10 Reasons to Run the 2020 Virtual TCS New York City Marathon
Running a marathon is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. Crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles creates memories to last a lifetime.
This year, marathons have gone virtual, and thousands of runners have signed up for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon Powered by Strava. You can join them and run anytime, anywhere in the world from October 17 to November 1, either at the Run for the Medal tier ($50 NYRR members/$60 non-members) or at the free Run for the Love of Running tier.
Why run a virtual marathon? “People are excited by running a virtual marathon for the same reasons they get excited about an in-person marathon: because it’s a really big, challenging idea,” said NYRR coach Annick Lamar. “It’s that challenge that seems to be inspiring people right now.”
Get more inspiration and advice from Lamar and NYRR coach Roberto Mandje in our podcast, Habitual Routine. Its first season is devoted entirely to training for and running the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon.
Still on the fence about signing up to run? Check out these 10 reasons to register today to run the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon.
1. You choose your course. Download and join Strava and start planning your 26.2 now, plotting for shade or sunshine, hilly miles or flat, a loop (or multiple loops) or point-to-point, roads or trails. You can run from your home or, if allowed, travel near or far. It’s all up to you! Read more tips about how to plan your virtual race.
2. You set the date... You have a two-week window to run your race, so pick the day that works for you and start getting excited. As the two-week window approaches, you can adjust your date based on the weather and your schedule.
3...and pick the time of day. No need to set an alarm for 4:00 a.m. to catch the ferry to Staten Island! You have a 24-hour window to complete your race, so feel free to start whenever suits you.
4. Every zig and zag count toward 26.2. That’s not the case in a regular marathon, where you're likely to run extra distance as you move through the crowd. (Make sure to run slightly over the marathon distance on race day, to be certain your race counts.)
5. No-stress (or low-stress) logistics. Yes, you’ll have to map out a course and plan your fueling and hydration, but getting to the start and waiting for the starting horn will be non-issues. And we doubt you’ll miss the lines at portable toilets.
6. You’re less likely to start too fast. It's a common mistake to let the adrenaline of being surrounded by thousands of other runners and cheering spectators propel you through the early miles—only to fade badly later. Just as you do in training, you can set a manageable pace on race day, stick to it, and finish strong!
7. Friends and family can easily support you. They won’t have to search for you (and you for them) in a crowd. Instead, you’ll easily spot them along your route, yelling their heads off.
8. You can have a pace team. Like the NYRR Pace Team Presented by Biofreeze does at in-person races, family members can pace all or part of your virtual marathon. They can also help you with hydration, fueling, gear (fresh socks, band-aids, sanitary supplies, etc.) along the way.
9. You'll be able to design your own dramatic finish! Want the Chariots of Fire theme and friends holding a finish line tape? Neighborhood kids with noisemakers? Make it your personal celebration!
10. It’ll be the best day of a tough year. Make something positive for 2020. Remember to stay safe out there and give yourself a huge pat on the back when you cross the finish. You’ll have earned it.
As a special bonus first-time marathoners, this will be your marathon personal record (PR)! Sign up today and start your prep for 26.2 with runners around the world this fall.