If ever there was a marathon to do, this is it! The organisation, the atmosphere, the course, the experience… Everything is on a par with the skyscrapers of the Big Apple.
The New York Marathon is one of the most iconic and eagerly awaited sporting events every year. It’s not for nothing that it’s one of the 6 World Marathon Majors. Whether you should attend or take part is another matter altogether. To find out more about the 2023 New York Marathon, take a look at our guide.
Introduction to the New York Marathon
Held on the first Sunday in November, the New York Marathon is a major annual event that attracts millions of people from all over the world every year. Amateur athletes and runners from all over the world, as well as spectators, take part along the route.
Since its first edition in 1970, the popularity and prestige of the New York City Marathon have grown steadily over the years. It is one of the oldest and most renowned marathons in the world.
This international event has something for everyone! For participants and spectators alike, the New York Marathon is an experience not to be missed. Especially if you’re visiting or planning a trip to New York at this time of year.
Information you need to know about the NYC Marathon 2023
- Start: Staten Island
- Finish : Central Park
- Start time: 9 hours 50
- Time limit: 8 hours 30 min
- Minimum age requirement: 18
- Participants: 50,000
- Men’s race record: Geoffrey Mutaï, KEN, 2 h 05 min 6s (2011)
- Women’s record: Margareth Okayo, KEN, 2 h 22 min 31s (2003)
Reasons to attend the New York Marathon
The New York Marathon experience is not limited to the race itself. For those who don’t want to run the race, watching the event as a spectator is a great option. Watching the runners take to the streets of New York is an unforgettable experience that allows you to experience first-hand the determination and perseverance of the participants.
As well as the sporting side of the event, the New York Marathon is a festive occasion throughout. Spectators can enjoy the festivities and celebrations surrounding the event, including live music and food vendors.
On this day, the highlights will not be the exclusive preserve of the competition, as the New York Marathon is a cultural and social event that unites the city’s residents and visitors alike. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy yourself and discover all the wonders of the Big Apple from a different angle, as the runners pass through some of the city’s most emblematic districts.
Finally, attending the New York Marathon is an excellent opportunity to get involved in volunteering and support the runners. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the event, helping to distribute water and snacks to runners, and helping to maintain safety on the course.
Reasons to take part in the 2023 marathon
Crossing the Atlantic to take part in the New York Marathon is an experience in itself for many international runners. Taking part in the marathon can be a personal challenge, an opportunity to test your endurance and physical capabilities. For many people, running the world’s most famous race is a dream come true, an achievement, perhaps an inspiring and motivating experience, running alongside professional athletes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, taking part in the marathon can be a rewarding experience. If you’re an experienced runner, you may be ready to tackle the 26.2 miles of pavements and bridges that make up the New York Marathon. But if you’re taking part for the first time, don’t be intimidated, as the marathon remains a great sporting adventure.
As for visitors, running in New York can also be an excellent way of taking in the city and its legendary districts through a varied and stimulating route. The race crosses the city’s five boroughs, offering breathtaking views of famous landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. What’s more, taking part in such an iconic event is a great way to meet new people and create memorable links and memories with other participants.
Highlights of the event
The New York City Marathon is an exceptional experience for participants and spectators alike. From the moment you arrive in the city, you’ll feel the energy and excitement of this unique event. The streets are filled with thousands of runners, spectators and volunteers, all eager to take part in the race. You’ll be immersed in the buzz of the crowd, the music and the cheers of those around you.
The race starts on Staten Island, crosses all five boroughs of New York, and finishes in Central Park. In the days before and after the event, the city is invaded by runners and spectators taking part in various festivities.
Before the New York Marathon
Registration
The marathon is a very popular event, so registration can seem competitive. The event is organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR), in accordance with the rules of the US National Track and Field Federation. Anyone can take part in the marathon if they follow the necessary steps, but it is essential to plan ahead.
