Latest reviews by Katelyn Gingrich

(2022)
"Once in a Lifetime Experience!"
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This is truly a fantastic race experience! Just as iconic as the NYC marathon. There are only two times a year they typically close Times Square: New Years Day and for the NYC Half. Running from Brooklyn, over the bridge into Manhattan, through Times Square, and in Central Park makes this a race to remember. The course is well-supported with plenty of aid stations and bathrooms throughout the race. Pacers were present in some waves if you were looking to hit a PR. The shirt this year was New Balance (standard for all NYRR races) however it did run short. Post-race bags were great with Flow water, Gatorade, Snyder's Pretzels, and an apple. There was opportunity to drop off snacks that you wouldn't use at a table, and grab yourself some extras of items if you wished. Right at the runners exit in central park there was a subway so we were easily able to head back to our hotel with minimal walking.

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(2021)
"The One to Run!"
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For 50 years of the NYC Marathon, they sure know how to host a race! I have run this twice now and both times I had a superb experience. This past year, in 2021, due to COVID the expo was smaller however there were still a good bit of vendors and things to explore. New Balance always has a HUGE store set-up so definitely save up some money to buy some gear to commemorate the race. NYRR has it down to a science for getting to the start village a dividing up runners. They provide transportation, as well as you are able to get there on your own if you wish. I typically take the bus from Manhattan however they also have buses coming from Jersey, and ferry transportation to Staten Island.

The views of the course are the BEST! It's truly the best way to get a tour of NYC; especially getting to run through all 5 boroughs. In the past I brought along headphones, however, I never used them as the course support, cheers, and music are nonstop and there is so much to take in as your run. Now NYC is supposedly the hilliest of the World Marathon Majors so take that into account when training. The real killers are the bridges as they provide alot of the elevation gain. There are plenty of aid stations and bathrooms throughout the course so you will be well hydrated along your way.

All in all, enjoy the race!

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(2019)
"Fantastic and Unique Half!"
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The race management were very communicative and providing many emails with updates leading up to the race. Parking was an ease on race morning. While the race was getting ready to start, hot air balloons were launching closely nearby. Amish families hand out the water and Gatorade on the course. Keep your eyes open for horses, one-room school houses, horse-powered farm equipment, a camel, and “road-apples”. The medal is my most unique! It’s actually an old horseshoe that was removed from a local horse. Following the race is a free community picnic that all the runners can take part in. The food was delicious and plentiful. This is definitely a must-do race!!

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(2019)
"Great Course and Support!"
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Despite the rainy day, this race was a fantastic half! I had a PR on this course even with the rain and rolling hills. Truly the course support along the way had an impact on my performance as there were many people cheering along the way. The swag was nice this year with a spinning medal featuring a photo frame (there’s free race photos for this event) and the hooded sweatshirt as the race souvenir. Definitely a cool race to do if you’re in the area or like me, completing the King Crab Challenge!

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(2019)
"Fantastic Race Weekend!"
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My first Disney race weekend (and it certainly won’t be my last). I did the fairytale challenge (10k and half) and both races were perfectly run by the race directors. Plenty of aid stations and you can’t beat the opportunity to run through Magic Kingdom! Expect long lines for the characters, but I resorted to just taking pics of the characters as I ran by since I didn’t want to wait in the lines.

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