Buzz
Welcome to Training Diaries, a new series from Mytour that follows my journey to the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon. I’ll take you through all the highs and lows, along with the dreaded hill repeats, as I train for the largest marathon in the world. As race day on Sunday, Nov. 5 approaches, I’ll cover topics like proper nutrition, handling injuries and setbacks, treadmill training, wardrobe mishaps, long run strategies, and generally reflect on what it takes to cross the finish line. I hold on to a mantra that’s both cheesy and true: A marathon is really hundreds of miles, with race day being just the final 26 or so.
With the marathon just two days away, I’m experiencing what most medical professionals call “the zoomies.” For those of us who are anxiety-prone and control-focused, the days leading up to the race are far more mentally challenging than the race itself.
One way I’ve been calming my pre-race nerves is by virtually exploring the course. I’m doing this not just for myself, but also to guide my friends and family on where they can cheer me on. As a native New Yorker, I’m fortunate to have people supporting me along the entire race route. Having been both a runner and a spectator, I can confidently say that marathon spectating is a sport in its own right. Some fans set up camp at one spot, tailgating like it’s a football game, while others strategically move around the course to catch their runner at key moments.
In this post, I’m addressing not the runners, but the marathon supporters. Without your dedication, we’d never reach the starting line. Now, there’s just one more 26.2-mile challenge ahead of us. Here’s how you can fully experience the marathon as a spectator, making it enjoyable for both yourself and the runner you’re cheering on.
How to be the ultimate marathon spectator
GPS tracking
Major marathons like New York or Boston often offer event-specific apps, allowing you to track your runner by entering their bib number. Additionally, have your runner share their live location with you, but don’t rely solely on GPS as it might not always be precise.
Set expectations in advance
Your runner will most likely not be texting throughout the race. Before the race starts, discuss their start time and estimated pace. Flexibility is key here, especially if this is their first race. You don’t know if they’ll accidentally start the race too fast and then bonk, need some unexpected bathroom breaks, or what have you. Mile-by-mile estimates can be wildly inaccurate for such a long distance race.
Another expectation to go over is what type of interaction you’ll have along the course. Is your runner expecting you to deliver a banana and some Gatorade? Are you expecting them to stop and chat for a minute? Or will they be too focused on their pace to stop for more than a quick pat on the back? Talk with your runner so everyone is on the same page.
One of my most savvy, overlooked hacks: Try to decide ahead of time if you will be on your runner’s left or right. Some races have so many participants (like New York) that there will be no feasible way for your runner to cut across traffic and receive their much-needed high-five from you.
Hit your runner’s critical miles
If you’re deciding where your runner might need you most, here’s my personal mile-by-mile breakdown on what it feels like to see a loved one along the route:
Miles 1-3: Adrenaline is flowing through the veins. You’re acutely aware that this isn’t just any run, it’s a race. At this stage, runners typically don’t need much support, but as a fan, this is a thrilling point to witness the action.
Miles 4-6: Runners are starting to find their rhythm. They may not feel like stopping for a chat, but this is still a great moment to wave and cheer! For those who have been running for almost an hour, a familiar, encouraging face can provide the push they need to carry on for another 20 miles.
Miles 7-10: The energy remains strong, but depending on the route, this could be a quieter stretch where your presence as a supporter could make all the difference.
Miles 10-13: When someone yells, “You’re halfway there!” what I actually hear is “You’re only halfway there?!” This is the critical moment where runners will begin to feel the toll of the race, and spectators can really help lift their spirits. At this point, the smiles of the first half begin to turn into grimaces.
Miles 13-16: A marathon doesn’t feel like running two half marathons back-to-back. Instead, it feels like completing one half, then enduring thirteen additional miles that only get tougher as you go. This is when your support becomes essential, as the magnitude of what’s left to tackle begins to sink in for the runners.
Miles 17-20: Maybe it’s the way the course is laid out, but I’ve always found that this stretch receives the least attention, even when it’s the most crucial time for support. If you want to be the trendsetter of marathon spectating, this is the secret gem no one talks about.
Miles 20-23: This is officially the danger zone. Runners might be hitting the infamous “wall,” where it feels like their legs are no longer in sync with their mind. Fuel, hydration, and emotional support can make the difference between continuing and quitting from this point onward.
Miles 23-26: The same advice applies, but now when you say, “You’re almost there!” you’re speaking the truth. It’s incredible how much a simple “Thanks for not giving up!” or “You’re doing great!” can lift a runner’s spirits during this tough stretch. One of the most memorable cheers I ever heard was a sincere, “You’re about to finish a marathon!” around mile 23. That simple truth was exactly what I needed to keep pushing forward. And if you’re lucky enough to be at the finish line, the look on your runner’s face as they cross it is unforgettable.
What to expect when you’re spectating
Here’s everything else you should know about being the ultimate marathon spectator:
Create signs featuring the runner’s name. Personalized posters can give the runner a boost when they need it most. Let your creativity and humor shine through in your slogans!
Ring cowbells, use noisemakers, or blast upbeat music. The noise will energize the runners and make your cheering section memorable. Be considerate, though, of those runners who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Wear costumes or coordinate outfits. Spectators dressed in fun costumes or matching outfits are always appreciated by the runners.
Find optimal cheering spots near key mile markers. Check out the miles ahead of time and identify key moments when runners could use extra motivation. Concentrate your efforts around these critical points.
Give high fives, fist bumps, and waves. Simple gestures of encouragement can brighten a runner's spirits instantly. Just make sure your hand is accessible so runners can easily slap it.
Address runners by their name or bib number. Calling out to runners personally helps them feel supported. Take note of their names on the race bibs as they pass by.
Offer small food items if allowed by the race. Be sure to verify the race rules first, but options like orange slices, water, or energy gels might be available at certain spots.
Keep your words of encouragement brief and positive. Short, focused phrases such as “You’ve got this!” or “Keep pushing!” are far more motivating than lengthy cheers.
Respect runners’ pace and space. Don’t obstruct their path or attempt to run alongside them. Allow them the room they need to focus.
If a family member of yours has been training for a marathon these past few months, you've made a big sacrifice by supporting them along the way. If they haven’t expressed their gratitude yet, let me do it for them—thank you! For listening to all their stories about long training runs, hearing complaints about new aches and pains, and enduring the pre-race discussions about all the things that could possibly go wrong. The big day is almost here, and as a gesture of solidarity, I say it's time to carbo-load—you've earned it just as much as they have.
