Thinking about running the New York City Marathon? DO IT! You’re in for a life-changing adventure that promises a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you’re a seasoned sprinter or lacing up your running shoes for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from snagging a spot in the race to crossing that iconic finish line.

How to Get In

First things first, how do you secure a spot in this legendary marathon? Here’s what you need to know:

• Lottery Entry: A fan favorite, but luck has to be on your side here. Only 4% of those who applied were accepted in 2024.
• Running Virtual the Year Before: Some spots open for those completing the virtual marathon the year prior.
• Charity Runners: Run with purpose! Join a charity team, fundraise, and earn your bib. There are tons of awesome charities with a variety of fundraising amounts to choose from.
• 9+1 Program: Local to NYC? Take part in nine qualifying races and volunteer once to guarantee next year’s entry.

Each path has its quirks and criteria, but remember: don’t let fear stand in your way.

Overcoming Fear and Imposter Syndrome

Feeling like you don’t quite belong? It’s normal. The marathon is a massive undertaking, and im

poster syndrome can creep in. But guess what? You’re not alone. Many first-timers feel the same way. Embrace the community spirit—family, friends, and fellow runners are there to lift you up. Their belief in you will be your secret superpower.

Tips for Success

• Commit to Training: Set aside at least three days a week for running. This is non-negotiable.  You might have to move them around – that is fine – but they need to happen, especially the long runs!
• Start training early.  Before committing to a training plan (16 to 20 weeks out, depending on the one you use) build a good base where you can run 3 to 5 miles at a time comfortably.  
• Lean on Encouragement: Build a support network that will cheer you on and keep you motivated.
• Stay Inspired: Remember those who’ve conquered their own races. Their stories are your fuel.

Getting to the Marathon is a Marathon All By Itself

Preparing to participate in the NYC Marathon involves more than just physical training—logistics play a key role. The journey to the start line can feel like a marathon itself, with various steps from securing a spot, organizing travel, and understanding the sprawling city’s layout.

Getting to the Staten Island Ferry

One of the first major hurdles on marathon day is getting to the Staten Island Ferry. With tens of thousands of runners making their way there, planning your timing and route is crucial. It’s recommended to arrive early as the excitement builds with throngs of runners ready to embark on this iconic journey.

Getting in Line for the Bus to the Village

Once you’ve taken the ferry, the next step involves getting in line for the buses transporting runners to the Start Village on Staten Island. These lines can be long, but they offer a chance to connect with fellow participants and exchange last-minute tips or encouragement.

The Bus Ride to the Village

The bus ride to the Start Village is an experience in itself, filled with anticipation and camaraderie. As you navigate through New York City streets with your fellow runners, it’s a journey that heightens the sense of occasion and bonds everyone together before the big race.

Personal Reflections: Navigating the Marathon Experience

Now, let me share my personal take on this exhilarating journey. Starting later in the day, you’ll find that the crowds begin to thin out. Those big moments captured in official photos often miss the quieter reality two-thirds through the marathon. Big stars like Peloton instructors and fun spots like the Maybelline tent can feel empty by the time you reach them. It also makes you feel incredibly grateful for those who are still out there, cheering the runners on!

Waves, Start Points, and Colors

The marathon is organized into five waves with three starting points labeled by colors. Each color has its own starting location and all three routes converge at mile 8. The waves are determined by either the expected finish time you provided or a qualifying race time. For 2024, the wave breakdown was:

• Wave 1 (9:10 am start): Under 3:24, NYRR pace of under 7:14
• Wave 2 (9:45 am start): 3:25 to 3:45, NYRR pace of 7:15 to 7:57
• Wave 3 (10:20 am start): 3:46 to 4:05, NYRR pace of 7:58 to 8:39
• Wave 4 (10:55 am start): 4:06 to 4:35, NYRR pace of 8:40 to 9:43
• Wave 5 (11:30 am start): The rest

So, here’s a little insider tip—there’s a temptation to list an earlier completion time when you sign up. Why? An earlier start means richer crowd support and more buzz along the way. I wish I had done this myself, as some friends managed to join earlier waves thanks to charity entries or past faster times.

Despite this, the marathon remains awe-inspiring no matter your start or finish time. Even towards the end, NYC’s crowds surpass those in many cities, and the TCS NYC Marathon throws a real party for us latecomers. After 8 pm, the finish line becomes a vibrant celebration, complete with music, lights, and heartfelt congratulations for every runner crossing it.

Why is the NYC Marathon Special?

The whole city comes alive with people cheering along the entire route for hours on end. Starting on Staten Island and running through each of NYC’s five boroughs provides a spectacular and unique way to explore the city.

During the marathon, you’ll witness and feel an incredible sense of community and goodwill. Strangers will offer high fives, words of encouragement, and even their own support tools like theraguns or snacks. Couples will run hand in hand, and you’ll see runners with physical challenges pushing through with determination. I cannot imagine another city where I can high five 50 people in a row, all cheering me on – that might have been my fastest mile! This camaraderie is what makes the NYC Marathon more than just a race; it’s a testament to kindness and perseverance.

The race includes crossing several bridges, which are normally bustling with traffic. These bridges present challenging hills, but with no cars around, they offer unique vantage points and a magnificent view of the city’s skyline. For this runner, I was especially grateful for a closed course as I didn’t have to worry about cars whizzing by me.  I felt safe!

2024 marked the largest NYC Marathon to date, with over 55,000 finishers, a testament to the event’s popularity and the allure of this incredible race experience.

The Journey of 26.2 Miles

How can 26.2 miles feel so fast yet take so long? For me, it was 7 hours and 5 minutes of incredible adventure. I felt fantastic until halfway, got a bit tired at mile 15, and managed to bounce back with strategic nutrition. Knowing supporters were at mile 18, 19, and 22 kept me energized and focused. A real wall popped at that point. Those last hills in Central Park made it tough to keep running but: Just four more miles? It felt like a victory lap. (A very slow victory lap!)

Training paid off. Juggling a full-time job, managing a large podcast, family duties, and more, I promised myself three runs a week and I held myself to it. I didn’t always get every mile I set out to do. I never went as fast as I wanted. Some weeks I felt like I was never going to be able to complete this thing I had started.  It wasn’t easy. I questioned my sanity and life choices more than once, but I’m profoundly proud of what I achieved. That medal? It was a one-and-done dream, and I’m grateful I chose NYC.

Conclusion

Running the New York City Marathon is more than just a tick off the bucket list. It’s a celebration of endurance, resilience, and humanity. So why wait? Take that bold step and register. The journey to the finish line might just be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Embrace it. You’ll be grateful you did!

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