The ING New York City Marathon is one of the most famous races in the world. Nearly 40,000 runners are cheered on by millions of spectators as they make their way through the five boroughs. It is an amazing event that should be on every marathoner's must-do list. The course can be tough due to the bridge inclines and the rolling hills in the late stages. However, if you pace yourself properly and save some energy for the last 6 miles you can achieve your time goals. Here are my personal notes on the race and the course:

The Start at Ft. Wadsworth

Your bus will drop you off at the Runner's Village where you will wait for 3+ hours. Be prepared to relax. There will be food and beverages but plan to be self-sufficient just in case. Take a snack and a drink. Last year I had my breakfast on the bus and got coffee and a banana at the Runner's Village. Take something to sit on in case the ground is damp and/ or chilly. A plastic garbage bag or disposable poncho work well. Take a newspaper or something to read to help relax and pass the time.

When you get to the Runner's Village survey your holding area. Where is Bag Check? Bathrooms? Entrance to your start corral? Make sure you know the lay of the land. Then find a place to set up camp and relax. If the weather is cool take an old sweatshirt or jacket to wear in your start corral that you can discard once the race starts. Depending on your start time and corral you might spend 30 minutes to an hour waiting in your corral after handing in your gear bag.

The Start

There is no more spectacular start than the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge with 40,000 runners and Manhattan in the distance. Words cannot do it justice. I will not try. My only advice is to relax. The adrenaline will be flowing. The first mile is a slight uphill but you will not even feel the incline. You get it back on the downhill second mile. Soak up the energy.

Miles 3 - 12

You will pass through the ethnically diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn and the early miles will click by quickly. The scenery, accents and music change every few blocks. It will be very crowded so be careful as you enjoy the surroundings. Use extreme caution in the aid stations. Runners will be cutting in front of you, stopping to drink and pulling back into traffic... with no turn signals! The aid stations stretch for several hundred yards. Do not try to get to the first table. Be patient and use the tables towards the middle or end of the aid station.

Halfway

The Pulaski Bridge greets you just past the 13 mile mark and carries you into Queens. It is not overly steep but it is an incline. Remember: bridges = inclines.

The Queensboro Bridge

As you run through Queens you will see the massive Queensboro Bridge waiting for you. After about 2 miles in Queens you finally reach the bridge. Passing over the Queensboro Bridge is a big transition. This giant landmark carries you from the 14.5 to the 16 mile mark. This is where you will start to assess your day and can start counting down to the finish. It is also the pathway into Manhattan. Take it easy going over the bridge. The ½ mile climb up the bridge is a tough hill. You need to maintain your effort but do not worry about pace. You have just run 14 miles through roaring crowds. Now you are on this quiet, dark stretch of bridge and it is a strange sensation. There is not much to see because you run on the lower level and there are few spectators. What awaits you as you exit the bridge is amazing.

First Avenue

As you make a few sharp left turns and burst back into the light you are dumped right onto First Avenue where the crowds and energy will be at a fever pitch. Again, words do not do it justice...wait and see. One word of caution... your adrenaline can kick in on First Avenue and your pace can increase without much effort. Enjoy the atmosphere but remind yourself to stay relaxed. This is a long 4 mile stretch that actually is on a very slight incline. You do not want to leave all of your energy here. You will definitely need it in a few miles.

The Bronx

Just past the 20 mile mark you cross the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx and another lull in the crowds and noise. Again, use this stretch to assess your hydration and nutrition. After a mile you will cross another bridge and will be headed south on 5^th Avenue through Harlem towards the Park.

Headed Home

Finally. After a quick one-block detour around Marcus Garvey Park you will again be headed down 5^th Avenue with less than 4 miles to go. No more bridges to cross but the course does not flatten out. There are no big climbs but there are inclines that will get your attention. Be ready for them.

Central Park

The Park is one of the most famous "running places" in the world. Beautiful, manicured, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful and expensive real estate in the world. It is also hilly. Not big steep hills but gently rolling and ready to greet tired legs that have already run 24 miles. Save some physical and mental energy for the Park. You emerge from the Park and turn right onto Central Park South right in front of The Plaza Hotel. A few blocks to Columbus Circle and then another right back into the Park. You will soon see the signs counting down the last mile. You know that the Finish Line and Tavern on the Green are just ahead but due the trees and the aforementioned hills, you cannot see it until the last few hundred yards. Enjoy this stretch. This is why you ran all of those miles. Raise your arms and smile for the cameras!

Post Race

The Bag Check trucks will be lined up in the Park for a looooong stretch. After you get your medal, remove your timing chip and get a bag of food be prepared to keep moving for up to 30-45 minutes. Be patient as you move towards your bag check truck and then exit the Park towards the Family Meeting Area. This walk offers a good opportunity to hydrate, eat and keep your legs moving. Be sure you placed some warm clothes in your bag. You will get chilled quickly.

Enjoy one of the grandest stages in running!