Those of you who belong to the NYRR or are running NYCM this year may have seen an announcement this morning: there will no longer be baggage check at the NYCM as of this year.
Instead of the UPS trucks carrying your one clear bag of stuff from Staten Island to Central Park, you'll be given a fleece lined poncho at the finish and allowed to exit the park immediately. They'll have phone stations set up so you can call your family if you need. And don't forget, marathon runners ride the subway free on race day.
Judging from the response I witnessed on twitter and facebook this morning, you'd think that NYRR had just announced that NYCM was going to kidnap the young children of any racer and feed them, still alive, to Mary Wittenberg. The sense of entitlement is astounding - as, I understand, is the cost of registration for NYCM.
I, for one, LOVE this policy. I ran this race the past two years (and spectated for my sister the year prior), and the finish line was an absolute terror. The level of congestion absolutely without a doubt colored the overall race experience - negatively. The finish area is a part of the race that needed to change, and I applaud their efforts. A fledgling attempt to move Wave 1 baggage trucks last year didn't do anything for the majority of racers.
Here's what I said about the finish area in 2010:
Everyone this morning is full of Ideas, like they know exactly how they can improve the system and they've thought of things that NYRR hasn't. (Put the finish line on Central Park West! Put the bag trucks on Central Park West! Force the city to expand the road in Central Park for US because it's all about US! CHANGE THE COURSE!) Trust me, NYRR explored those possibilities. Either that, or people are full of accusations that NYRR is doing this only to make money - possible, but they're replacing an effectively free baggage claim run by volunteers and a major race sponsor (UPS) with the additional expense of ponchos.
We'll see in November. I, for one, am optimistic.
Instead of the UPS trucks carrying your one clear bag of stuff from Staten Island to Central Park, you'll be given a fleece lined poncho at the finish and allowed to exit the park immediately. They'll have phone stations set up so you can call your family if you need. And don't forget, marathon runners ride the subway free on race day.
Judging from the response I witnessed on twitter and facebook this morning, you'd think that NYRR had just announced that NYCM was going to kidnap the young children of any racer and feed them, still alive, to Mary Wittenberg. The sense of entitlement is astounding - as, I understand, is the cost of registration for NYCM.
I, for one, LOVE this policy. I ran this race the past two years (and spectated for my sister the year prior), and the finish line was an absolute terror. The level of congestion absolutely without a doubt colored the overall race experience - negatively. The finish area is a part of the race that needed to change, and I applaud their efforts. A fledgling attempt to move Wave 1 baggage trucks last year didn't do anything for the majority of racers.
Here's what I said about the finish area in 2010:
I finished, got my medal, got my mylar, got my Gatorade Recovery Drink (I call this beverage "miracle"), and... stalled. What a terrible, terrible finish chute. There was no way to exit the park without walking past the UPS trucks/baggage pick up, and the crowd of thousands of runners was not moving. It took me 30 minutes to walk less than half a mile. 30 painful, cold, claustrophobic, intense minutes of tensing up. That was a mess-up.And in 2011:
But the finish area - the finish area! What a nightmare the NYCM finish area is (still!) A claustrophobic, disastrous, terrible half mile of death-shuffle. I had to push through crowds of people wanting their picture taken in order to have my medal handed to me, and then I had to push again to get a bag with Gatorade and water in it. It took me nearly 30 minutes to get 10 blocks out of the park, while crammed between barricades and UPS trucks with NYRR volunteers with bullhorns watching me from lifeguard chairs.I do get why people would have liked to know about this change in advance, but I suspect NYRR has been working on it quietly and didn't want to announce it until they were certain it would be happening.
Everyone this morning is full of Ideas, like they know exactly how they can improve the system and they've thought of things that NYRR hasn't. (Put the finish line on Central Park West! Put the bag trucks on Central Park West! Force the city to expand the road in Central Park for US because it's all about US! CHANGE THE COURSE!) Trust me, NYRR explored those possibilities. Either that, or people are full of accusations that NYRR is doing this only to make money - possible, but they're replacing an effectively free baggage claim run by volunteers and a major race sponsor (UPS) with the additional expense of ponchos.
