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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 311 to 321]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 30 31 32 33 34 .. 61 > ]

 

Gustavo Paulino from Sete Lagoas, Brazil (1/19/2007)
"Beating myself" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 2 New York City Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


In 2005, NYC was my first marathon and I did it in 3:48. Crossing the finish line was one of the best moments of my life, but it was very hard to complete.

In 2006, after running another marathon in Brazil, I went again to NY.

The challenge this time was to beat my time from last year. I did it in 3:30, which, until the next marathon, is my personal record.

In 2007 I'll be in NY again and hope to do it in 3:20. The race is very well organized and the city is great.

 

Sid Busch from Goose Creek SC (1/16/2007)
"What can you say?" (about: 2006)

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


What can you say about the New York Marathon that's not been said? The views are amazing and moving (the terrible hole in that skyline still brings tears to my eyes) - the fireboats spray water in the air to honor all of us runners, and the Statue of Liberty is still standing proud. For one day, New York acts like a small town; people cheer you on, willing you to the finish. You get a tour of the whole city, and there is no better way to see it. After the marathon, while heading home, people would come up to me and congratulate me on running it - and they really meant it. So much for cold New Yorkers.

This is not the marathon to run for a PR, but it's one to savor to the end, to enjoy and to cherish. I will be trying to get in again this year, and for as long as I can run.

 

Irma Ruano from Mexico City (1/9/2007)
"Best Crowd Ever!" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 New York City Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


Excellent course! Excellent crowd! This is my 2nd (I ran Chicago 2005).

Hated the waiting before the start. It was freezing cold and there were lines for everything. Bring your sleeping bag - no kidding!

Very bad finish. Since I'm a slow runner (4 hours and 52 minutes), my husband and I had to completely stop and walk for a long time in an amazingly slow and large crowd to get to our UPS bus (like 25 minutes), and until then you get your food (apple, bar and water).

But the course is really worth it!!!

 

k. c. from New Jersey (1/4/2007)
"Once-in-a-lifetime experience" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Even thinking of the expereince now, 2 months later, tears come to my eyes. It was such a moving experience to be part of the New York City Marathon. It was incredibly well organized for 37,000 runners. Unlike the NJ Marathon, which was my first, you had to pick up your packet days prior to NYC, so plan for that. Also, you have to get to Staten Island around 6 a.m. and wait in the cold for hours until the start. BUT nothng compares to running over the Verrazano and realizing that it is closed for you. The crowds were so incredible - definitely wear your name on your shirt. People cheered me on the whole time, and even when I was in pain, I kept going due to the cheers. Little children held out their hands to high-five you. Every borough was fantastic. Crossing the finish line was awe-inspiring. It was really crowded at the finish and it was tough to find your people, but it was all worth it.

 

Eva Kotylak from Atlanta, GA (12/31/2006)
"First Marathon!" (about: 2006)

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


NYC Marathon was my first marathon. I had such a great time running it. Running over the Verrazano Bridge was incredible. The people running and the people cheering were great. I was sightseeing and people watching the whole time. I can't wait to do another marathon!

 

N. B. from Averill Park, NY (12/28/2006)
"I can't imagine anything better!" (about: 2006)

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


This race was unbelievable! Even though I didn't run nearly as fast as I wanted, I loved every minute of the race. It was very emotional seeing racers with handicaps and the millions of fans. I felt like an Olympian for the day!

 

S. S. from St. Louis, Missouri (12/24/2006)
"NYC will be a tough act to follow" (about: 2006)

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


I had an extremely high level of expectations for the marathon as it was in wonderful New York City. My experience surpassed my expectations. I would highly recommend this race to anyone, and I intend to apply for the 2007 lottery. My one minor complaint is that there was only one stand for coffee in the staging area - oh well. The course is awesome, covering all 5 boroughs; and the finish in Central Park was exhilarating and rewarding. Considering the logistics of an event of this magnitude, the race was very well organized. The fans were ubiquitous and enthusiastic (remember to put your name on your shirt, as hearing your name really helps at about mile 24). Also, try to stay composed when entering Manhattan and turning onto 1st Avenue - feeling the energy of the crowd is quite a rush, and you still have about 10 miles to go, even though it feels as if you're almost finished! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity. I can't wait to run this one again.

 

S. C. from Edgewater, New Jersey (12/7/2006)
"Tremendous event!" (about: 2006)

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


It's not the distance that makes this fun. It's where the course is! Running through all five boroughs is great and the crowds are very encouraging. If your name is on your shirt you will be cheered for by name! There are a number of ups and downs to the route because of the bridges but they aren't too bad. The last 1.5 miles through Central Park are particularly tough because the route goes uphill.

 

H. V. from Southern California (11/27/2006)
"Is there a better one for your first?" (about: 2006)

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


Everything has been said before, but can there be a better event than this for your first marathon?
Thank you New York!
I'll be back!

 

M. F. from South Orange, NJ (11/27/2006)
"NYC is getting more crowded every year." (about: 2006)

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


This was my fifth NYC Marathon and I ran it as an easy training run before the JFK 50 Mile two weeks later, so I was able to finally enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. I started near the front of the green start line and knew the course would be crowded, but I was surprised how crowded it still was entering Central Park at the 24-mile mark. I got elbowed by a guy passing me with 200 meters to go to the finish line.

I discovered where they have a large batch of seldom used port-o-johns at the the Athletes Village so I never had to stand in line to use the toilet before the race.

If you love crowds, fans, and lots of cheering, then NYC is a MUST-DO marathon. For me, it's getting a little old and I find that I'm enjoying the low-key marathons (<5,000 runners) much more.

 

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