To register for the New York Marathon, participants must meet certain qualification standards or take part in a lottery system. Entries are open for a limited time and usually require a registration fee.
NYRR assigns bib numbers and numbers to each participant.
Preparation
Running the New York Marathon is a unique experience that requires dedication and preparation. The race is 42km long and requires a significant amount of physical endurance and training for anyone considering taking part in a race of this scale.
To prepare for the New York Marathon, many runners choose to follow a personalised training programme. The NYRR Coaching Lab by Runcoach is an example of a virtual training programme that offers runners valuable advice and guidance throughout their preparation.
It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated during training.
Good mental preparation is also necessary. Conditioning yourself on the importance of taking part, understanding that the goal is to finish the race, no matter how long it takes to get there, and living it as such: an incredible experience that can be very rewarding.
During the race
During the race, it’s important to take your time and stay hydrated. Don’t hesitate to take breaks to recover and don’t push yourself beyond your physical limits.
After the marathon
On the evening of the marathon, it’s common to see runners celebrating their success in the streets of Manhattan. The next day, finishers can still be seen with their medals around their necks. In the days following the event, the city is still full of festivities, with some shops selling their wares at special prices. It’s hard to put into words the emotions you feel when you’re there. And even if you’re not running, just being at this 52nd edition of the New York City Marathon will immerse you in a unique atmosphere. Whatever you choose to do, taking part in or attending the New York City Marathon is an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
What is the budget for the New York City Marathon?
To estimate your budget for the marathon, you need to take into account the registration fee, but also the additional costs associated with the race itself (the race number, training, depending on the type of training you choose), travel and accommodation costs, as well as meals and other expenses on site.
In general, you need to budget a minimum of €3,000 to €5,000 to cover all expenses, but this can vary depending on your personal choices and preferences. Don’t forget that the total cost will also depend on the length of your stay in New York, the activities you wish to do outside the marathon and your level of comfort in terms of accommodation. So it’s essential to plan your trip carefully and take all these aspects into account to avoid budget surprises.
If you want to save money on your trip to New York, we advise you to plan your journey in advance and use a New York CityPass.
How do I get a race number for the New York Marathon?
There are several ways of obtaining a race number.
The first option is to take part in the lottery (TCS New York City Marathon Drawing). The draw took place on Wednesday 1 March 2023, so you will have to consider other solutions for the 2023 edition. The same goes for time qualifying (the Time qualifying standard). This option qualifies you according to your race time, but the qualifying window was available from 1 January to 31 December 2022.
To take part now, opt to register via an official partner travel agency (Official International Tour Operators) such as the Amicale Française des Coureurs de Fond (AFCF).
Other official partner travel agencies: Contrastes Running, France Marathon, Sports Tour International France, OUEST-VOYAGES and Planet Tours.
What is the distance of the New York Marathon?
The distance of the New York Marathon is the same as that of all marathons, i.e. 42.195 kilometres.
Why is the New York Marathon so legendary?
Although there are other iconic races such as Sierre Zinal and the UTMB, the New York Marathon is a cut above the rest. The event attracts over 50,000 runners every year.
The atmosphere and energy generated by the race are exceptional, thanks in part to the millions of spectators who turn out to cheer on the runners. The route passes through some of New York’s most iconic landmarks, including iconic bridges and legendary neighbourhoods such as Harlem.
Since its first edition in 1970, the marathon has remained a beloved tradition, attracting millions of visitors every year. Over the years, the New York Marathon has become a truly popular event and has gained worldwide renown.
Where to stay for the New York Marathon?
The Empire Hotel is the closest accommodation to the finish line and the Beacon Hotel is very popular for its value for money.
Other interesting places to stay during the New York Marathon:
- Hotel Lucerne
- Mandarin Oriental New York
- La Quinta New York City Central Park
- The Hudson New York
These hotels are conveniently located and offer excellent amenities. Be sure to book in advance for the best deals and availability.
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