We'll see in November. I, for one, am optimistic.
I hate that idea. It would make more sense to move the UPS trucks out of the finish line chute (make people walk a little longer to get to them). I always check things, like my phone, which I never ran with, a jacket to wear on the way to the race (I don't do throwaway clothes, because I'm cheap), and whatever else I may need. Having phone stations? Like that won't be jammed packed? I hope other races don't follow suit.
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone, judging from the fb/twitter outcry. That said, I never check things and I run with my phone, and NYCM was a total clusterfuck. Plus I want the poncho!
DeleteOh, imagine the uproar if they announced they were eliminating FREE bag check and you could pay for some exclusive premium kind.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny that they needed to write a 3 paragraph email to announce this change.
I think it's especially funny that NYRR members - not just INGNYCM participants - also got the email this morning.
DeleteBut yeah... the exclusive, premium bag check is coming next, just wait...
Your positive reaction gives me a faint glimmer of hope that you'll run with me in 2013. My campaign starts now. :)
ReplyDeleteHow will I get in? I have no guaranteed entry for 2013! But now that I live in Brooklyn, I think I have to do the race, no? Since it basically traverses my entire borough!
DeleteI'm not running NYCM so I don't really have a dog in the fight. However:
ReplyDeleteif I was coming to run this race out of town and stayed in, say, Jersey and had no family/friends in the area? You're damn right I'd be pissed. People dump over 200 bucks to run this race, the race lets in more people from out of town and THEN expects you make sure you have friends/family nearby? That is what you call a fucking cash cow. Also bullshit.
Also, the one year I did it baggage check was PAINLESS. No congestion whatsoever.
I was wondering what it was like for the faster folks, because it's a massive shit show for those of us not in the first wave. My sister ended up in a medical tent, so she didn't have a good perspective, and a few other faster people I've seen have said that it was bad for them, too. Do you think it's just the increasing crowds? I mean, 45k people is too fucking many for that narrow stretch of CP.
DeleteAnd I hear you on Jersey, although I'm usually good with a mylar blanket. And it's the people who have to stop IMMEDIATELY at the baggage check and change their clothes right there that are a big part of the congestion problem.
They probably could/should have waited until 2013 to implement it.
Elites still get to check their bags though. So some runners need to bring stuff with them, but others don't? That's BS.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree that it was a problem that needed to be addressed. Doing so by creating a bunch of new problems (security and health issues, for a start) is, although amusingly creative, not very smart.
Seriously? I just don't feel the security or health issues.
DeleteThere has been a little buzz on JDRF about people with T1 Diabetes not being able to store things like food/insulin, I believe.
DeleteI can understand that, but diabetics are going to have issues, regardless. And honestly, I'm not saying this to be contrary, but the finish chute WAS a health issue before. If this works, it stands to save so much time - I could have been home last year in the amount of time it took me to EXIT THE PARK. No hyperbole.
DeleteWhat do I do with my house keys? My asthma inhaler? My wallet? What if I need particular food or drink after the race? Should I run with all that crap now?
DeleteAll of those things apply to me, and though I will plan accordingly, but some people will not. I'm very confident that this will create more problems than it solves.
See my comment! I don't know numbers, but a bunch of them carry the necessary stuff with them on the run because of blood sugar changes during endurance exercise. And I feel like such a small number of people are dealing with things so severe that honestly that is their own personal thing to deal with and they are prob used to dealing with it on a daily basis?
DeleteAlso, I've seen complaints from people with severe food allergies who would hope to have foods they are sure won't make them sick at the finish line, instead of (for example) a Powerbar.
DeleteDo you carry all those things now when you run? And if not, why do you need them race day?
