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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 571 to 581]
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A Runner from Canada
(1/11/2002)
"A spectacularly-organized event. Complete blast." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 NYC 2001 was my third marathon, after running Ottawa and Toronto in 2000. Despite all of the incredible hype about this race in books and on this website, it was even better than I expected. Superb organization, completely amazing crowds beginning at mile 3 and continuing for most of the race (petering out in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, then picking up again in Harlem and all the way down to Central Park), great information to help prepare, first class volunteers....I've gotta go back and do it again. | |
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A Runner from Madrid, Spain
(12/26/2001)
"Best marathon in my life..." (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After completing 4 marathons in Europe, this one (in 2001) was the best in my life. And it will be difficult for me to run a better one. Weather, organization and crowd support were unbeatable. | |
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A Runner from New Jersey, USA
(12/3/2001)
"The best crowds and a great race" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Course: The course was really tough - this was my first marathon and I think I underestimated the course and ended up with a time that I did not expect! Organization - Security was to be expected - but the long wait of more than 4 hours was too bad - I think it might have also contributed to my poor time - bananas were scarce to come by at the start - toilets were also not clearly marked and there were long waits at some of them and none at others; but other than these, organization was excellent overall. Spectators: What can you say about them - they were awesome - their enthusiasm and participation is what makes the NY Marathon a great race! | |
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Mark P. Gershman, from Scottsdale, Arizona
(12/2/2001)
"The most diverse race you'll run in in the USA" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This race will mean a lot of different things to different people. You'll meet runners from all over the world and you'll traverse a variety of neighborhoods all with their own character and diversity. This diversity begins at the Expo, and is continued at the pasta dinner, and finally at the start line on Staten Island. Because of the size and the notoriety of the race, this race can encourage first-timers or can be daunting for those looking to run a race a little more intimate in size and scope. Personally, the race has its own mystique and like New York itself, it has something for everyone. No matter what you take away from this race, you will always have the memories of very large, enthusiastic, and passionate well-wishers to cheer you on from beginning to end; this is the race to really take in and as you do, the miles easily melt away. Two letdowns that I noticed, as did others are (1) the expo was a major disappointment; it was short on vendors and booths--the emphasis was clearly on the oversized merchandise area (the best by far expo is still Chicago's) and (2) the long, very long wait at the starting area--over 4 hours. I realize the security concerns especially this year, but the confusion of the layout coupled with a lack of anything to do for hours made for a long morning. I can't imagine the misery of waiting there with adverse weather conditions. Folks, maybe a bonfire, more tents, a pre-race meeting area based on states or country, anything. These oversights are made up for by the extraordinary team of volounteers; every single one was helpful, courteous, and really had a great attitude. I think you should make it to New York at least once (if the lottery allows you or you qualify) because it really shows you the true brotherhood of the running community no matter what your level. And while you're there, you can't miss all that the City has to offer; it's a very walkable city full of a lot of energy and a lot of terrific people and tons of culture, food, shopping, and entertainment. | |
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Jazmin from Southern California
(12/2/2001)
"Start spreadin' the news..." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 NYC was my fifth marathon, and I have to say that it surpasses all others! Being in town for the marathon was great, got to sightsee and take in a musical the night before. There are, of course, things that aren't perfect, such as: - The poorly distributed toilets at the start. I think they were enough, just not visible to everyone. You really had to look for them. - They were giving out coffee, only to hear the announcer say coffee was one of the worst things you could drink before the start: Duh! - Bring a blanket, or even some cardboard, to lay on while you wait at the start. You don't want to be standing around in the cold for three hours prior. - Sponges are a good idea, if you pass them out once and tell people to hang onto them. I had to pick my spots do I didn't step on those and fall. - This is not a PR course. Every one of the 3 or 4 bridges you cross has an uphill, and downhill doesn't help much when you're too sore to crank it up. Queensboro was by far the toughest bridge. - I was not impressed at all by the expo. LA has a much bigger one. Well, that's all the negative stuff I could think of, that future runners should be aware of. The positives, of course, outweigh any negatives. The weather was absolutely perfect, and this year was special because of the focus on 9-11. I saw a firefighter run in full gear. Rhino Man was funny too. The diversity of the different neighborhoods was awesome, and I had a great time running through all of them, especially Brooklyn. I hope to run NYC again someday, and I highly recommend it for people who like a lot of encouragement along the way. One last tip: Write your name on the front of your shirt. You'll have thousands of people cheering you on! | |
