First! This race was well organized. Communication leading up to it was abundant to a point that you would have had to avoid a computer and social media to not … MORE
First! This race was well organized. Communication leading up to it was abundant to a point that you would have had to avoid a computer and social media to not know where to go. Address of start was clear, route was clear (three turns altogether), and there was ample head’s up about support and safety.
The race itself was mostly flat to long shallow hill east on Myrtle Ave, bustling traffic on Jamaica Ave, and hills going north on Bushwick. The roads are not closed to traffic, so you do run at your own risk. However, “if you’ve ever gone for a run on city streets in NYC, you’ll be fine.” Keep the headphones out, eyes up, and be safe at intersections. Treat this race like you would a long run, except with a timer and a pint of beer at the end. To me, that is where the difficulty was. You can’t go “all-out” on this race, yet at face value was extremely well organized, clear as crystal communication, and overall a fun must-do for any New Yorker.
Swag was a singlet and pint glass, with an afterparty at a nearby brewery.
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Unexpected kind of difficulty!
First! This race was well organized. Communication leading up to it was abundant to a point that you would have had to avoid a computer and social media to not … MORE
First! This race was well organized. Communication leading up to it was abundant to a point that you would have had to avoid a computer and social media to not know where to go. Address of start was clear, route was clear (three turns altogether), and there was ample head’s up about support and safety.
The race itself was mostly flat to long shallow hill east on Myrtle Ave, bustling traffic on Jamaica Ave, and hills going north on Bushwick. The roads are not closed to traffic, so you do run at your own risk. However, “if you’ve ever gone for a run on city streets in NYC, you’ll be fine.” Keep the headphones out, eyes up, and be safe at intersections. Treat this race like you would a long run, except with a timer and a pint of beer at the end. To me, that is where the difficulty was. You can’t go “all-out” on this race, yet at face value was extremely well organized, clear as crystal communication, and overall a fun must-do for any New Yorker.
Swag was a singlet and pint glass, with an afterparty at a nearby brewery.
Unsanctioned, Nighttime, Urban
This was a wonderful urban race with enthusiastic runners and an even more enthusiastic organizer. Although I have run over 100 half marathons by now, this a first: it was … MORE
This was a wonderful urban race with enthusiastic runners and an even more enthusiastic organizer. Although I have run over 100 half marathons by now, this a first: it was unsanctioned and at night (5pm start time), basically a couple of hundred people on the sidewalks of Brooklyn and Queens. If unsanctioned, night, or Brooklyn and Queens is not for you, then you’ll know right away this isn’t what you’d enter. But if you’re game, it’s worthwhile.
As soon as I appreciated what I was getting into, I thought I was would get lost or be run over. Neither happened. The organizer gave out maps showing no streets but a route that was a squashed triangle. I thought it was useless. He then explained there were only three turns, with aid stations at each. When I checked my watch and app afterward, sure enough the tracking matched the map: it was a squashed triangle in the exact shape and proportions. So there was zero difficulty unless you were deliberately inattentive (no headphones allowed). As for the possibility of being run over, well, that was a real risk. You need to be a savvy street runner. If you have made it to adulthood in NYC, you’ll be fine.
I loved the neighborhoods. The organizer said we’d get to know them. We did. Every person I passed was, without exception, friendly — and regardless of who they were or who I was. An older African American gentleman with a salt and pepper beard, hanging out on a stoop, asked how far the race was. I said 13 miles. He said, “Damn.” That was funny. Multiple people on their porches were encouraging. If you ever thought ill of New Yorkers or city dwellers, this should have challenged stereotypes and changed your mind. There also were lots of cars festooned with the Peurto Rican flag because of the big parade, a great celebration of diversity.
The last indications of the spirit were the reaction at the beginning and the sweeper. So by coincidence a club or gang, depending on your perspective, of motorcyclists with matching jackets on sport bikes convened at the same starting point. It was loud and smelly. The organizer was not put off. Instead, he treated it as if it had been a planned escort for us, and the embrace of the raucous group is the positive attitude we need in life to get along. As for the sweeper, he was carrying, no kidding, a gold broom. He also had a PR flag. He did his job dutifully. I was maybe fifth from last. He waited for everybody and made sure they got across the finish line.
These folks do a few other runs in addition to their weekly event. Among them is the Kessel Run on May 4, a 12k. I can’t wait to try it. (If you don’t get the joke of that race title and distance, never mind.)