Ok, I know there are sections in every Marathon which are a little lacking in inspiration and make the race harder than it should be. Personally for me London has the Isle of dogs and Canary wharf, Paris has an area of residential streets which lack support and inspiration and its in these times you have to just get your head down and go to work, this is where ever marathon is a failure or success.
New york promised so much and yet delivered so little. Lets start with the Expo, it was ok but probably half the size of London and nothing really grabbing the attention although number pick up was very well organised and quick.
The morning of the race... You have to catch a subway, in order to catch a ferry, in order to catch a bus to then run back! I am not a great fan of point to point races but this takes the p*ss logisically. You are tiring before you even start running. Once at the start area, all is well and there are plenty of toilets and su
The first mile heads up over the Verrazano Bridge and offers up a spectacular view of Manhttan. Enjoy the view, thats the most entertainment and inspiration you will get until mile 23. Headign through Brooklyn, the bronx, Queens and Harlem are... in short... dull! Although the support and crowds are fantastic throughout 80% of the route, the surroundings are soul destroying. Personally the worst for me was heading into Manhattan for the first time over the bridge at 15 miles and having 6 or 7 dull miles ahead.
The end is fantatsic, you sail into 5th Avenue and through Central park. Fantastic. Support, inspiration, elation, everything you would expect.
And then the finish funnel..... We were shuffled for about a mile before being allowed to leave central park. Again, in my view there is no need for this and I saw more people fall ill and suffer in that finishing shoot than out on the course.
Sorry for the negative review, but its just an honest view from me. Lets just say I will not be doing it again.