DeleteListen: this brings up an important point that we should bear in mind. For roughly 95ish% of the field, NYCM is an "event" and not a race. Between the hilly course and the insane crowds, it's not known as an easy PR. Pretending like it's a race (can't carry my phone, it will weigh me down!) is going against exactly what the NYRR is steering us all toward. So I say, embrace it. Take those pictures on the course, wear that fanny pack.
@kai do you run with your inhaler all the time? hm, i take it beforehand and leave at home
DeleteNo, I don't run with it all the time, but after running for 3+ hours I certainly want it to hand. I will most likely finish around 8 hours after I leave my house... I should have my inhaler with me.
DeleteSame with my keys, my wallet, money etc.
Group running is best suited for hunter gatherers, I say elbows up and spears out, may the best savage win.
ReplyDelete-Frankie "Says" Pierce
I don't really get this comment but I kinda love it.
DeleteThe three marathons I've run have been a. small, b. either in the town I'm living in or the town a supportive friend is living in, and c. filled with friends or family who cheer me on and help me out, which all rendered any form of bag check unnecessary. I can't imagine trying to fly into NY from somewhere else and navigate this bag check situation on my own. It'll be interesting to see how the logistics all shake out. Glad I won't be part of the fray :)
ReplyDeleteThe metrocard/keys thing is a real concern, I think. That said, honestly, people will figure out how to handle it and work around it. It's a change, that's for sure! This will bring me back to NYCM, possibly. If it drives others away, well... so be it!
Delete+1
Deleteif people have the dedication and mental tenacity to put yourself through the training that your body requires to run 26.2 miles, they can figure out how wield 2 ounces of key + metrocard.
I agree with you--the finish chute death march of 2011 is (one of) the reason why I will never, ever do this race again. But eliminating baggage from a marathon?? That's insane. Especially for those of us, like myself, that did not have friends or family meet them after the race. So am I supposed to carry my keys, money (for food/drinks post race), metro card (sorry, you have to pay your fare to get to the race), phone and gels on me for the entire race? Last year I also packed a jacket and a clean shirt.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they acknowledge a problem, but this is a terrible solution.
Metrocards are so small! Put them in your pocket!
Deletethey fit very well under a sports bra on the side =p
DeleteI don't wear a sports bra ) :
DeleteMy Metrocard always chafes me when I tuck it under my sports bra. Robin - what do you use to prevent the chafing? Thanks in advance!!
DeleteI have a few pairs of Brooks shorts that have pockets in them---for the BK half I was able to stash money, my keys and a metro card in one pocket, and 2 gels in the other. Except, for a marathon I need to have 4 gels, and honestly I'd rather be over prepared and have 5. Also, I don't want to worry about my keys falling out of my pocket for 4 hours while I grab a gel out of the same pocket.
DeleteAlso, I have big boobs, nothing goes in my sports bra. I get enough chafe as it is without putting a sharp plastic piece of paper in there!
@johanna mine has never chafed me because i sweat so much! though i've never had it in there for 26.2 miles so i'm not sure.
Deletei guess this doesn't seem catastrophic to me because my typical M.O. is running home from the central park races.. ie not checking a bag & keeping everything i need (metrocard, key, credit card) on me. hm.
Yes yes yes, Robin. I can count on one hand the number of times I've checked a bag, through bunches and bunches of smaller races and 11 marathons (including being out of town). Lace your key onto your shoe and get on with it.
DeletePost-finish line was pretty decent last year. I was Wave 1 and there were still a ton (on the order of 8,000 if I remember) of people in front of me, but it wasn't horrendous and we got to exit on 77th I believe. I didn't check a bag so I didn't have much to do except hobble out of the park. It was slow, but post-26.2 walking speed is also slow (at least for me) so I didn't mind it very much. Not sure how much longer it took for the subsequent waves.
