Health and Safety at the TCS New York City Marathon
At NYRR, health and safety are our top priorities. We work in coordination with city, state, and federal agencies to ensure the health and safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and spectators through our policies and procedures.
Medical Support
The TCS New York City Marathon medical coverage is a collaborative effort between NYRR, New York City Fire Department Emergency Medical Services, SeniorCare EMS, Medical Volunteers & city agencies. Medical Tents are located in the Start, every mile, after the Verrazzano Bridge (mile 3), and in the post-finish area.
If you have a medical emergency at the marathon (including in the start or finish areas) call 866-705-6626 for the fastest medical response. Friends and family can call the Medical Information Hotline (929-999-7029) to ask about runners who have received medical assistance during the race.
Event Alert System
NYRR has implemented a color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) for the TCS New York City Marathon that will communicate the status of course conditions on race day. The levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based on weather and other course conditions. On race day, the current EAS status will be communicated via color-coded flags at start, finish areas along the course at each medical station.
All participants should familiarize themselves with the EAS prior to the race, remain alert for directions from race officials, and take precautions to prepare properly for varying weather or course conditions on race day.
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| Alert Level | Event Conditions | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme | Event cancelled / Extreme and dangerous | Participation stopped / Follow event official instruction |
| High | Potentially Dangerous | Slow down / Observe course changes / Follow event official instruction / Consider stopping |
| Moderate | Less Than Ideal | Slow down / Be prepared for worsening conditions |
| Low | Good | Enjoy the event / Be alert |
Elevated Lactation Experience for Nursing Mothers
To ensure runners are aware of the lactation accommodations and preparation for medical device operations on-course, NYRR will have an information booth and lactation station available for use at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance.
For the TCS New York City Marathon, there will be dedicated lactation spaces that provide pumping accommodations and amenities at the start village and finish line, as well as along the course at miles 8, 17, and 22. Medela breast pumps will also be available, giving participants easy options for pumping. Personal breast pumps will be transported from the start to the finish lactation tents. No expressed milk will be transported at this time.