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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 321 to 331]
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Franklyn Felix from Palmdale,CA
(11/21/2006)
"Bad at the start" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ New York City Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Yes, I did this eight times. The only thing I don't like is that it takes you too long to get going when the cannon goes off. To get past the slower runners, you've got to do miles of zigzagging. By the time I reached the finish line, I think I had done almost three extra miles. Other than that, the race is fine. | |
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J. E. from New York
(11/18/2006)
"A 26.2-Mile Party - 37K guests, 2.5 million hosts" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 New York City Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 First of all, for all those that whine about the long wait at the start.... You already should have known what you are in for by reading the previous comments as it's been mentioned, ad nauseum! Yes, the logistics are not ideal but it's a point-to-point course with 38,000 runners and the race starts by the Verrazano Bridge. I just don't understand why so many complain about something they already know they will have to deal with before they even sign up. If you don't have the patient demeanor to deal with the logistics such as the long wait and crowded conditions, why sign up? It's NYC after all, so with a race of the sheer magnitude that reflects the city, embrace it from the beginning or you might be better served to run a much smaller event. There are a few things every person should do in this world.... Visit the Grand Canyon, visit Disney World and run the NYC Marathon! There is no experience like it! It's pretty much a moving party that just never stops. The entire course, with the exception of the bridges, is lined deep with spectators shouting and offering encouragement. The entire city, including the residents, the police and the local businesses, all embrace and support the race. Even for such an enormous city, the first Sunday in November is always "Marathon Sunday!" The course is a bit challenging because it runs over five bridges. The first mile of the Verrazano offers a 150-foot climb, the Queensboro Bridge at mile 15 has about a 100-foot steady climb for the first mile, and mile 23 by Fifth Avenue is also quite challenging. The camaraderie of the runners as well as the incredible crowd support makes running the event a bit less challenging. So if spectators, crowds, nonstop energy, and interacting with runners from all over the world are your thing, run NYCM. | |
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L. K. from New York, NY
(11/18/2006)
"You've got to love the home-field advantage!!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I knew I could not have done any other marathon besides NYC for my first marathon - and I do not regret that decision for a second. The spectators are the absolute best. It is amazing really seeing all five boroughs on marathon day. I have run parts of the course in training, so I really was not fazed by the hills. It is quite crowded, which is why a lot of people say that NYC is not a PR course, or it's run more for experience than time (though I was very happy with my time - beat my sub-four goal with one and a half minutes to spare.) Organization can use some work for '07. The registration cards were mailed very late (and I know some people who did not get theirs at all). The "F" corrals at the start really need better policing - there were lots of men and others with bib numbers in the 30,000's and 40,000's in the corral. The "Athlete Alert" didn't work when being sent to a cell phone via text message. And the post-finish logistics really need work as well (and better food at the finish!). Nevertheless, it was a great experience and I definitely will be back!! | |
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T. Q. from Garwood, N.J.
(11/18/2006)
""Do it for Papa"" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 In my 20's I use to jog between three and five miles at a time - never saw much reason to go farther. Now I'm 51 and last summer was the first time I ever ran six miles. And this year I completed the world famous NYC Marathon. This is more for those novice runners like myself who crave inside info for the race. First enter. They start taking entries in March and it cost $9 to process your application. They have the lottery during the first week of June. If you're turned down for three years, you automatically get in the following year. Everyone puts their name on their shirts and the crowds are amazing - screaming each name they see. I ran the race in memory of my father (who passed away two years ago this December). I wrote, "For Papa" on the front of my shirt and the first time I heard "Do it for Papa" I could feel the tears running down my face. You want motivation? Try running for someone or a charity. As far as the race, it is an honor to run in the NYC Marathon. There is a band every 1/4 mile and people with their own PA systems having parties. At times I swear I felt like I was in a 26-mile conga line. At each and every underpass, everyone going under screams. And there was one house on 1st Ave that was about six floors high, full of people on their balconies who had whistles and conga drums. At certain beats they would throw their hands up and all the runners would follow suit. If you are a novice runner like me, add 20-30 minutes to your time. It was very hard to navigate all the people even if you wanted to; there were little gaps you have to shoot through to get a few yards ahead. Just have fun you'll be happier. After I hit the wall at about mile 23-24, I was hurting... my legs really tightened up. I was taking 20-second walk breaks, rubbing my legs. There was some guy who got my attention over all the noise, and screaming and he yelled, "Do it for Papa - dig deep and do it for Papa." He was pumping his arms. After that, I didn't stop until the finish line. If you're reading this, pal, I owe you a beer. In fact, how about a round for the crowd? You guys rock. Thank you all for helping my Dad participate in the 2006 NYC Marathon. Tom Quinn New Jersey - 4:40:41 | |
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S. P. from Richmond, VA
(11/15/2006)
