As a marathon enthusiast, I want to share everything you need to know about the upcoming edition of the world’s most famous marathon. The 2024 New York City Marathon promises to be an extraordinary event, with impressive numbers and new initiatives that make this edition unmissable. Whether you’re thinking of participating or just following the race, join me on this journey that will bring thousands of runners to the heart of New York.
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A Dream Prize: The World’s Richest Marathon
This year, running in New York could literally be worth gold! The 2024 marathon stands out with an extraordinary prize pool: a total of $900,000 is up for grabs, making it one of the most lucrative competitions globally. The distribution of prizes is generous, rewarding the best with:
- $100,000 for the top finisher, both men and women,
- $60,000 for second place,
- $40,000 for third,
- prizes awarded down to the tenth position ($2,000).
But there’s an even more exciting detail: a bonus of $50,000 awaits anyone who breaks the race record! This highlights how the competition strives to push performance to new heights. Additionally, the marathon demonstrates special attention to U.S. athletes, with a prize of up to $25,000 for the first American athlete and a prize for masters over 40 (with $3,000 for the category winner).
The Grand Running Festival: Program and Live TV
November 3, 2024, is a date to mark on your calendar: over 50,000 runners from all over the world will gather to conquer the world’s most famous 42.195 km. The race day will follow a detailed schedule, designed to ensure maximum order and excitement.
Here are the main starting times (Italian time):
- 14:35: Women’s elite start
- 15:05: Men’s elite start
- From 15:30: start in five waves for all amateurs, until 17:30
For those unable to attend in person, exceptional television coverage is planned. Rai, through RaiSport and Rai 2, will broadcast the race live from 14:35, with the possibility to also follow it online on RaiPlay. Eurosport 1 will cover the marathon from 14:30 to 17:15, while for those who prefer streaming, Discovery+ will offer complete access to the event. It’s an unmissable opportunity to experience the energy of one of the most exciting races in the world!
How to Participate: All Paths to Central Park
Participating in the New York City Marathon is a dream for many runners, but it’s essential to know your options to secure a bib. Here are the main possibilities for those looking to embark on this adventure, with an eye on the 2025 edition.
- The Lottery (Drawing)
The lottery is one of the most accessible but uncertain methods. Registrations open every February, with results announced in April. It’s a democratic way to try your luck and hope to experience the thrill of running in New York. - Time-Qualifying
If you have impressive race times, this option is for you. The qualifying times vary depending on age: for example, athletes aged 18-34 must have completed another marathon in under 2:53, while for those over 80, the required time is 4:55. NYRR (New York Road Runners) certified races are recognized for qualification. - Italian Tour Operators
For Italians, this is often the most convenient choice. Official tour operators offer complete packages with flights and hotels, and six Italian agencies are accredited to offer marathon bibs. - Alternative Options
Other paths include NYRR membership, the 9+1 program (which allows direct access to the marathon by completing nine NYRR races and volunteering once), and Charity and Team for Kids packages. This year, a new option was introduced: the Team for Climate, allowing participants to support environmental sustainability projects. A chance to do good while running.
Veteran Tips: How to Prepare for the Event
Facing a marathon like New York’s requires physical, mental, and logistical preparation. Here are some tips from someone who’s experienced it firsthand, to help you get the most out of it.
- Mental Preparation
The start on the Verrazano Bridge is thrilling but can be daunting: prepare mentally for this unique challenge. The five boroughs of New York are very different from each other, so study the route to know what to expect. And don’t forget the deafening cheers! It can be overwhelming, so train with music to get used to a noisy environment. - Logistics
I recommend arriving in New York a few days early to get acclimated and attend the Parade of Nations, a wonderful event leading up to the race. For race day, plan on wearing warm clothes while waiting at the start, as you’ll be outside for quite a while before the race begins. - Race Strategy
A crucial tip: the first mile is uphill on the Verrazano, so don’t get carried away with excitement. The Queensboro Bridge, at the 25th km, is one of the hardest points—stay calm and conserve your energy. Finally, First Avenue will energize you with the crowd’s cheers—manage it well, as the road to Central Park is still long.
The New York Marathon: A Life-Changing Experience
The New York Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s an experience that will change you forever. This year, with a record prize pool and new environmental initiatives, it promises to be even more special.
If you’re thinking about participating, my advice is simple: start planning your adventure in the Big Apple now. And if you have specific questions about preparation or organization, I’m here to help.