In my opinion NYC is a lot tougher. The course has a few more tight turns and is a little more hilly. But what really made NYC difficult for me is the logistics at the start, and the crowding in the early miles. Getting up at the crack of dawn to make a long journey out to the start, then waiting around with the crowds before finally being called to the starting line, can be draining. Doing a loop course with a very accessible start/finish is much less taxing. And at least in my experience, it's much easier to get a clean start at Philadelphia. At Philadelphia I was able to get to my intended pace within a block or so, with no weaving and dodging necessary.

Also, Philadelphia with an early-morning start, and being a couple weeks later, is more likely to have cool weather, although of course that can vary year to year.

I'm in the opposite position that you are; I ran Philly in 2004 and NY in 2005. While my training for the two races was so dramatically different as to negate a direct time comparision, I can say that Philly is a much faster course. The smaller field, the faster/friendlier course profile, and generally beter weather all favour Philly. OTOH, Philly will have nothing near the crowd support of NY. You'll be running significant portions of the race without any real crowds. The only spot you'll hit any type of crowd will be at the Art Museum (Start, Midpoint, and Finish).

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quote:<HR>Originally posted by ReelTrouble:
I'm in the opposite position that you are; I ran Philly in 2004 and NY in 2005. While my training for the two races was so dramatically different as to negate a direct time comparision, I can say that Philly is a much faster course. The smaller field, the faster/friendlier course profile, and generally beter weather all favour Philly. OTOH, Philly will have nothing near the crowd support of NY. You'll be running significant portions of the race without any real crowds. The only spot you'll hit any type of crowd will be at the Art Museum (Start, Midpoint, and Finish).
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But, of course, for some, there's even an upside to the lack of crowds in Fairmount Park. The uncrowdedness of the park sections offers a nice respite from the city. Also, I think the most runner-friendly surfaces (long straightaways, less concern with utility holes and the like) are there. NYCM is dramatic, interesting--worth doing--but Philly offers more PR potential.

Good luck in your race!