a wool hat to stay warm throughout the run!
 

m. m. from New York, NY (4/7/2011)
"AWESOME!" (about: 2010)

1 previous marathon | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon. The course was very challenging - lots of hills, bridges, and such. It was also very exciting. My favorite stretch was 4th Ave. in Brooklyn. This was when most runners were still very energetic and the crowds were just amazing. I live in NY but still loved running through all the little neighborhoods in Brooklyn and getting that unique flavor that only NYC can offer.
 

M. C. from Rome, Italy (1/29/2011)
"New York, New York" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Nothing can equal the warmth of the fans.
 

P. M. from Ireland (1/19/2011)
"Fantastic" (about: 2010)

2 previous marathons | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Great race. The corral system seemed to work fine for the first group, and the fans were unbelievable - I'll never forget the noise they made coming off the Queensboro Bridge.

The course itself is challenging enough, especially once you hit Central Park. But very doable.

Make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes for the starting village.

The only cons really would be that when we were waiting for the start, nobody in Staten Island could hear the national anthem. Now, I'm not an American, but it still would have been nice for a marathon major to put some speakers next to the big screens in the village.

Also, very few toilets on the course, and forget about getting the athlete tracker - it's a waste of time and money. My wife is still waiting for me to finish according to it. :)

Other than that, a must-do, but be prepared to spend some cash.
 

D. W. from Longview Texas (12/24/2010)
"I LOVE NEW YORK!" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first NYC Marathon and my tenth marathon. Gotta say this was my favorite. I had a blast because of the great fan support. Especially in Brooklyn. I was running as a member of Fred's Team.... I raised over $4,000 for Cancer Research, and the support from Fred's Team was incredible. I finished not too far behind the Chilean miner, which was really cool. The wait at the start is mildly painful, but you know to expect it. The finish is hard to figure out as I found it difficult to reunite with my wife and figure out how to get the hell out of there (Central Park). Love the City, love New Yorkers, love the marathon. If you have a bucket list, this belongs on it. Run NYC.
 

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