"AMAZING!" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I completely and utterly agree with all the positive statements already posted here. This marathon is AMAZING!! It is absolutely a must-do in your lifetime race! There is no better way to start a marathon then standing on the top deck of the Verrazano-Narrows bridge with 37,000 fellow runners listening to New York, New York on the loudspeaker while admiring the skyline of Manhattan. It gives you goosebumps!! I didn't find the course to be hilly at all, it was a great tour of the city and the spectators were awesome!! I thought it was really cool running underneath I think it was the Queensboro bridge in the complete darkness-scary but fun! The finish line in Central Park was beautiful with fans 10 deep on either side. Incredible! Now, since no one else said anything negative about this race, I do want to point out a couple of things in the hopes that the marathon organizers actually read this. I hate to be a negative nelly, but it must be said. The trip to Staten Island was smooth, the official race buses were great, very convenient- but once there, the amount of Porta-potties was just sad! I ended up waiting in line for OVER AN HOUR to use the bathroom prior to the start. I was in line so long that I ended up missing my starting corral being called to the bridge. Even Boston had enough Porta-potties this year!! I know that no matter how many you have, it will never be enough, but 5 here and 20 there just doesn't cut it. Speaking of starting corrals, there were some?? I was supposed to be in the 2nd starting corral of the preferred womens only(orange) start. Once in my corral I found men in there and runners with all sorts of numbers both significantly higher and lower than mine. There were tons of volunteers, why weren't any of them checking runners bibs to get into the corrals- once again, Boston does this and it works great. Also, there was no loudspeaker or announcer on Staten Island so you had to really be watching your watch and have been prepared as to what times things happened. All of a sudden your corral is gone with no warning. There was not even an announcement of the elite womens start! Strange! Overall, Staten Island was a lot like Athletes' Village in Boston with more helicopters hovering overhead. The race itself, well, fabulous!! LOVED IT!! Although don't be looking for a PR, just do this one for fun. Too many crowds of runners, spectators and things to look at. After you finish, you immediately get your medal, space blanket, chip removed, water, etc, but then you have to walk up to a mile and a half to get your bag and get to the family reunion area. Now this is just PLAIN MEAN! We did just run 26.2 miles you know, my legs were just a bit tired. And once I finally reached my baggage truck, I had to push back through a throng of tired runners going the opposite way to get back to the family reunion area. It was cold that day too, I couldn't stop shivering by the time I finally reached my bag and warm coat. It ended up taking me over an hour from the time I finished to reach my family. Come on now, there HAS to be a better way. Anyway, great race despite these few minor negative things. You must do this one to fully appreciate it! | |
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J. K. from New York, NY
(11/15/2006)
"Totally awesome!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I loved it! The expo was great, although I recommend going on Thurs. if you live in the city/get to NYC early, because it's really packed by Saturday. The pre-race craziness in Staten Island is a bit chaotic, but pretty darn well done considering they were coordinating 37,000 people. I recommend putting your stuff in your designated UPS truck on the early side. Also there was a huge line for the outhouses right before the start. The race itself is amazing. The spectators are the best in Brooklyn, and during those first 10 miles you're feeling great and loving life. I've heard the bridges can be windy, but the day I ran it was perfect weather. It can get quiet in Queens, and the Queensborough Bridge is a hill, but then it's all worth it because you come on to 1st Ave. and hear the fans roaring. The last miles are hard because you're in the Bronx and it's quieter, but then you come into the park and you know you can make it. This marathon made me want to find another ASAP. NYC knows how to run a marathon. | |
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Pia Padukone from New York, New York
(11/15/2006)
"PHENOMENAL SPIRIT!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a native New Yorker, I wouldn't have run any other race but the ING NYC Marathon as my first marathon. It was spectacular; the pre-race jitters were quelled, as you sat on the lawn with thousands of other runners, the cannon going off over the amazing scenery of the Verrazano Bridge with the sun glinting over the water. The crowds were fantastic. Though my low point of the run was over the 59th Street Bridge - because it was on the lower level, it was windy and cold and there were no spectators - the reception on First Avenue was well worth it. I loved having total strangers shout my name and feel the energy from the spectators. I cannot wait to run this race again - what a welcome to the marathon world! | |
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E. C. from Dublin Ireland
(11/15/2006)
"Brilliant atmosphere!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 NYC is one not to be missed - I've done a good few marathons and NYC is the overall best so far. Each marathon is a VERY different experience; in NYC there was a smile on my face all the way through. I ENJOYED the day, and though I missed out on my time by 20 minutes, that wasn't the goal for the day - it was to discover a city, its cultures, its people, its spirit... and the good thing about this tour of NYC: NO TRAFFIC JAMS!!! | |
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J. E. from Maryland
(11/14/2006)
"A MUST-DO event for women 65 and older" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Must add more thoughts, now a week after having done this and two more races. This is a race for everyone, and older folks can do it, too! I'm a new, first-year runner, aged 65 and usually come in first or second in my age group in about 6 hours. Guess those other older women are busy.... In New York, LOADS of 65+ year-old women from over the world do this race and I was nowhere near the top! I'm slow. I passed an 80 year-old woman - Joanne, I think! If we can do it, so can you. It is the experience of a lifetime! WRITE YOUR NAME ON YOUR SHIRT, YOUR BODY, OR WHATEVER! "Mama Jean, Mama Jean," everyone around me heard! People call your name with all kinds of beautiful accents that you may not even recognize, BUT you know they're out there cheering you on. There are young kids giving high-fives, babies in arms, old men, women, teenagers, folks in wheelchairs, smiling and cheering you on (and giving you food). How much more love can you want? And you can tell your grandchildren about the time you RAN - or walked - the NEW YORK MARATHON! (Just take a camera and ENJOY) | |
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J. H. from Atlanta, Georgia
(11/14/2006)
"It can take up to 4 years to get an entry slot" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a fantastic marathon to run in. You can read everybody else's comments on how great the marathon is with all the support and organization for 38,000 runners that only a large city such as New York can support. The only advice I will offer you is to register early for the NYC Marathon. Entries are chosen at random by a lottery system (unless you have a qualifying time). It can take you up to four years to get an entry into the NYC Marathon. |
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