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Boston changed marathon running, but the friendly race vibe remains Boston changed marathon running, but the friendly race vibe remains
(4 months later)
Running my fifth Brooklyn half marathon on Saturday felt like it should and how I had hoped it would be. That is, just like the four other previous ones.Running my fifth Brooklyn half marathon on Saturday felt like it should and how I had hoped it would be. That is, just like the four other previous ones.
I was concerned it might have lost its charm and boisterous atmosphere that this New York borough dishes out in abundance on days like these. Because in light of the Boston Marathon bombings just over a month ago, the New York Road Runners increased security significantly and altered many procedures. However, it was done in a way that didn't smother the event.
Earlier in the week, I got two emails in quick succession from NYRR regarding their plan and what each participant would need to expect. It was off putting to have to travel to Brooklyn instead of Manhattan to pick up the race materials, and that there would be no race day pick up of such items.		I was concerned it might have lost its charm and boisterous atmosphere that this New York borough dishes out in abundance on days like these. Because in light of the Boston Marathon bombings just over a month ago, the New York Road Runners increased security significantly and altered many procedures. However, it was done in a way that didn't smother the event.
Earlier in the week, I got two emails in quick succession from NYRR regarding their plan and what each participant would need to expect. It was off putting to have to travel to Brooklyn instead of Manhattan to pick up the race materials, and that there would be no race day pick up of such items.
There would be other rules in effect, like extra security screening at baggage drop off and also a recommendation to not bring baggage at all, which is almost an impossibility after running 13.1 miles and not affording one the opportunity to change out of damp wet clothing. Because of the baggage procedures it meant I would not be able to meet my running team, The Dashing Whippets, for our usual pre-race warm-up.There would be other rules in effect, like extra security screening at baggage drop off and also a recommendation to not bring baggage at all, which is almost an impossibility after running 13.1 miles and not affording one the opportunity to change out of damp wet clothing. Because of the baggage procedures it meant I would not be able to meet my running team, The Dashing Whippets, for our usual pre-race warm-up.
NYRR also stressed that there would also be added security at each mile to ensure the safety of those using the Royal Flush, the bathroom facilities. All participants were instructed to be in their corals and wave starts before the designated time, or risk a delay in getting started. For me that meant waiting over a half an hour until wave #1 began (I was in wave #2).NYRR also stressed that there would also be added security at each mile to ensure the safety of those using the Royal Flush, the bathroom facilities. All participants were instructed to be in their corals and wave starts before the designated time, or risk a delay in getting started. For me that meant waiting over a half an hour until wave #1 began (I was in wave #2).
As I waited at the start in Prospect Park, the sun did peek-a-boo just once at around 7am, but then thought better of it and pulled a grey duvet of clouds over her face, and that was how it remained. The weather was overcast for the duration of the race and a little humid at times. However, at the half-way point the moment came where as a frequent racerunner I enjoy the most: he chatter of giddy runners ceased and is replaced by the human gallop of feet where between deep breathes the only registered sounds are that of the crowds along the route who have come out to cheer and encourage.As I waited at the start in Prospect Park, the sun did peek-a-boo just once at around 7am, but then thought better of it and pulled a grey duvet of clouds over her face, and that was how it remained. The weather was overcast for the duration of the race and a little humid at times. However, at the half-way point the moment came where as a frequent racerunner I enjoy the most: he chatter of giddy runners ceased and is replaced by the human gallop of feet where between deep breathes the only registered sounds are that of the crowds along the route who have come out to cheer and encourage.
When I finally finished in Coney Island and bowed down for my medal, it was refreshing to see that the crowds on the boardwalk were out in force just like the last four occasions I found myself here, and it seemed in no way restricted by the heightened security whose presence would have been oblivious to me if I hadn't been informed by NYRR earlier in the week. NYRR organized a race this year that at first sold out in six hours and then reopened and maxed out with over 21,278 participants, which is a huge leap from the 14,171 who ran in 2012, if this is a measure of how they will organize things in November when over 47,000 are expected to lace up and stretch out for the New York City Marathon, they will do Boston proud.When I finally finished in Coney Island and bowed down for my medal, it was refreshing to see that the crowds on the boardwalk were out in force just like the last four occasions I found myself here, and it seemed in no way restricted by the heightened security whose presence would have been oblivious to me if I hadn't been informed by NYRR earlier in the week. NYRR organized a race this year that at first sold out in six hours and then reopened and maxed out with over 21,278 participants, which is a huge leap from the 14,171 who ran in 2012, if this is a measure of how they will organize things in November when over 47,000 are expected to lace up and stretch out for the New York City Marathon, they will do Boston proud.
On my way home after picking up my bag an NYPD officer asked me if I'd do it again, and if it hadn't gone so well today I would have said "fugettaboutit", but I was happy to say, "Yeah, see ya next year".On my way home after picking up my bag an NYPD officer asked me if I'd do it again, and if it hadn't gone so well today I would have said "fugettaboutit", but I was happy to say, "Yeah, see ya next year".
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