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.

I ran this race in 2014 and 2015.

This race was designed by Bart Yasso, the great marathon runner and Runners' World author. It is a wonderful race!

The organization is fantastic. They have everything figured out well. The expo is easy to get to. Parking is simple and easy. The workers are all friendly. I especially liked the design on the 2015 technical shirt. The finisher's medal is nice.

The expo is small, but it's a small race race. Don't enter this race for the expo or the free gifts. Enter this race because it is a great local marathon.

The course is well marked. Water station volunteers are all very kind, helpful, and encouraging. (There are not too many other spectators, but that isn't to be expected in a race such as this.)

Best of all, Bart Yasso rides his bike to various spots on the course and is at the finish to give his own high fives and encouragement. Bart is a person who encourages all. I greatly appreciated his seeing his smile at various points as I covered the 26.2 miles.

The course is scenic and wonderful. It is run along local roads but a great deal of the race is on scenic trails. September is a wonderful time to run in scenic Northeastern Pennsylvania. It's not too hot. The trails are shady with great trees, a railroad, and a river to take your mind off the running. Some of the sites on the trail, including the covered bridge are just spectacular. The trails are also very soft which makes recovery (at least for me) a bit easier. I truly enjoy the course.

The course has a negative elevation in that it drops down over the 26.2 miles. There are no major hills (up or down), but there are rolling hills that add to the experience. It's a fast course. People use this as a Boston Qualifier. (I was coming off an injury and was just happy to plod along and finish.)

There is a warm community feel to the race. The runners are all positive and encouraging. This is a happy marathon - one I have truly enjoyed both years that I ran it. Many people run this to support the local charities it supports. We are all thanked at the start and throughout the course as we run. It's a warming and special experience.

The course runs from Allentown, through Bethlehem, and into Easton, Pennsylvania. Another reason I love this race is that my son attended Lafayette College in Easton. (He just graduated!) I knew that reaching the finish would bring me to have the opportunity to enjoy some quality time with my son. Both years he had a nice cold soda waiting for me - and a warm proud smile. Those are the best moments in a race - and, really, the best parts of life.

The finish celebration party in Easton is great fun. There is plenty of food and drink.

I am a big fan of this race. I plan to run it again and again and again!