The NYC marathon is rightly regarded as one of the top five marathons in the world, a highlight in many runners’ career, with a field (the largest) of around 50,000 running through the city’s five boroughs to finish in Manhattan’s famous Central Park. This year, Murdo Macleod was fortunate enough to get an entry and had a brilliant time. Many thanks to the organisers, the New York Flyers and to Alan Gardner in particular. Murdo took a camera around with him and you can see his photos and report below.
Place
Gender Pos
Age Pos
5K Split
10K Split
Half Split
30K Split
40K Split
Time
Murdo Macleod
16235
12518
1436
00:27:10
00:52:33
01:51:02
02:43:33
03:48:32
04:02:36
52,000 entrants, 47,438 starters, 46,795 finishers including 1,814 from Great Britain.
Murdo said:“Neil Page and I both entered the lottery draw for this marathon in 2008. Neil was fortunate enough to get in first time while I didn’t but having entered for the next two years got an automatic entry on my fourth attempt.
In summary, this is the world’s biggest marathon with over 50,000 entrants and 2,500,000 spectators on route. The weather this year was perfect, clear skies, cool (if cold) breeze and the administration was slick and well organised. The route is a point-to-point taking in New York’s five Boroughs starting in Staten Island and visiting Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and finishing in Manhattan’s Central Park. The route is hilly, particularly the five bridges you cross, the long straight Streets and Avenues are inclined and the last section in Central Park is distinctively humply. Link to route map here.
Met up with Alan Gardner from the New York Flyers (he ran with us in Edinburgh while holidaying here) who very kindly escorted us at the expo and hosted us at the Flyers pasta party. This also included a superb talk by Bart Yasso illustrated by slides of his many adventures. We were made very welcome and can’t thank Alan and the Flyers enough.
I had a great race; following Aicha’s advice, I took in the brilliant atmosphere and simply enjoyed the event. The support is constant and very vocal (lots of whoo-hooing!), the Boroughs (even sections of them) have their own personalities and the architecture and scenery is unique. There are toilets and water/Gatorade stations every mile from mile 3 and gels were handed out at mile 18. Nicola came along to support and I met her twice on route and at an agreed point after the finish. It all went without a hitch, no injuries, fatigue or getting lost! Of the “big” marathons I’ve done, this was by far the best. The main plus points are the unique and scenic setting, the excellent organisation and support but most of all the New Yorkers themselves who are welcoming, helpful, friendly, very supportive and justifiably proud of their marathon.”
Photos etc:“I’ve included some photos and personal thoughts and experiences from this race that may be of interest particularly if you’re thinking of doing it in the future (which I would highly recommend!).”
When we flew into New York (Monday) we saw the result of Saturday’s snow storm
When we flew into New York (Monday) we saw the result of Saturday’s snow storm
Central Park was particularly badly hit. While the snow had cleared (this was Wednesday), because there were still leaves on
the trees, the weight of the snow had caused about 1,000 trees to be severely damaged requiring to be taken down.
We thought we’d misheard the number till we visited the park!
There was a lot of work to do to survey the park, clear away fallen debris, take down trees, loose branches etc before the race.
The Park’s department were in full swing when we were there – very impressive it was too. There is a mass replant due in April.
Met up with Alan at the expo. Collection of numbers etc was very straight forward. No queuing.
Bart Yasso giving presentation at Flyers pasta party
As the race is point-to-point, there are a number of different ways to get to the start in Staten Island
As we were staying in Manhattan, I took the Staten Island Ferry. You need to pre-book and I was on the 0615
One thing about being up so early is you see the sun rising over Brooklyn Bridge
Leaving Manhattan there was a constant flow of ferries and plenty of room. 5 mile, 25 minute journey. Free.
As you approach Staten Island, you can see the 2 mile long Verrazano Narrows Bridge connection to Brooklyn.
You start the marathon and immediately cross onto the bridge. It’s a very noticeable climb and certainly warms you up.
