#31 How they managed nearly 25,000 runners from around the globe: A participant's account

The Logo of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon

    The New York Road Runners (NYRR) is arguably the most sustainable and organized running club in the United States. I have already completed five races and noticed how efficient they are. NYRR has organized races year-round for over half a century in one of the most iconic running venues in the world - New York City! One of NYRR's signature races is this year's 23rd United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, or UA NYC Half. The race is so famous that there are nearly 25,000 runners who participate annually from all over the world! How did NYRR manage this volume of runners? Here are my accounts.

Before the race

• There are different guaranteed entry methods to participate in the race. For example, if you are an NYRR member, your either run the half marathon virtual race or run at least four qualifying events in the previous year to have a guaranteed entry to the succeeding year. You can also run via a tour operator or charitable organization. 
• Luckily, I applied and was selected via the public drawing conducted in February. NYRR sent me notifications from my application status to my selection. Once accepted, I paid for the registration and continued my training. NYRR also provided podcasts and live streamings weeks before the race, offering tips and techniques on preparing and running during the race.
• Three days before the run, I scheduled online to pick up my bib number, shirt, and bag/book at the 23rd UA NYC Half Experience Hub. The excitement at the hub was high, and some were nervous. I took many exciting pictures at the center, where NYRR volunteers were willing to take your photos.

One of my photos at the 23rd United Airlines Half Experience Hub

During the race

• Due to the sheer volume of runners, NYRR organized run times in a staggered fashion. Participants ran per wave with around 5,000 runners in each of the five cohorts.
• Security was paramount. We were body-scanned as we entered the gated fenced corral. New York Police District police officers were present at the start and finish lines and along the course. 
• Streets that traversed the race were closed, including Times Square and Central Park. Fun fact: Times Square is closed yearly only twice - during New Year's Eve celebration and the UA NYC Half. I felt privileged when the city government closed Times Square to allow thousands of runners, including myself, to complete our races.
• At strategic points along the course, there were fluid and gel stations, toilets, medical tents, and NYRR-approved photographers to capture runners in action.
• The course was like no other because of the stunning sights of the city and the cheering of spectators. Some of the famous landmarks I passed through included the following:
• Barclay Center
• Manhattan Bridge
• Chinatown
• United Nations Building
• Empire State Building
• Grand Central Terminal
• Carnegie Hall
• Times Square
• Central Park
• Although the views and the mood during the race were amazing, the course and weather were challenging. We ran through high elevations, such as the Manhattan Bridge. The windchill was also torrentuous, pushing us in different directions in a sub-zero temperature.
• At FDR Avenue, while I was walking, another runner tapped me on the back and said, "Keep going. You can do it!" As a result, I was motivated to keep pushing myself and started running again. 

 

The Manhattan Bridge and NYC skyline along the course

After the race

• At the only runners-accessible finish line, finishers received their coveted medals, fuel bags (containing Gatorade, apple, pretzel, and a protein bar), and warm sheets. We exited the gated Columbus Circle, turned around, and retrieved our checked bags from UPS trucks with the volunteers assisting.
• I got to eat and drink the contents of the recovery bag right away due to hunger, thirst, and exhaustion and regain my energy. 
• There was also a recovery tent where runners could stretch, roll and perform other post-run exercises. I saw the majority of finishers, including myself, doing their exercises along the exit corral. Retrieving my checked bag was a breeze. The only challenge I experienced was meeting my wife and son because the public was separated from the runners through gates, fences, and security checks.
• A few hours after the race, I received a notification about my performance, including my time, pace, rank, and comparisons with other runners. Around 24 hours later, I received another email notification that my photos taken during the race were available either in the app or a link for review and purchase.

    So, how did NYRR manage nearly 25,000 runners from around the world? First, they well-planned everything from registration, bibs pick up, and start to finish. Also, they established a safe and secure race from the starting line, along the course, and finish line. Finally, they used secure technology to keep accurate records of performance and photos to track and cherish your experience, respectively, of one of the most popular and famous half marathons in the world - the United Airlines NYC Half! I will do it again next year, God permits!

Selfie after I completed the race and received my medal