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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 501 to 511]
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M. P. from Long Island, USA
(11/5/2003)
"Great race, but not without some kinks" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 That is a truly unforgettable experience. If you run marathons, this one is a must. Tough course, as life in NYC itself, amazing spectators and energy carrying you 26.2 miles. The only problems were related to the organization of the event; from the 90 minute wait in the crowd to get to the bus at the Manhattan Library (toilets in the park were closed), to another 45 minute wait in line for a port-a-john at the start. I realize that this is a huge event with 30K+ entrants and most of the organization and information process is truly impressive, but I believe that the areas mentioned before could do with some improvements. Also, any sort of assistance from the organizers to enforce corral rules at the start would be welcomed. The colors and increasing numbers are a great idea, but to really work they need to be reinforced, otherwise the first starting lines are occupied by 15+ min/mile runners blocking everybody else on the incredibly crowded Verrazano Bridge. All together it was a great experience, but the organization could be better. | |
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Lisa Primeaux from Houston TX
(11/5/2003)
"The NY marathon ROCKS!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 An experience I will never forget. I wish I knew the names of the many people who genuinely inspired me. I would send each one a thank you note. I wish I could have videotaped MY marathon - there are so many great moments. There are a few spectators I wish I could personally thank for their words of wisdom and encouragement. One being a two year-old blue-eyed blonde and his dad, who ran a short way with me. Thank you New York! | |
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Heather Kerr from Lake Bluff, IL
(11/5/2003)
"What an AMAZING day!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The New York City Marathon was simply the most magical marathon I have ever run. Crossing the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge was truly a sight to behold, and is one I will always remember. The day was clear - a little hot and sunny for a marathon - and bright, just perfect for viewing the Statue of Liberty and all the ships in the harbor. The next 24.2 miles were a wonder. The spectators were phenomenal, giving us runners candy, drinks, oranges and whatever else they thought we may need. The bands were great, the volunteers worked so hard for us, and running through the five boroughs was awesome and inspiring! Truly a cultural gift, and I am so grateful I had the experience. The course is deceptively hilly, but finishing in Central Park to all the screaming and encouragement was worth it. I looked forward to NYC for so long, it was difficult to accept that it was over, especially since it was so wonderful. It was SO GREAT! To anyone who is even thinking about running this marathon... stop thinking and DO IT. Thank you New York! I have memories I will always cherish. | |
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B. F. from Orlando, Florida
(11/5/2003)
"Fallen, but not down for the count" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This was my first NYC Marathon. My fourth overall marathon and the first that I never finished. I regret that at mile 15.5 I fell on the 59th Street Bridge with uncontrollable leg spasms - this was due to extreme dehydration I assume - which forced me out of the race. I want to thank the two runners who stopped and helped me to the medic area - I am greatful that such people are in our running community. I plan on returning to the bridge at the end of the spring semester and finishing this race that I started. The people were great - there were no better fans that I have experienced (with exception only of the Marines in last year's Marine Corps Marathon) than the people from Brooklyn. Congrats to you all!!! I wonder if there is anyone else who had to drop out due to medical reasons who would like to join me in late May to early June (date is flexible) to finish what we started. Yea - there is no medal for us, no wonderful finish times, or screaming fans - the only thing we run for now is pride, and a sense of completion. Join me. Brendan, #16825 | |
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Steven Schnurman from Princeton, NJ
(11/4/2003)
"The Most Exhilarating Experience of My Life!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 New Yorkers came out to show their love this past Sunday (11/02/03). And that love and encouragement was for people they didn't even know! MILLIONS of people lined the street and were screaming encouragements! GO STEVEN!! THIS IS YOUR FIRST MARATHON!! WOW!! YOU LOOK GREAT!! I literally got choked up (a lot!). Thousands of hands to slap 'high five!' from extremely young to very old and all different colors and religions! The volunteers were so encouraging! They really CARED!! They were so helpful! I am truly grateful!! I MUST do this one again! The expo at the Javitz was wonderful. The whole experience was overwhelming to me! Thank you New York!! You showed a lot of love on Sunday!!! | |
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Paul Zavodnyik from Chicago, Illinois
(11/4/2003)
"Great Fans, So-So Race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I must preface my remarks by saying that I ran my worst race here. It was my fault for running two marathons in three weeks and I didn't have the leg strength to push it. That said, New York is an overrated race. The organization is pretty good. The expo could be handled better but that is about it. My problem with the race was the course. I am not from New York so I was curious to see all of the boroughs. I was really disappointed. Brooklyn and Queens did not offer anything interesting to look at. Only when you arrive in Central Park does the course improve. (Central Park is really awesome). The course is tough with hills, bridges, and broken pavement. This is not a race to try to set a PR. However, it is worth running to say you did it. The fans were outstanding. I can't imagine better crowd support. | |
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Mike Casper from Atlanta, Georgia
(11/4/2003)
"Wonderful experience" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is good, not too awful hilly, temps were warm for the 2003 race and not much shade... organization, considering it is for 34,000+ runners, is excellent... with that many folks expect lines... more toilets would help, buuuut, not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things. The fans ----> GREAT, so many different ethnic groups, kids, older folks, young people hanging out jamming, just great, from bed sty to Williamsburg, the bridges, Long Island City, da' Bronx, Harlem, Central Park... not the best place for a PR, too much fun to be had!!!! Congrats and will be back soon!!! | |
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C. L. from Columbus, Ohio
(11/4/2003)
"Tough but fulfilling to the last step" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 After my first marathon in Oct. 2002. I saw NYC Marathon on T.V. and said I will be there next year. NYC + the race was everything I expected and more. City was breathtaking and race wasn't bad either. I went in confident to race but was unsure about weather. I definitely underestimated both. Course was tough even on ideal day, but this year with 70 degrees and humid it was a bear. Forgot about time within 2-3 miles and really enjoyed race, but struggled. Course was tough for 2nd marathon, but crowds and experience were well worth it. High-fived 50+ kids, yelled under bridges, fist pumped crowd, took in sights and listened to great bands. Finished 20 minutes off projected time but have a very satisfied feeling. Still buzzing about it. Run for experience and not time. I would take that to the bank. NY was awesome. - #1 Buckeye Fan | |
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J. F. from Upstate New York
(11/3/2003)
"Unbelievable" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my second marathon and I can't believe that it could get any better than this. | |
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Derrick Eckardt from Jackson Heights, NY & Rolling Hills, CA
(11/3/2003)
"What I will measure all other marathons against" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Highlights: - The awe of Verrazano-Narrows Bridge shaking as you run over it. - Brooklyn residents do what they do best - be loud, as you trek through the borough. - The endless amounts of fans that lined 1st and 5th Avenue. - One of the most scenic finishes in any marathon through Central Park (Am I still in NYC?). This marathon was so well organized, everything ran like clockwork. Other marathons will be a disappointment compared to NYC. |
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