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Race report: NYRR 2017 Airbnb Brooklyn half marathon

I recently ran NYRR's Airbnb Brooklyn half marathon. This is the second time I've run it — the other time was a couple of years ago. I'm a big fan of this run and kudos to New York Road Runners for making this race even bigger and better than before. Around 27,000 people ran this year's race, making it the biggest half marathon in the U.S.!

Before the race I did a fun interview with NY1 about my participation in the race. 

Bib pick up was at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 2. There was also a fun pre-party, with music and other entertainment. NYRR put al ot of work into it. It was my first time out to that area of the park and I want to go back to explore the bike path a bit more. 

On race day, I took the subway from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The start was organized, stress-free, and easy to navigate. I settled into my corral with plenty of time to spare.

The first 7 miles of the race were in and around Prospect Park. There were a lot of people out early cheering and encouraging the runners.

In terms of elevation, there were 2 hills during the first 5 miles. The 2nd one was a bit longer than the first. Mile 6.5 onward is downhill, and from mile 7 to the finish was a straight shot down Ocean Parkway. The course had plenty of water/sports drink and even an energy gel station. There were patches of people here and there cheering along the way.

What's really great about this run is that the finish line is always on the boardwalk! You get to finish right on the Coney Island boardwalk with a big crowd of people. It's a real treat to end the race on the beach. When I got to the finish line, NYRR's Peter Ciaccia and I had a Nathan's hot dog. Ok I had two! I love this gif NYRR made!

Competitive eater @yasir_salem getting a post race snack from @peter_ciaccia! 🌭😂#AirbnbBKHalf

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All runners got a nice finisher's medal. All of NYRR's half marathons have a distinct look.

Nice @nyrr Brooklyn Half Marathon medal! @airbnb

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Overall, I recommend this race as your first half marathon experience. It doesn't get much better than this. It's also a great early season long run to fit into a marathon training schedule. I'm running the Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, VT on May 28th and this race fit perfectly into my training. 

If you want to read a little more about the race, check out NYRR's site: http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2017/airbnb-brooklyn-half

Monthly marathon race report: Hyannis marathon

In 2017, I'm running 1 marathon each month. 

My February marathon this year is one of the most picturesque races I've ever done. The marathon course is 2 loops and passes by the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod.

  • Hyannis is an awesome little race & town in the Cape Cod area
  • Very scenic, mostly flat course along the beach
  • You get a nice medal!
  • You can find chowder and cod EVERYWHERE 
  • Keltic Kitchen has amazing french toast (I'm not even a huge french toast fan) 
  • Everyone we met in Cape Cod was nice 
  • Both the marathon and half marathon courses are USATF certified
  • Find about them and put this race on your calendar for next year: http://hyannismarathon.com/

My gear in this video:

Monthly Marathon Report: I ran the Arena Attack Indoor Marathon

In 2017, I'm running 1 marathon each month. 

My January run is one of the craziest races I've ever done: The Arena Attack Indoor Marathon at UMass Mullins Center in Amherst, MA.  It's a difficult race. I recommend it if you are looking for an unusual challenge and can in circles for hours without losing your mind.

  • The race is entirely indoors, run counter-clockwise for 133 laps! 
  • Each lap is about 317 meters
  • The race is organized by the Southern New England Athletic Association.
  • Find about them and put this race on your  calendar for next year: http://www.sneaa.org/arena-attack-race-series/

My gear in this video:

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I'm running a marathon every month in 2017

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One of my goals this year is finish a marathon every month so that I can have big races to work towards on a regular basis (in addition to Tour de Donuts and triathlons). I'm focusing mostly on smaller races in the Northeast (I live in NYC). I'll post race reports as soon as I finish each race. Here's my marathon schedule:

  • 1/29 Arena Attack indoor marathon, MA
  • 2/26 Hyannis marathon, MA
  • 3/26 NYCRUNS Queens marathon, NYC
  • 4/15 Newport marathon
  • 5/13 Mother’s Day marathon, NYC
  • 6/11 Walkway marathon, NY
  • 7/30 Lost Turkey trail marathon, PA
  • 8/24 Sri Chinmoy marathon, NY
  • 9/24 Southampton marathon, NY
  • 10/7 Rockaway marathon, NYC
  • 11/5 NYC marathon
  • 12/3 Rehoboth marathon, DE

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