If 2018 is anything like the recent years of the New York City Marathon, you can expect thousands to flock to the Big Apple in November for the race. In 2017, there were over 51,000 runners who competed in the marathon. So you can probably expect around that many people, or even more, for the 2018 race. To say it has grown quickly since its debut in 1970 is an understatement. That first year nearly 50 years ago, there were only 127 participants in the race (not to mention it was held entirely in Central Park with a race entry fee of just one dollar and a total race budget of $1000 - today, the race gives runners an up close and look at the entire city, running through all five boroughs with a heft race fee of nearly $300).

So what's it like to run one of the world's most prestigious, well known, and popular marathons with 50,000 other people (not to mention the thousands and thousands of spectators who line the streets to cheer you on). Well fall in New York City, especially November, can be beautiful with pleasant temperatures and gorgeous changing foliage. But it can also be cold, windy, rainy and miserable as far as weather conditions are concerned. However, one of the things that make the New York City marathon one of the most sought after marathons for runners to run is because of the sheer energy from both the runners and the fans. Everyone cheers each other on, pumps each other up, and encourages and supports everyone else. The support from spectators is especially great, since many make great signs and choose to more-or-less throw a celebration or party in honor of the race. Some runners describe the experience as emotional because it's such an iconic race to be apart of. Tears are definitely a common thing to see (and shed) at the New York City Marathon. You'll be tired, (as you SHOULD be after running 26.2 miles on a not so easy race route) but pain is temporary - especially pain caused by running the New York City Marathon. The glory and pride of knowing you finished the race lasts forever.

Sources
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-york-city-marathon-stories-2015_us_562bd8d4e4b0ec0a3894b1a1
https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/race-day/course