Planning on running the TCS New York Marathon? Here are some of the thrilling experiences waiting for you in New York.
The big day is upon you! You’re running the TCS New York City marathon and it’s race day in this vibrant city.
All of the training, preparation and family support has lead up to this day. You’ll never regret being a part of the fever that overtakes the entire city – not just the runners – during marathon week.
Preparing Beforehand to New York Marathon
In preparing for this race—besides your training, of course—think recovery and accommodation. It’s a long way from Australia to New York so aim to give yourself at least 5 to 7 days before the race for your body to adjust if possible.
Make sure to book your hotel well in advance. New York is always filled with the buzz of tourists, even more so during this time of year when tens of thousands of athletes (and their families) are coming into the city. Book early!
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Are you bringing your family? What else do they want to see and do?
Think of all of the things they can do in New York. There are all sorts of sporting events to watch live, like the New York Knicks if you’re a basketball fan or the Giants if you prefer football. The race is close to Halloween so head down to Greenwich Village to watch the Halloween parade – it’s like nothing you’ll see in Australia.
In you and your family’s excitement make sure you don’t walk your legs into the ground. You could really overwork your legs in the time before the race just by site-seeing. Be strategic in your planning.
Want to take in the city during the TCS New York Marathon? Download your free copy of our New York Marathon 10-Day Itinerary.
Race Day
This is the biggest marathon in the world and everyone wants to be a part of it. If you’ve booked through Travelling Fit—these guys really treat their runners with care—you’ll find a shuttle waiting at the hotel, providing you with transportation to and from the race.
But, don’t worry if you haven’t—part of the experience of running a marathon is adventuring with fellow runners. You can catch the ferry to Staten Island – a treat in itself!
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You and over 50,000 other runners will be running through the 5 boroughs of New York with over 1 million spectators lining the streets to support you. Take it in, take it in!
There’ll be high-fives from the fans and so many people cheering you on, you’ll feel like an absolute rockstar. The New York marathon is unlike any other because of the atmosphere and the lengths the New Yorkers go to in order to make you feel special.
At the starting line, you’ll be sent off to the sound of Sinatra’s “New York, New York” and each burrough thereafter has its own sound and feel. When you turn into Central Park for the last time it will be alive with music—the last time I was there, there was a live band playing Springsteen’s hit ‘Born to Run’ which made the hair stand up on the back of my neck!
There’s so much to experience within the race itself. You’ll be running with the world’s elite athletes and celebrities—a buddy of mine high-fived Serena Williams in Harlem! I carried an inflatable kangaroo, high-fiving the kids along the street.
The Finish
Make sure to smile and hold up your race number when you get to the finish line. There’ll be photographs and video footage for you to take home. You’ll also receive your Finisher’s medal and a Recovery Bag. The one downside of these big races is that you generally have to walk a reasonable distance after crossing the finish line. Just relax (as much as you can after running 42kms!) and tell yourself that this will really help your recovery.
There is a specific Family reunion area outside the park where you can arrange to meet, although if you’re staying nearby it’s probably easier to meet back at the hotel.
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The TCS New York City Marathon is an event like no other. In the days following the race, you can be among the scores of runners wearing their medals. Every New Yorker will recognize you and congratulate you on your achievement!
The praise and love alone that you receive just by being in the city as a marathon runner during that time is special and will stay with you. Talk to your family, sort out your finances, plan a training schedule so that you can be a part of this.
An event like the TCS New York marathon is well within your grasp to achieve.
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