"Ran this in 2013 and 2014. Last year, I followed it with the NYCM the following week.

Fairly standard NYRR race -- typical packet pick-up/ race start/ corral set-up/ run through Central Park.

The difference is the vibe. Given the ""kick-off"" to marathon week, all of the runners are pretty excited.

This was my second Marathon and my first trip to Chicago! This was such a fun run. There were hundreds of people cheering for the runners in every mile!! As a runner, I never wanted to stop running because the support and encouragement was so great!! Definitely would recommend

"I ran the Philly Rock & Roll 1/2 in 2013. I registered in 2014 but plantar fascisiitis kept me from running last year but I still went down to cheer on my friends and party with them. This is def. one of my favorite 1/2 marathons. A quick weekend