When I found out that I had qualified for the TCS NYC marathon, I could not describe the emotions I felt. My favorite city, my favorite sport. I knew the race would have an impact on me but I had no idea how big of an impact it would make. The motto is, “It will move you.” I’m not saying it cHaNgEd mY LiFe, but the motto fits perfectly. I was brought to tears after I finished and not because I was in so much pain from running!
For all the non-runners out there, I totally get it if you think us runners are crazy for running in general, let alone a marathon. My own husband thinks it but even he was amazed at how great this race is.
Even if you’ve been to the city multiple times, experiencing TCS NYC marathon weekend is a different beast. For a day-by-day guide to everything you need to know for marathon weekend including what I learned and what I would do differently, take a peak below. This guide encompasses more than just the marathon and is meant to be helpful for anyone running and spectators.
Wondering how you’ll get around the city if you’re just a spectator? One word — the subway. It is and always will be your best friend in the city. Jump below for tips on getting around the city on race day with ease. p.s. this post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you purchase one of the items at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.
DAY 1
TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON EXPO
The first thing to do on your NYC marathon weekend is head to the expo. The expo is held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and runs (pun intended) all weekend beginning the Thursday of marathon weekend up until Saturday night. If you’re looking for an opportunity to go when there are fewer people, try early in the morning. If you want to be there when all the hustle and bustle is going on, go in the afternoon or anytime after five.
Ya’ll I am not ashamed to say that I totally geeked out here. I did not want to leave. You also don’t have to run to check out the expo. You’ll see booths lined along the pavilion offering some freebies like energy gels and it’s a great opportunity to meet other runners, even some of the elite’s! And, if you didn’t already, you can buy TCS NYC marathon merch here during the weekend. I went a little bit crazy with my purchases.
After the expo, head back down to the Financial District. We decided to stay in this area for the TCS NYC marathon weekend because of the convenience of it. For reference, we stayed at the Double Tree in the Financial District. You can check availability here. Be sure to plan in advance as hotels book up quickly on marathon weekend!
I don’t recommend staying here if it’s your first time. However, the location is super convenient if you decide to take the ferry to the start line. The ferry and bus are the only means of transportation to the start line. It’s important to understand that you have to use the transportation they provide due to start times and logistics. Staying in the financial district will allow you to be closest to the ferry so you don’t have to wake up as early.
TRINITY PLACE
If you’re looking for a quaint restaurant for dinner with some history, Trinity Place has got it. It’s located in the Financial District and was originally a bank vault dating back to 1904. To top it off, it even has the original bank vault doors as you enter the main room.
DAY 2
If you’re running the next day, you probably won’t be doing all of the exciting things that NYC has to offer. But, you can still get some sight seeing before the big race.
TOMPKINS SQUARE BAGELS
To start my day in the city, an NYC bagel is a must. While Ess-a-bagel has my heart, I wanted to try something new. We headed to Tompkins Square Bagels for just that. It was nearly as good as Ess-a, but with more of a local vibe.
After grabbing some bagels and coffee to go, head for a stroll through Tompkins Square Park to enjoy the view.
EXPLORE MANHATTAN
To ease into the day, stroll around Manhattan and explore the iconic landmarks. Ironically, for having visited NYC a few times, I had never seen the Flat Iron Building or NYC Public Library. Both are so full of history and I was kicking myself for not checking them out sooner.
CHLOE
Leading up to race day, I don’t like to stray too far from my typical meals. Nothing out of the ordinary. That means a pretty standard lunch and not the pasta-inducing coma that I so desperately wanted from NYC! I had heard about CHLOE from a few people and wanted to check it out. It’s a great spot for a healthy but filling option. It also serves many different diet restrictions and is helpful for meal prepping for race day.
broadway
Ok, so I’m a bit of a worry wart when it comes to race day and the night before. If you’re anything like me, I need something to help me stop thinking about the race and everything that comes with it. To do that, explore the city and head to Broadway for a show over your NYC marathon weekend. I had been dying to see Aladdin and it did not disappoint! The genie segment is a sight to see. I highly recommend checking out this show when visiting.
MULBERRY AND VINE
Another thing you will learn about me is I like to stick to what I know when things are out of my control — like race day! 🙂 That means, I wanted to eat somewhere I knew wouldn’t upset my stomach and I had been to before. If you’ve read my NYC guide for the first timer, you’ll know that I absolutely fell in love with this spot on my first visit to NYC. They have healthy but hearty meals making it the perfect spot to fuel up before the big day. You can also buy tickets for the pre-race dinner held at Tavern on the Green.
tcs nyc marathon RACE DAY PREP
The night before a race, I’m sure there are a couple of rituals that you do. I take the time to write out my splits a couple of times and use the virtual map to pinpoint what times I should be hitting at certain checkpoints. This helps me visualize the race and put me in the right mindset. I also set out my clothes the night before so everything is in exactly the right place when I wake up.
