New York Road Runners Half Marathon Grand Prix Bronx Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Renee H.
Washington, DC

  (08-20-2010)

"This was half #3 for me and it happened to fall almost exactly a year after half #1, which I thought was kind of fun. I was ready for this race. I am in the midst of my marathon training and had chatted with Coach Jeff earlier in the week about my race plan. I took it easy yesterday and had a nice pre-race dinner with Akash, who was a fantastic host even in the midst of med school exams.

It was an early morning, but I had everything ready and have really gotten quite good at moving quick in the mornings after so many early runs this summer. I walked to the subway and had to wait forever. It was quite a pleasant morning outside until I got way down in the subway station where I managed to break a sweat standing still. That worried me a bit, but I had water with me. I also brought my ipod knowing it was going to be a long subway ride all the way up to the Bronx.

Once we got there I still had to get my bib and put on sunscreen and all the other last minute stuff, but I was also trying to meet up with Jocelyn, which did happen. We chatted for a bit and wandered to the start corrals. It turns out we went to High School about 10 minutes from each other. It was lots of fun meeting her.

I started off feeling great, like I said, I was mentally prepared for 13.1 today. The first few miles went great. I actually had to slow myself down at points so as to not go out too fast. I was able to hold my 8:45ish pace for the first 7 miles without a problem. I took my gel right around 7 miles and a bit after that my legs felt tired and heavy, but I convinced myself to just push on through and keep going. I was also having a little IT Band pain which just pissed me off since my IT bands haven’t bothered me in about 2 weeks.

There were a lot of out and backs and loops on the course as well as ups and downs, no big hills, but it was not flat. I kind of wish there had not been as many loops, but it wasn’t too bad. It made it so the crowds were there. Once I hit mile 10 I evaluated where I was at and tried to push on. My body did not want to surge so I just kept going and trying to stay under 9:00. I think it was a little before mile 12 I started to not feel well. My stomach wasn’t happy and I was getting cold. I told myself I was almost done and to just keep going. The yucky feeling didn’t go away and I honestly considered stopping at the last med tent, but then I felt ok for a short period of time. I was able to kick it for the last half-mile or so, but still didn’t feel well. I did not read that wrong and threw-up as soon as I passed the finish line. When you throw-up at the finish line you get a wheelchair ride to the med tent. I had so many people asking me questions I didn’t even know what was happening other than I was now dehydrated. They put ice on my body to cool me down and gave me Gatorade with salt. Thankfully I started to feel better and was able to keep fluids and pretzels down

At that point I really just wanted to get my stuff and go. I ran into Jocelyn again and chatted a bit as we walked to the subway. The worst part about getting carted off to the med tent immediately is that I didn’t get to stretch at all, leaving me stiff. While waiting for the subway I met Neal and we chatted all the way back to Manhattan.

All in all it was a good trip to NYC and I PR’d by 3:26, which I am happy with even with the original intention to break 1:55, but considering the finish to my race, it was good.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jocelyn S.
New York, NY

  (08-20-2010)

"I felt like there were too many out and backs and loops. This course could have gone to the Bronx Zoo or the Botanical gardens to get those extra miles indeed of all the loops. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Tim L.
Stamford, CT

  (08-16-2010)

"The starting point was very difficult to get to. Of all the landmarks and parks in the Bronx (Van Cortlandt Park, Old Orchard Beach, Bronx Zoo) this race starts around Bronx Science. There is a large parking lot near the start but it is not available (even though it was empty). Only on street parking. It took me a while to find it and I had to park a mile away, which did make for a good warm-up. Some people that took the subway got delayed as well. I started the race late, but they use chip time so other than having to pace myself, it worked out.

Course has two out-and-backs, one was done twice. There was actually some course support with the various teams and their support crews. Most of the hills were gradual and natural so they did not play a big factor. The weather was perfect for summer running, overcast and in the low 70s. As always, NYRR had great course management and there was plenty of water and gatorade along the course and race times were posted to the website very fast.

Now that I know how to get there, I would do this race again. I would recommend this race if it is part of a bigger plan and training for a future race.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Bea C.
New York, NY

  (04-23-2009)

"Most of the time it's very cold in NY in February. Course is relatively flat. Very few spectators around."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008