I finally got a chance to check this race off my bucket list!! Almost every detail about the NYC Marathon was spot on with everything I've read. I'll try to leave enough detail here without writing a novel :) Also, note, I received access to NYRR VIP which had some of the start/finish logistics easier. Also, I ran the race as a "fun run" with a girlfriend so my experience was different than those looking to race/PR.

EXPO: This was a fabulous expo! This year it was bigger than past years and the aisles were luxurious! New Balance has a HUGE space in their first sponsorship year and it was great because you weren't uncomfortably crowded when look at product (as it has been in Berlin and Boston in years past). Recommend taking the Subway to the expo, super convenient and fast!

SWAG: Loved the long-sleeve tee. The fit was great (best long-sleeve fit I've received!) so I know I'll be wearing it for years to come! ALSO a beautiful medal.

START: We were very lucky to take a VIP coach bus from Midtown to the start. The bus ride took 2 hours!! But we got a good nap in since we had to board at 5:45 and it left at 6a. Arriving at 8a wasn't an issue since the race didn't start at 9:50. Security was checking bibs and we went through metal detectors but it moved quickly. The Pre-race VIP tent offered shelter from a brisk wind and port-a-potties, coffee/bagels. There is a significant walk to the corrals so just budget enough time. Bonus - there are port-a-potties IN the corral (every race should do this!!) so even though the corrals close early you don't have to worry about timing your last minute pee. I was grateful for this! You get a separate bag to bring things to the Start and NONE of those items get sent to the finish so be prepared with things to throw away (clothes, something to sit on, etc).

COURSE: I heard so much about the course, but here are my comments/highlights. There are definitely hills on this course but because I was running at a relaxed pace I was not discouraged by them. The bridges are all unique experiences. Parts of Brooklyn were out to party and I loved it! At times we couldn't even talk while running past because the music was so loud. Queens was on the quieter end. And 1st Ave (mile 16) everyone raves about how loud it was and I actually found it to be subdued compared to very loud places in some other majors. My hands-down fav neighborhood was Harlem. You are in the home stretch back in Manhattan and there were multiple music areas where people are just having a TON of fun and it really pumped me up! I loved the downhill sections in Central Park leading you to the finish and the beautiful Fall colors made for a nice final 1-2 miles. There were TONS of aid stations, on-par with all the other US majors.

FINISH: Again, I got a quick exit through VIP. Also was highly recommended to do the poncho which was nice. It's definitely the nicest poncho i've seen (thicker and fleece lined than the Boston one). Let me tell you- this was necessary! the LOOOONG walk after which many have written about was just that....even when I thought my hotel was super close...it wasn't with all the road closures and crowds....If I could do one thing over...instead of walking south on Central Park West, do NOT meet people there. Walk directly West until 9th Ave and meet people at a restaurant or coffee shop there and try to get a cab or Uber. Or carry cash to get a pedicab. By the time I tried to walk West it was already too crowded and I wished I had headed West earlier.

Overall, it was an amazing experience.