Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
I'd absolutely run this marathon again. The route was fantastic, with an electric atmosphere throughout the first half to carry you through. An out and back section on the second half will have you working consistently, but once you’re back into Prospect Park the crowds will have you finishing strong. A couple of the water tables on the marathon had run out of Nuun but honestly, at the next tables there was more than enough to double down on hydration. A serious consideration if you’re looking to try and run a PB, and the swag was pretty cool too!
There were apparently issues with the time keeping for the 2017 race which was not disclosed until I pressed for the 10K and half-marathon splits (results that have previously been reported for the race).
The organizers did not disclose this issue to racers and were likely attempting to sweep it under the rug...very unprofessional. Organizers were unwilling to offer any consolation or discount despite this glaring failure on their end.
If you didn't get into NYC Marathon but wanted to run a marathon, this is a great marathon. I was Achilles Guide at NYC Marathon so I wanted to run my own marathon two weeks after. Since I live near the Prospect Park it was easy for me to walk to the race and walk home. NYCRUNS does really great job of putting this race together and volunteers are wonderful.
It's three lower part of Prospect Park (2 mile loop) and six whole loop (3.4 mile loop). Both loop has net drop in elevation. If you can managed to run up the Battle Pass Hill (Zoo Hill) of about 0.5 mile, rest of the whole loop is easy mostly descending except some rolling hills after the Zoo Hill.
You can park anywhere around the park since it's on Sunday. Also, there are lots of vacancy after NYC Marathon at hotels where many discounts to be had. Head over to the Park Slope neighbor or any neighborhood surrounding the park for foods from over 50 different countries.