ReplyDelete@Kai, I agree with Tracy... security and health issues? Really? Health issues = medical tent. If it's so serious that the med tent at the finish can't help you, chances are (and I'm thinking of many of the JDRFers with whom I do long runs) you carry what you need on your person because it might be necessary during the race. And I'm not really sure what "security issues" entails.
Security 'cos it's quite conceivable that runners could end up stranded. I actually rescued a dude last year who was lost, without his wallet or phone (wife had them), and was starting to turn blue. I guess I just mean that there are significant risks here: maybe safety would be a better way to put it.
DeleteMany thousands of people from out of town, without cellphones, wallets or maps. Recipe for disaster, imo.
Thing is, the current situation IS a disaster. So I'll take a "recipe for a disaster" over a known disaster.
DeleteAnd again, re: your blue friend: he needed medical attention. And that was when baggage check was available, you know? He still would need it this year.
DeleteIt's not really a disaster though, it's an inconvenience.
DeleteMy blue friend was at 84th and Columbus. Lost, confused, and blue. There will be lots more like him this year :)
Agree with your post, Tracy; adapt, people, bring a spectator to be your mule. You can train for and strategize running a marathon but you can't deal with no baggage check?? Odd.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think we take things like baggage claim for granted... not to sound older than I am, but "back during MY first marathon..."
DeleteI'm planning to travel to and from the race via public transportation as I have in years past. I may or may not have someone available to bring a bag to the finish. That means I'll be running with my cellphone, keys and wallet (at a minimum). The idea of having to return home by subway / bus in my cold, wet race clothes in NOVEMBER is entirely unappealing to me, poncho or not. I asked NYRR for my money back - because in my mind, this is an entirely unacceptable change this late in the game.
ReplyDeleteThe notion that NYRR took away baggage check "because runners complained about the finish" is entirely unacceptable. Fix the problem that we complained about, don't remove a race-day necessesity.
When did it become a "necessity"? And the finish was unhealthy. Seriously - I had more problems IN that finish than I've had at any race except for Chicago 2010.
DeleteOkay. So. Jess and I are both running. Since we will probably finish at different times, we will need to have access to our phones to find each other after the race. So the only option is for both of us to carry our phones? And I have to carry my inhaler, which I normally only need before the start, along with fuel, my keys, metrocard, and money? I don't have "sherpas" who will be spectating for me in Brooklyn to whom I could hand some of that stuff; the soonest I'll see family will be on 1st Avenue.
ReplyDeleteI think they should have announced this for the 2013 runners so as not to annoy those already registered.
And to the idea of it's just an event, not a race - I do want to PR at this race and don't want to be told that I shouldn't since it's an event. That's annoying.
I will be your sherpa in Brooklyn! I can be wherever you want me to be.
DeleteI do agree re: 2013. But still, I love this idea. You can always get those shorts with the 6 or 7 pockets on the back...
Thanks for offering to be my sherpa! I may take you up on that, actually.
DeleteI actually looked at some of those shorts today for this very reason! Race Ready, they're called.
I wore them for my first few marathons. I got rid of mine a while ago or I'd give them to you (plus they're like a decade old at this point - yikes!). I liked them. Get them in advance of your last 20, don't forget! And I'm *happy* sherpa.
DeleteInteresting! I did not read everyone's comments, but I could have done w/o bag check last year. Since we had it, I brought extra clothes. Since it was so warm, I checked them rather than discarded them. I always try not to use bag check, unless I absolutely have to.
ReplyDeleteWow. 46 comments. It's like I'm reading the Kip Litton thread on LetsRun.
ReplyDeleteIt does sort of feel like that, no? I can't decide if that means that this is the beginning or the end for my poor little blog.
DeleteI just came across your blog. I want to say THANK YOU to you for writing this! I couldn't agree with you more!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for the comment! I appreciate it! I really don't understand the uproar... and I look forward to November when everyone is saying how awesome the new system is, and how they've thought it was a good idea since the beginning (sigh)...
Delete