NYC Marathon Spectator Tips

With two days left to the big running day the runners aren’t the only ones getting excited! Every local and tourist can’t stop talking about the ING NYC Marathon. Here is some of the best advice coming from the official website. Scroll to the bottom for a map of the course and be prepared for a windy day!

Update: download the official app to track your favorite runners here.
ENTERTAINMENT/CHEERING ZONES

More than 130 bands and entertainment zones along the course will motivate and entertain runners and spectators alike.
ING and other sponsors will host cheering zones along the course for spectators. Cheering zones will feature spectator amenities such assign-making supplies, fun giveaways, and DJs
.

SWEEP BUS AND STREET OPENINGS

The marathon course is completely closed to vehicular traffic during the race; you can find a schedule of street closures here. (http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/entrantinfo/essentials.htm#en-closures)

Sweep buses will follow the marathon route at a 6 1/2-hour marathon pace, roughly 15 minutes per mile, after the final wave start. These buses will transport any entrant who wishes to drop out to the post-finish area.
After the sweep buses pass by, the city streets will reopen to traffic. Cross-street protection, medical assistance, aid stations, and other services will no longer be available. Runners on the course should move onto the sidewalks.

SECURITY MEASURES

Prohibited Items
In order to ensure the safety of all Marathon participants, spectators, and partners, NYRR has added two categories of items to its list of prohibited objects at all marathon events. As always, all bags and items entering Marathon venues and events are subject to inspection by NYRR, contracted private security personnel, venue personnel and the NYPD.

For spectators and runners, the following items are prohibited from entering any Marathon venue, including but not limited to the Expo, Marathon Opening Ceremony, Start Village, Family Reunion, Finish Line Bleachers, and all Marathon Pavilion events:

Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, mace, etc.
Any dangerous items or “dual use” items that could be dangerous
Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks, and explosives
Large packages, coolers, and tents/lean-tos
Animals/pets
Duvets, sleeping bags, and large blankets/comforters
Additionally, for runners, the following items are prohibited from the Start Villages, start corrals, and race course:

Glass containers
Containers of liquid larger than 1 liter
Strollers
Suitcases and rolling bags
Backpacks* and any bag other than the Official Start Village Bag and Official UPS Bag
Camelbaks® and any type of hydration backpacks* (Note: Water and Gatorade
Endurance Formula are available at the start and at fluid stations every mile starting at mile 3. Runners may run with fuel belts and handheld water bottles.)
Weight vests and any sort of vest with pockets
Costumes covering the face or any non-formfitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body
Props (including sporting equipment, military and fire/gear, and signs larger than 11˝ x 17˝)
* These items have been prohibited from all NYRR events since April 2013; these prohibitions are based on enhanced safety protocols established in collaboration with the NYPD, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority Police, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and other city, state and federal agency partners.