Due to confusion about the course, this race was a complete disaster. Runners being sent down the wrong streets, backtracking, running into others going the wrong way...could they have screwed it up any more? Most of the 5K runners ended up running about 2.3 miles, that is, if they didn't fall

"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.

"The registration and pick-up went quickly and easily but the race start was a mess. It was difficult to make our way to pacer groups and it could have been much better organized by calling people to line up in groups rather than all at once.

The biggest problem for me