So as a coach I hate bashing races but i've spoke to a lot of people over the past few years and this race is just flat out boring. The route hasn't changed in years. I will tell you a bit about my experience over the past few years.

I first ran this as the half back in 2011. It was my first ever Half Marathon. Great time. Then in 2012 I ran the full because well... I got the crazy sickness and needed more distance like everyone who's new to running. I was told by many people that the full is boring after mile 10 but I had to see for myself.

Registration:

Registration was easy and performed online. The race never sells out but no race day registration or bib pick up is available. You must pick up at the expo.

Expo:

The expo is what you would expect. Bunch of venders and running things for sale but thats it. I don't like hanging around at the expo anyway. Thats too much time on my feet. I want to get in and get out quickly.

Swag:

About what you would think. Shirt is basic. In fact I never wear it because its an ugly Nassau County orange color. The medal at the end of the race seems to get larger with each passing year so thats a plus. It's all about the bling!

Getting to the start:

You must park at the finish and walk over to the start which is about a 2 or so mile walk. No buses are provided. I would suggest parking across Hempstead Turnpike however in the shopping center so that you can easily exit when your finished. For me I end up staying at the Marriott right at the start line and just have a friend follow me over to the finish to park and they drive back to the hotel. Its a win win... The starting line has the prerequisite number of port-a-potties (never enough at any race). Temperature is usually cool for the first Sunday of May but it usually warms up nicely during the first hour or so. UPS trucks are there to transport your bags to the finish for you. One word to the wise... DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO CHECK YOUR BAG. Prior to the trucks leaving the bomb sniffing dogs will run a sweep. Once the dogs start to sniff your out of luck. Law enforcement was not very polite to some either yelling at some that it was too bad. Were not allowing your bags etc... Start is on time at 8am.

Course:

The 26.2 course begins at the back of the Nassau Coliseum where the New York Islanders used to play but thanks to the previous Town Supervisor they picked up and moved to Brooklyn. The first 2 miles winds round Charles Lindbergh Blvd past the Cradle Of Aviation museum back past the start then you head north on Merrick Ave. This is where the majority of the spectators are gathered. You then proceed right on Old Country road and zig-zag your way over to Post Ave. Some crowds are gathered along the 2 mile stretch. At mile 6 your now heading east on Jericho Turnpike which is for about 3 miles. This is really the only significant elevation on the route. The paster from the church is usually out giving high-fives. For mile 9 your enter onto the Wantagh Parkway. The Wantagh Parkway has a few spectators but not many. At mile 10 the half marathon exits the parkway and the full marathoners continue straight for the next 6 miles to Sunrise highway. Lots of rolling terrain but shoot yourself in the head boring. No spectators. The only faces you see are other runners and at the water stations. After turning around Sunrise Highway you head north to Mile 23 where you exit where the half split. The last 3 miles are flat and you see a few spectators but again not many. After reaching mile 24 or so on Carmen Ave you make a right into the park. The gate is only used for the marathon and is very narrow. You then proceed down the golf car path for what feels like a 10k but its only 1.2 miles to the finish. You can hear the yelling and it feels like your almost to the finish but your not. The best thing about this race is the finish. This is where the "Voice of Long Island Racing" Terry B is shouting off names as fast as he can. He seems to know something running related about EVERYONE who crosses the finish. He is a human Athlinks database. If you PR'ed he seems to know about it before you do!

Finish Area:

The finish area has beer... Thats all you need to know. Get your bling and head directly to the beer truck.

Overall:

Overall this race is a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10 and thats because of the course. Its boring... It's been the same for years. It's time for the race directors to change it up a bit. For me its also a home town race so yeah, ill continue to run it even with its score of 3.

The half is a better option in my opinion. More people and less boring.

One other thing I want to note is that the Nassau County PD and Medical teams are outstanding. After my first Marathon in 2012 I crossed the finish and started to experience trouble breathing so I went to the medical tent and they took great care of me. Lucky it was only a bout of EIA and nothing heart related but the point is they take good care of you at the medical station. PD seems to be in a much better mood at the end of the race than the start. Maybe because its early. Who knows...