The New York City Marathon is the Race of Races. I love this race. This was my 6th New York and it never gets old. I cannot wait to run it again - hopefully next year,

The NYC Marathon is a hard race, tough, hills that surprise people, hard asphalt, 50,000 participants, long waits at the start, often chilly to cold weather, but it is WONDERFUL. I love everything about it.

Imagine running through the streets of New York with a million people cheering for you. That's the NYC Marathon.

Imagine seeing some of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world throughout your 26.2 mile journey. That's the NYC Marathon.

Imagine running in each of the five boroughs of the city. That's the NYC Marathon.

Imagine finishing a race in the world's greatest urban oasis, Central Park. That's the NYC Marathon!

The NYC Marathon is all of that - and so much more.

The race organizers have done an outstanding job with the logistics of the race. Everything flows smoothly. It is a monumental undertaking to organize a race of this size, yet it works, unbelievably well.
The Expo is fantastic. I attend every year, even when I don't run the race. The start area at Fort Wadsworth is very well organized. (The ecumenical church service always provides great inspiration. I was honored to deliver two short sermons before the race this year.) The course is very well organized and planned. There are plenty of water and Gatorade stops. Power Gel and bananas are distributed. Aid stations are plentiful. Everything is taken care of.

The Police and Fire Department of New York City are out in abundance along the race course. What a thrill to be cheered by New York's Finest!

Again, this marathon is harder than most people realize. It's a hard hard race, but it is wonderful. As tough as it is, the runner is carried over the miles by the support and love of the people of New York City who cheer, high five, encourage, and support each participant.

This was my 6th NYC Marathon. I hope I can run many many more.

This is the race I love the most.