City Guides

It’s marathon weekend! Whether you’re in town specifically for the race or not, the New York City Marathon is a must-see tradition with over 50,000 runners putting their best foot forward (literally). Even if you don’t know anyone running it, stop along the course to be inspired and throw in some encouragement and good cheer.

To kick off the fitness festivities, we talked to a handful of New Yorkers who are running the race on Sunday. Check out their running tips, their post-race food and sight-seeing recommendations, and the reason they decided to run the 26.2-mile course in the first place.

Oh, and to any of this year’s marathoners, swing by Serafina at Dream Midtown for a percent off of a fresh bowl of pasta. Vouchers are available at the front desk, where we will also be providing bananas and water the morning of the race—we want our runners well-fed!

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Name: Brooke Ely Danielson

Age: 34

Occupation: Brand Consultant, Stylist

Your neighborhood: Tribeca, NYC

Favorite spot to run in NYC: New Jersey river path or West Side Highway to the George Washington Bridge.

Why are you running the marathon? 

I am guiding my friend Melissa who is visually impaired and we are fundraising for Achilles International.

How many years have you run it? 

3

How did you train? 

I’ve been training nonstop for four years with no break, essentially. Earlier this year I ran the Boston Marathon, then an Ultra 50K on Bear Mountain. Since then, I have been maintaining 13 – 16 mile runs every weekend with shorter runs during the week and speed work twice a week. I also like to cross-train and do yoga. I kept my mileage chunky and consistent, there was no build for me since I came off two big races this year and a long trail run at altitude a few weeks ago. Not the most conventional way to train, but I feel really strong right now.

What do you recommend for first-timers in terms of preparation?

Study the course! Train as best you can, get lots of sleep, hydrate, and eat mindfully and healthfully. It’s best to be ahead of the game and test out your gear a few times prior to race day—no surprises. Also, do not leave anything to the last minute and do not change up your diet right before. Eat the same things you have been eating on long run days. My last bit of advice is to enjoy the process and be as present on race day as you can be. It flies by no matter how fast your pace. It’s emotional and rewarding, so bask in the achievement!

What’s your favorite meal the day before a race? 

I keep it light and clean! Usually a big kale salad with added grains and healthy fats like avocado and homemade hummus dip. I usually “carbo load” 48 hours prior with a big bowl of Banza pasta (or whole wheat) topped with veggies and homemade cashew cheese. Sweet potatoes and beets are my other favorites pre-race day. 

What are the top places visitors must see while they’re in town for the marathon?

Art! We have some of the best art museums in the world right here in NYC. I would suggest a morning at the Whitney followed by a long walk on The Highline, topped off with brunch at Sadelle’s. If you want to have a glass of wine with a beautiful view, check out Restoration Hardware in the Meatpacking District.

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Name: Mark Michael Astarita

Age: 25

Occupation: Mergers & Acquisitions Management Consultant

Your neighborhood: Kips Bay

Favorite spot to run in NYC: Along the Hudson River

Why are you running the marathon?

When I started running, I decided I wouldn’t ever run a race farther than 10 miles, maximum. Any further was too far and would take too much time. Then I ran a half marathon and loved the sense of accomplishment. After 4 half marathons, I decided to run a full to prove to myself I could do anything I set my mind to. I chose New York because if I only ever do one, I want it to be in the city I consider home. 

How many years have you run it?

This is my first-ever marathon!

How did you train?

I used the Hal Higdon Novice 1 training program as a base schedule and added 3 additional weeks to it (2 more +20 mile run weeks, 1 more cut-back week). My cross training was primarily hot yoga, cycling, and weight lifting.

What do you recommend for first-timers in terms of preparation?

“The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Just because you worked late, woke up late, or have plans and won’t get in a full workout doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least get some miles in if possible. Also, run with friends or a running team (shoutout to the Dashing Whippets)! People make all the difference when you’re waking up early to run for 3 hours on a weekend.

What’s your favorite meal the day before a race?

Pasta with meat sauce.

What are the top places visitors must see while they’re in town for the marathon?

1. American Museum of Natural History

2. A couple of bars to enjoy Halloween weekend in NYC!

3. A Broadway show—you’ll want to sit after your 26.2.

Which restaurant should they go to for a post-race meal?

The Meatball Shop, which has numerous locations throughout the city, is one of my favorite post-race spots. Los Tacos #1 is a great choice if you want what are regarded as the best tacos in NYC. 

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Name: Alexis Kulash

Age: 24

Occupation: Engineer

Neighborhood: Upper West Side

Favorite spot to run in NYC: Riverside Park

Why are you running the marathon?

It’s an iconic race and a chance to see the city I love from a unique perspective.

How many years have you run it?

First-timer!

How did you train?

I followed a training plan through my run tracking app, Runkeeper.

What do you recommend for first-timers in terms of preparation?

Try to get all the long runs in, but don’t beat yourself up over missed runs. Also, make plans to celebrate with friends and imbibe a beverage of choice immediately afterwards!

What’s your favorite meal the day before a race?

Carbs. All the carbs. I haven’t decided which, but it’ll be a lot.

What are the top places visitors must see while they’re in town for the marathon?

I love the parks across the city, so I’ll lean into my bias and say folks should visit Central Park, of course! Take a walk around the Reservoir and the baseball fields in the northern sections of the park. Riverside Park also offers beautiful views of Jersey and the Hudson, so stroll down the park towards Columbus Circle or north towards the GW bridge. I’d also recommend meandering around Washington Square Park and listening to the performers and getting some people-watching in.

Which restaurant should they go to for a post-race meal?

For a post-race meal, head to the Grey Dog in Chelsea. It’s cozy, warm, and serves breakfast all day!

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Name: Aidan O’Rourke 

Age: 24 

Occupation: Account Team Manager 

Your neighborhood: Chelsea 

Favorite spot to run in NYC: West Side Highway 

Why are you running the marathon? 

I’m running and raising money with Fred’s Team to support critical cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). I lost my father to head and neck cancer 15 years ago after he had the opportunity to receive treatment at MSKCC. The world class care he received meant the world to our family and friends, and I’m eager to contribute to the mission of a world without cancer. 

How many years have you run it? 

This will be my first! 

How did you train? 

I aimed to hit the pavement and the West Side Highway 4 times a week with long runs on Saturdays, cross training twice a week at local yoga studios (huge fan of Y7 if you’re in need of a recommendation).

What do you recommend for first-timers in terms of preparation?

I’m a first-timer myself so much of this is regurgitating what’s been passed down to me. That said, the number 1 advice I’ve heard has been to listen to your body (both when training and during the race). 26.2 miles is a lot to ask of your body, so make sure you’re taking the care to listen to what you’re getting back. 

What’s your favorite meal the day before a race? 

From what I’ve heard, get some good carbs in, hydrate, and give yourself enough time to digest the night before (no late night snacks!). Whatever you’ve been doing before your long runs should work—no need to experiment starting now. 

What are the top places visitors must see while they’re in town for the marathon?

Try to get to Central Park before race day to take it in, beautiful time of year to walk around and scope out areas of the course. Other favorite spot to stretch my legs is the High Line, and if I’m already in that area I usually try to stop by Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market (hands down the best tacos in NYC).