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A Runner from Bombay, India
(11/30/2001)
"Spectators were the highlight in NY" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Passing through the 5 boroughs is a joy as the crowds change with the area. It's a great place for the novice runners who are there to enjoy the experience. The course is disastrous during the end even though there is a change to the course, steep hills are still a challenge to aching knees at the end in Central Park. Adjust your time goals accordingly. I ran the 2001 NYC Marathon and sorry to say the organization was poor, late mailings of the registration cards, long queue's for the toilets at the starting line, and too few sports drink stations. And when they finally came they too were small and not spread which caused a crowd to gather around them. One cannot distinguish the difference between sports drink and water stations causing frustration and almost caused me the race as I ended up energy drained on missing one and had to wait till the next station to get my fill. New York Marathon is not recommended for the first time Marathoner either as there are many unanswered questions during the process. I ran the London Marathon the same year and found it to be excellent in its organization, all you have to do is put on your kit and run, the rest is taken care of by them. | |
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A Runner from Calgary, Canada
(11/27/2001)
"Great to do once" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 - The crowds were fantastic, and inspired the runners throughout the whole race. Advice: put your name on your shirt and everyone will cheer for YOU! - Shivering for 3 1/2 hours at Fort Wadsworth before the start was not memorable. Advice: bring a throwaway blanket and/or plastic bag along and have a nap while waiting. - Where were the potties? I started looking at mile 4 and didn't see one (and I mean ONE) until after mile 6. A male runner suggested I use the parking lot but I couldn't bring myself to do so. I wasted over 10 minutes waiting in line. Advice: wear a diaper or lose your modesty if you care about your time in this race! - The organization and emotion of this race were otherwise very strong points. It's a great race to do once, but not one for setting a PR. Last bit of advice: When 30,000 people are worried about a bomb going off on the Verrazano Bridge, a cannon blast is NOT recommended to start off the race. | |
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A Runner from Mexico City, Mexico
(11/16/2001)
"The spectators were a great help" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 It was my first marathon in New York, and I will definitely be back!!!!! The only problem is that we waited too much for the race to begin!!! | |
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A Runner from New York
(11/13/2001)
"Absolutely nothing like it!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The three categories are all strong 5's. This was my third NY and I have to say that the organization is simply unbelievable. In addition, with the added pressure of security this year, not enough has been said about the stellar job the organization did. Regarding the previous comments about watching at the finish line, if $65 is too steep, watch one of the other numerous great locations along the course, specifically 1st Avenue or early in the Park. However, $65 seems pretty darn cheap to see a loved one cross the line of one of the best marathons around (sorry, but you're missing the point on what this stuff is all about). Also, a comment about the walk after the race, I actually think it's brilliantly done. As any runner realizes how important it is to keep moving, the walk after this race is strategically done as the runners are provided with many handouts (drinks, food, etc.) as they make their way to the meeting area. It's a great way to keep you moving. Lastly, in response to the previous comment about $12 for transportation, well, I've tried to think of something to say, but I couldn't stop laughing. By the way, I have no affiliation with the marathon whatsoever; I simply think it's brilliantly done. | |
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A Runner from Syracuse, NY
(11/9/2001)
"I had to do it once, but only once." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have never seen so many people cheering in my life. The New Yorkers all come out of thier homes and line the course five deep the whole way. It is truly a unique race. It comes at a price though. If your family wants to see the finish line it'll cost $65. The only way to the start is by their bus service, and that cost $12. The expo has corporate contracts with race sponsored products. This excludes vendors from selling clothing, and supplements. So bring your GU with you. The race is very crowded, unless you start up front traffic will slow you down. Be prepared for a long walk uphill to get your bags and see your family after you cross the finish line. If you go to New York to have fun, and sight see, You'll have the time of your life. This was my seventh marathon. I dont regret going, but I doubt I'll return. |
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