10 Tips for a Great Expo Experience
Race week is here and there’s no better way to join in on the excitement than visiting the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. The Expo takes place at the Javits Center, Thursday, November 3 to Saturday, November 5 and is open to the public. Here are a few tips for how best to enjoy your experience while also saving energy for race day.
1. Sign Up for a Time Slot
Runners must select a time slot to pick up their race materials. Sign into your NYRR dashboard and make your selection by 4:00 p.m. ET on November 5 if you have not already done so.
2. Take Public Transit
Getting to the Javits Center is easy via public transportation. See the Expo page for options and get up-to-date information at https://new.mta.info/
You can pay with your phone using the “tap and go” OMNY system for contactless payment. Read more about how it works at https://omny.info/
3. You Can Still Sign Up for Race-Day Transportation
Didn’t select transportation to the start on race day? It’s not too late to sign-up but be aware that time slots for options including the Staten Island ferry, Midtown Manhattan buses, and New Jersey buses may be limited. To make a selection, visit the Runner Support Center at the Expo near the bib pickup.
4. Shop Exclusive Marathon Gear
Browse exclusive New Balance marathon gear and accessories as well as merchandise from our other partners. Although it may be tempting to sport something new on race day, don’t wear anything you haven’t trained in. Save it for that post-race celebration!
5. Snap a Selfie at the Runners’ Wall
Find your name among the over 50,000 runners who are also registered for the marathon on the Runners’ Wall near the NYRR Running Lab.
6. Visit the NYRR Running Lab
Speaking of the NYRR Running Lab, this is where you'll get valuable insight for running your best on race day. NYRR coaches will lead mile-by-mile course strategy sessions, including race-day tips and insights on how to manage 26.2-miles, every hour on the hour except for 3:00 p.m.
Connect with members of the NYRR Pace Team to help you achieve your goal finish time with an even effort. Free NYRR Pace Bands provided by Tata Consultancy Services will be available at the NYRR Running Lab and will list mile splits for paces between 2:30 to 6 hours, in five-minute increments.
7. Check Out the Hospital for Special Surgery Speaker Series
Experts from HSS will offer tips for getting to the start line healthy and how to properly recover after the race. Sessions will be held every day from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
8. Ask Questions!
NYRR staff and volunteers will be on hand around the Expo to answer any questions you have about race day and race week events. And if you just want to talk about your training or anything marathon related, they’ll be there to listen and calm your nerves.
9. Stay Hydrated and Fueled
Bring a water bottle to the Expo so you stay hydrated. Also, don’t forget to eat something! Bring snacks or purchase food at the Javits Center. It’s important to fuel up in the days before your big race!
10. Limit Time on Your Feet
Enjoy the expo, but don’t spend too much time there. You need to save your energy and rest your legs for the 26.2 miles of running ahead of you! There’s a lot to do and see at the Expo and you should explore and enjoy the many activities that’ll get you excited for race day but manage your time wisely.
