2021 TCS New York City Marathon Must-Dos for Race Day
You have just days to go until the historic 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, the event’s 50th running! Knowing that race day will be different in many ways this year, we urge you to read this essential guide. These are the most important things you need to know, with links to more information.
1. Download the App
The TCS New York City Marathon App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the best way for runners, their friends and families, and fans around the world to celebrate the 50th running of the New York City Marathon. With the app you can access runner confirmation forms, track runners, read pro athlete bios, view an interactive map of the Expo, see a calendar of events, shop for New Balance gear, and more. It’s free in the iTunes Store and Google Play.
2. Read our Health and Safety Guidelines
We’ve implemented processes and procedures this year to keep everyone safe—runners, volunteers, staff, and fans. To find out what’s new and different, please read our guidelines even if you’ve run, watched, or volunteered at the Marathon before. To cite just a few examples, number pickup at the Expo is by appointment, on-course nutrition and hydration have been modified, and you’ll exit Central Park after the finish in a different location—with no family reunion area. Read up!
3. Know Local NYC Rules Regarding COVID-19
Lots of things are different all over NYC this year, due to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. Get familiar with these city-mandated requirements and more at Key to NYC.
4. Visit the Expo at Your Reserved Time
As in previous years, runners must visit the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in person to pick up their race materials. Two things are new this year:
-All runners must reserve a time slot to pick up their materials
-The Javits Center requires proof of at least one round of COVID-19 vaccination to enter. Runners who are unable to enter can pick up their materials at a nearby outdoor location on Saturday, November 6.
5. Have a Plan for Getting to the Start…
As in previous years, we offer numerous official transportation options. We strongly encourage you to take your assigned official transportation, which is printed on your bib. Please note: All options use public transportation, where a face covering is required.
New this year, runners who signed up in advance can pre-check a bag in Central Park on Friday or Saturday and retrieve it after they finish on Sunday. Capacity for this bag pre-check option was limited and filled in September.
6. …And home from the finish
As in previous years, the Marathon finishes in Central Park near West 67th Street. New this year, all runners will receive a poncho after they finish, all will exit the park at West 72nd Street, and there will not be a family reunion area.
7. Grab a Pocket Guide at the Expo
Most of the essentials mentioned here are covered in this handy printed guide—and as always, our friendly and well-informed staff and volunteers are available throughout race weekend to direct you and answer your questions.
8. Set a Realistic and Achievable Goal
Think about the goal you’ve set during your months of training and visualize yourself keeping on pace and achieving it. But give yourself an out if your body isn’t feeling up to the task or the weather isn’t ideal. Have a second and even third goal to strive for so you stay motivated and positive.
9. Check the Weather for Sunday and Plan Accordingly
Make sure you check the forecast the night before race day and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Also, lay out your outfit before going to bed so when you get up in the morning you have all the gear you need and aren’t scrambling last minute.
10. Have a Fueling and Hydration Plan Based on What Worked in Training
The course will have fluid stations every mile from 3 to 25 except at miles 5, 7, and 9, featuring Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water and Gatorade® Endurance Formula™ Lemon-Lime Flavor. Also, Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels will be available at approximately mile 12 and mile 18 to help fuel you through the finish line!
11. Don’t Go Out Too Fast!
Crowd support along the course is amazing as New Yorkers take to the streets to cheer you on. This may give you an extra boost of energy, but remember to pace yourself. 26.2 miles is long and you don’t want to risk hitting the wall.
12. Thank the Volunteers and Consider Volunteering in 2022
The TCS New York City Marathon couldn’t happen without our volunteers. Be sure to thank those who’ve come out to support you during race week and on race day. Also, consider giving back by volunteering at one of the many races or events in 2022.
13. Celebrate Your Accomplishment!
You did it—you’re a 2021 TCS New York City Marathon finisher! Commemorate your accomplishment by having your medal engraved on Marathon Monday at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion Presented by Mastercard. You can also shop New Balance gear, purchase a copy of the New York Times special results section, and relive the memories.
