Well, the promised race report!
What can I say
It truly is the marathon to do and truly is the way to see New York!
An early start but arriving at the New York City library in Upper Manhatton at 5.15 am was where the atmosphere started as I joined the multi national queue, oops sorry line! of thousands and bus after bus left for the start at Staten Island. Arrived on Staten Island to a bright dawn sky, cold but glorious and 5 hours to go til my start time. Found a space in one of the marquees at my "colour" blue area, start was wave 3 at 10.40! - was warmly dressed, thanks 4th gen for your advice/guidance, with clothes to be deposited in the charity bank at the start line corrals - but hey had nothing to sit on - however was rescued by a 5th time newyorker marathoner from New Jersey who gave me his foil blanket from last year - and when his wave went left me a bin bag and a fleecy blanket - so was well sorted
I now know why all those who have gone before me totally enthuse - God Bless America and New York New York at the start of every wave really sets the scene and words cannot describe the atmosphere leaving Staten Island over the bridge and into the roaring crowds welcoming you to Brooklyn. Brooklyn, Queens, double bridge at Roosevelt Island and down hill onto Manhatton Island at mile 16, to crowds of spectators 10 deep all roaring encouragement - FAB-U-LOUS
Then right up First Avenue and over to the Bronx, then back onto Manhatton Island over Maddison Avenue Bridge and into Harlem to another fine welcome, down and into Central Park and a bit of an uphill struggle from mile 23 - but the minute you looked weary - you got a personal cry about how wonderful you were - the New Yorkers and family and friends of the runners really do know how to be the best spectators....
The whole thing was simply the best - felt elated at the finish line (got quite a surprise at how tired I looked in the photos - on such a high - I didn't feel tired
)
Stuart feel free to lift this / edit or whatever for CRC
I can't remember how to upload photos - so will email to DP - think I have sussed it - just found malky's posting - not totally sussed the sizing blew my mind!
Once again thanks to all you wee toon runners who encouraged me, wished me well and to all who supported my fundraising for Home-Start