A Guide to Running the New York City Marathon: Course Insights and Tips

🏃‍♂️The New York City Marathon course is not as flat as people think, with constant elevation changes throughout.

🌬️Wind conditions can have a big impact on the race, especially on the bridges and in exposed sections of the course.

🏔️While there are no major hills, the course features a lot of false flats and rolling hills.

🌳The sections through Brooklyn and Queens offer more tree and building cover, providing some protection from the elements.

👥The Fourth Avenue section is wide open, giving runners ample space, but be prepared for congestion around the start and bottlenecks at certain points.

Are the bridges in the New York City Marathon course challenging?

—Yes, there are two major bridges in the course – the Verrazano Bridge and the Queensboro Bridge. They are steep, windy, and can be cold, so it's important to prepare accordingly.

Is the New York City Marathon course hilly?

—While there are no major hills, the course has constant elevation changes, including false flats and rolling hills. It's essential to train on varying terrains to prepare for the race.

How does the weather affect the race?

—Weather conditions, especially wind, can make a significant difference in the race experience. Be prepared for windy and cold sections, particularly on the bridges and in exposed areas.

Are there any sections of the course with more crowd support?

—Yes, sections like Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn and the streets of Williamsburg and Greenpoint have a lot of crowd support and energy. These areas can provide a great boost for runners.

Are there any challenging sections in the course?

—Some challenging sections include the bottlenecks at the top of Fourth Avenue and certain points where the course narrows. It's crucial to plan and find open space to maintain your desired pace.

00:00Introduction to the New York City Marathon course and the author's personal experience.

06:00Insights on the first section of the course, including the uphill start on the Verrazano Bridge and the transition to Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn.

13:40Details about the second section of the course, running through neighborhoods in Brooklyn and the experience of going over the Pulaski Bridge into Queens.

23:10Information about the third section of the course, including the significant crowd support and challenges with bottlenecks and narrow sections.

30:20Insights on the section leading to the 59th Street Queensboro Bridge and the impact of wind conditions on the race.

36:50Details about the final section of the course, including the importance of preparing for the uphill climb in Central Park.

42:30Conclusion and final tips to help runners prepare for the New York City Marathon.