One of my fav images of the day. Looking back towards Manhattan after getting off the ferry
Once you get off the ferry, there’s a walk to a continual bus service taking you the 20 minute journey to the start area
Once there, there’s a walk to the start village which is split into three sections – Green, Orange and Blue
This is the Green area. Plenty of toilets – minimal queuing. There is a big TV in each area for directions/updates
There is also free coffee/tea (by Dunkin’ Doughnuts), water and bagels provided while you wait.
As you can be there a while, you do need extra clothing to keep warm. Thankfully while it was cold, it was dry.
The trucks on the right are for your baggage which is transported to the finish area. They are clearly marked and correspond to your race number.
The bridge looks bloody enormous and is actually on two levels. Although I didn’t know it, I was on the bottom.
As your start approaches (mine was at 1010) you’re called forward into waves and pens. This is my pen.
There are also plenty toilets in here and places to leave any clothing you want to discard (recycled for charity).
There’s a welcoming address, national anthem and good luck wishes from various dignitaries played over the PA.
Once the 0940 start have all cleared the bridge, we were called forward to the start. The other wave is on the top section.
Again, you are encouraged to donate any unwanted clothing by discarding them at the side before you start running.
And we’re away. Doesn’t show how long and steep the bridge actually is.
One of the things I did notice was that most runners seemed to have put down their correct speed for working out pens,
consequently there was significantly less of the usual bollocks of having to pass slower runners/walkers or being passed by speedies.
The views throughout the race were magnificent and no place more so than on the bridge.
Couldn’t be anywhere else but NYC!
This is Brooklyn at the water and Gatorade station at 4 miles (both road sides).There were stations (with toilets) at every mile from mile 3.
Drinks were in paper cups which are significantly less dangerous than 50,000 half used plastic bottles underfoot!
Drinks were in paper cups which are significantly less dangerous than 50,000 half used plastic bottles underfoot!
Still Brooklyn (approaching 57 St). Given the terrain and the sheer volume of people, it’s not necessarily PB territory
There were apparently 130 bands on route!
Nicola met me a couple of times on route. First time at 110 St and 1st Ave near East Harlem between miles 18 and 19.
At mile 18. The only thing missing is the axe!
Surprised the spectators when I took a photo of Nicola!
I carried on up through Manhattan and over the Willis Ave Bridge to the Bronx and back to Manhattan on the Madison Ave Bridge.
Nicola had moved along East 110 Street to 5th Avenue and met me again just before mile 23 (above)
As the finish area was 3 miles away and mobbed it wasn’t easy to get to from here.
Nicola somehow crossed the road(!) and had a leisurely stroll through Central Park to meet me after the finish at an agreed point.
Just before mile 24, the route enters Central Park and becomes particularly humply for the last few miles.
A quick dip out of the Park and along to Columbus Circle and a mile and a half to go.
Back into Central Park and at 26 miles – nearly there but the last section is uphill!
Central Park with ½ a mile to go!
The finish. The time is for the first wave at 0940
Looking back at the finish. I was 16,000 so there was 30,000 still to finish!
You were given a foil blanket and moved along the road encouraged by volunteers congratulating you.
Again, lots of whoo-hooing! Got crowded but not oppressive and moved on without any problems.
Moved forward to collect goody bag with water, bananas, etc
Great marshals and volunteers at the food/fluid bag area
Lorries lined up with your baggage based on your race number.
You can see why it’s difficult to meet up afterwards! There isn’t a dedicated reunion area.
Baggage pickup was quick and easy and then walk out of the park. Only runners allowed in these areas.
It’s about 1 mile after the finish before you’re out of Central Park
Walking down Central Park West to meet Nicola
Met outside the Museum of Natural History (of Night at the Museum fame)
Great place to meet up. Not too far to walk, away from the crowds, next to the subway for getting home
Easy journey on the subway (runners travel free) back to the hotel.
Had a great time, wonderful marathon. Sell your partner and do it!
Edinburgh Running Network
