New York Marathon was really lekker. Fantastic organization and the support along the route is incredible. There are very few places on the route without a crowd. The bridges are the only real quiet spot. Weather was very cool to start with whilst waiting for the start so remember those old blankets and clothes to throw away. But for running the weather was fantastic. A little bit windy in parts but not terrible. I wouldn't consider the course to be fast compared to say Berlin. The bridges are long and have quite a slope to them and a number of the roads have a gentle uphill gradient which drains the energy a bit. Water tables are well stocked with water and Gatorade (no plastic sachets of course so practice drinking out the cups), and a number of stations have gels. The Vaseline on a stick is not some new energy product so take note of the message on the stick "please do not eat". I was a bit worried with the speed that people start off at but if you stick to your pace you'll pass people at a rapid rate later in the race. My run went according to plan. Stuck to my pace and went through half way right on plan in a few seconds over 1h27. Was hoping to finish strong and gain some time in the last 10 or so kms but it wasn't to be so the second half was 7 seconds faster Crossed the line in 2:53:57 for a new PB. After missing out on a Boston spot for 2020 I'm hoping I'll get in now for 2021. For those who've thought of running New York I'd definitely recommend it.