DAY 3: RACE DAY
Staying in the Financial District definitely has its perks if you choose to take the Ferry. Based on what corral you are in will determine which Ferry time you’ll take. I was one of the first corrals to go, which meant I had to be up early.
STATEN ISLAND FERRY
If you’ve never seen the Statue of Liberty, the ferry is one of the coolest parts of the marathon. It takes you all the way to Staten Island passing Lady Liberty on the way. Oh, and you get escorted by the Coast Guard. How cool is that?
START, WAVE, CORRAL
The worst part about big races is the wait time. Since the roads you’ll be running on close down, they have to get everyone to the start line and in the corrals as early as they can.
The NYC marathon is massive, the biggest in the United States, which means there are not only multiple corrals but multiple waves and start times. If you want a better understanding of what those mean, their site explains it all.
tcs nyc marathon race day TIPS
- There are many tips I have for race day. The biggest being, layer up! Wear clothes that you can ditch at the start line or along the course. They won’t go to waste as bins are located all along the start so they can be donated to Goodwill. If you ditch them throughout the race, volunteers are on hand to pick them up.
- Another tip, bring something to sit on. This race is in November and it can be frigid cold in the morning. You will want something to sit on to stay dry. There are some booths at the start that will offer yoga mats, but those get taken up pretty quickly.
- Warm up BEFORE you get into your corral. You’ll be sitting at the start line for about an hour to an hour and a half before you even begin the race. I made the worst mistake thinking I could warm up in the corral. Nope.
- If you’re like me, you don’t like to eat before you race. But, you have to force yourself to eat something before a marathon. The start will have free banana’s, granola bars and even donuts (not sure how people race with that in their stomach) which you can take advantage of. Or, to keep up with your typical race-day ritual, bring your own breakfast on the way over.
START LINE
You will be asked to get into your corral about 30 minutes before the gun goes off. It’s honestly like herding cattle as it’s still a walk to the start from the corral. I know it’s cheesy, but use this time to take in all that you’ve accomplished so far. I know looking out into the crowd and listening to the National Anthem definitely brought a tear to my eye. Once the gun goes off, you’ll be thrown into one of the best races in the country the race that you won’t even realize you’re about to climb your first major hill.
CHECKPOINTS
If you have friends or family coming to see you race, you will definitely want to plan out checkpoints on the course beforehand so they can come and cheer you on. B and I planned to have him meet me at Mile 16 and Mile 22 — those checkpoints are always when my body likes to tell me to please stop running.
Being that the race is a point A to point B route rather than a loop, you will probably only get to see your entourage about 1-2 times on the course so make sure it’s at points you’ll need the most encouragement. The easiest way to do to get around NYC during marathon weekend will be by subway. Your friends and family won’t miss you if they download the TCS NYC marathon app and track you throughout the race. It’s a lifesaver.
FINISH AND FAMILY REUNION
After the race is over and you cross the finish line in Central Park all you want is a hug from your family and to sit down. Well, be prepared for a 1.5 mile of walking ahead of you instead. That’s how long it takes to get out of Central Park after your race and to get to the Family Reunion spot. That’s not even considering if you have a bag to pick up. If you want to get the Marathon Race Jacket like above, then I recommend opting out of the bag check. Plus, they are super warm!
SENZA GLUTEN & POSH POP BAKERY
After celebrating a good race, it’s time to recharge with pasta and dessert! For just that, head over to Greenwich Village for Senza Gluten. All of their items are gluten free and delicious. Also, don’t resist indulging in some chocolate cake from Posh Pop. You deserve it after 26.2!
BALTHAZAR & home sweet home
After recharging from the race, it’s time to celebrate for dinner. Opt for a reservation at Balthazar. I had been dying to try this place. This French restaurant has a great wine selection and delicious food. They are also well known for their brunch! After dinner, stop by one of the many low key bars in the area. We chose to grab a few at Home Sweet Home.
DAY 4
JACK’S WIFE FRIEDA
After a morning of sleeping in, grab brunch at Jack’s Wife Frieda in SOHO. Oh my. This place was so so good and can’t recommend it enough. Don’t miss out on this spot.
CHA CHA MATCHA
Another place that has been on my list to try is Cha Cha Matcha. Not only is the decor esthetically pleasing, they have great matcha. Just look at those cute napkins! Take your matcha’s to go and explore SOHO or sip inside while enjoying the vibe and decor.
If you’re ever in NYC over marathon weekend, I’d love to know what you did and if your experience was any different! Send me your favorite tips and tricks you have for getting around the city on a hectic day.
Disclosure: please keep in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
happy travels, liz stanford
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p.s. These items are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you purchase one at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.
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