New York City Marathon 2010

actwithoutwords

I don't see a thread for this year's race so thought I may as well start one.
Are there many people intending to do this/ have entered the ballot?
Ballot result comes out on April 7th it seems. Dying to get in, but I know the chances are slim.

I have had the thought in the last week though of just throwing caution to the wind and doing it anyway. It's very expensive obviously, but I'm really very eager to get back there (having spent last summer in Queens), and there are much worse things to spend money on.

Has anyone gone with Sports Travel International or Croí in the past? Would like to hear of any experiences as to how good either of them are. How long after the ballot results are they likely to fill up their tours?
Is it possible to run for one of the official US charities as an international runner? Or even a UK charity? If I was doing it for charity, I would probably like to pick something that I would have some sort of personal link with, even if they aren't Irish.

Anyway, it's a long way away obviously, but thought I would start a thread off...

RacoonQueen

Forgot to register and have now lost my deferred place, just remembered that last night. Not too bothered I plan on getting a qualifying time sometime over the next year or so anyway if things go to plan just the once. :rolleyes:

Killerz

Stuck my name in for the lottery alright for the first time. I'm a bit off the 2:55 qualifying time yet! Would be nice to get it this year while i was based in Nth America.

belcarra

Coincidentally I was just looking up croi this evening with the same goal in mind! Any ideas of what it costs to go this route?? The website doesn't tell and I've emailed them the question but no reply yet (...it's only been an hour or so, in fairness to them!!)

All feedback welcome!

rovers_runner

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Forgot to register and have now lost my deferred place, just remembered that last night. Not too bothered I plan on getting a qualifying time sometime over the next year or so anyway if things go to plan just the once. :rolleyes:

RQ, you should email reghelp@nyrr.org to sus this out since you did pay the entry fee last year.
Didn't realise how much the ages/times standards varied, you're not far off the time you want for the half I'd assume ?
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/entrantinfo/guaranteed_entry.htm



I'm in the ballot again this year, would rather get it in 2011 or 2012 but knowning my luck I'll have to fork out next month for this year, would rather do Dublin or Berlin this year though if possible.

Croi would be the most flexible of the charities with regards to how much you need to raise(still a lot), some of the bigger ones have joke numbers considering the state of the country at the minute but then they pay for themselves and you to go over there, it's a joke really.

Lex Luther

Thanks for starting the thread - my good for age time in December got me in so I'm good to go for my first NY marathon I think. Just have to figure out how to pay for it all !

Look forward to checking out this thread between now and then - will be interested what people are doing about accomadation etc plus any past experiences and do's and don'ts (only 8 anticipation filled months to go !)

Good luck to all boardsies in the lottery !!
LL

Krusty_Clown

Lex Luther wrote: »

Thanks for starting the thread - my good for age time in December got me in so I'm good to go for my first NY marathon I think. Just have to figure out how to pay for it all !

Look forward to checking out this thread between now and then - will be interested what people are doing about accomadation etc plus any past experiences and do's and don'ts (only 8 anticipation filled months to go !)

Good luck to all boardsies in the lottery !!
LL

Hi Lex, did you have any problems with getting a confirmed 'good for age' place? I'm 15 seconds out of a GFA, but was thinking of going for it later this year, with a view to running NY next year. Is it a guaranteed entry once you hit the target?

Lex Luther

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Hi Lex, did you have any problems with getting a confirmed 'good for age' place? I'm 15 seconds out of a GFA, but was thinking of going for it later this year, with a view to running NY next year. Is it a guaranteed entry once you hit the target?

Krusty I THINK its straightforward. I just filled in the qualifying race and time on my entry - haven't heard anything back directly but my Registration status is shown as "accepted" on the website and the entry fee has been taken from my credit card which they say they will only do when they accept your entry.
So...if I am actually in it was very straightforward and if it turns out i'm not .....then it wasn't !
LL

GoHardOrGoHome

I'm in the lottery as well. Would love to do it next year (rather than this year). I don't mind not getting it. I'm just building up my three rejections! Don't think I'll be running a 2:54:59 any time soon!

Krusty_Clown

i'm in the lottery too, but would prefer a GFA, as you'd get to start up the front.

Lex Luther

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

i'm in the lottery too, but would prefer a GFA, as you'd get to start up the front.

depends on your age Krusty, depends on your age.......

Krusty_Clown

You mean because I'm old, they might make me start at the back? That's ageist!

Lex Luther

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

You mean because I'm old, they might make me start at the back? That's ageist!

Heaven forfend that an old fart like myself would be accused of being ageist !!:eek: A 72 year old will qualify with a 4 hour maraton dont forget.
LL

RacoonQueen

rovers_runner wrote: »

RQ, you should email reghelp@nyrr.org to sus this out since you did pay the entry fee last year.
Didn't realise how much the ages/times standards varied, you're not far off the time you want for the half I'd assume ?
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/entrantinfo/guaranteed_entry.htm



I'm in the ballot again this year, would rather get it in 2011 or 2012 but knowning my luck I'll have to fork out next month for this year, would rather do Dublin or Berlin this year though if possible.

Croi would be the most flexible of the charities with regards to how much you need to raise(still a lot), some of the bigger ones have joke numbers considering the state of the country at the minute but then they pay for themselves and you to go over there, it's a joke really.

Thanks. I was hoping to go close to 3:30 in Barcelona so was waiting for Barcelona to finish to see if I'd be close enough to the full marathon qualifying time to leave NY for another year or so, never even considered the half marathon qualifying time. Don't really want to fork out another 200 quid if I don't end up going to NY again this year.

rovers_runner

Today is the day.
Hoping I don't get in this year, don't fancy the hassle with increasing prices of trans-atlantic flights (fuel surcharge back again).

Live press conference on at 5pm Irish time to draw first few people from ballot and reveal a couple of high profile elites. My guess is Haile and Radcliffe.

actwithoutwords

Gah. Predictable disappointment.
The lottery show thing was a bit odd, but it was fun reading people on facebook absolutely infuriated that they only picked out 8 people. What on earth were they expecting? 43,000 names read out?

I've a bit of a decision to make now. Hmmn.

Anyone get in?

HardyEustace

How do you know if you're in?

I've logged and got a message :

Marathon registration status: Accepted

Is that when I jsut registered for the site or does it mean that I've got an entry? <nervous hopping from foot to foot with butterflies in stomach>

actwithoutwords

HardyEustace wrote: »

How do you know if you're in?

I've logged and got a message :



Is that when I jsut registered for the site or does it mean that I've got an entry? <nervous hopping from foot to foot with butterflies in stomach>

You're in. Nice one.
Mine says: Not Accepted.

rovers_runner

Well done hardy. A no for me so I'm on the road to building up to my second trip over. Time to enter the dub race series and full together now. Best of luck to all waiting on ballot.

HardyEustace

thanks for your reply.

I can't believe it. Sitting at my desk with a big grin on my face and a few tears in my eye.

Krusty_Clown

sh1tebags. I got in. And I only signed up for Berlin Marathon yesterday.
Stoopid forgetful Krusty. Of all the bad luck...

RacoonQueen

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

sh1tebags. I got in.

That was my reaction last year. :pac:

baza1976

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

sh1tebags. I got in. And I only signed up for Berlin Marathon yesterday.
Stoopid forgetful Krusty. Of all the bad luck...

Sorry Krusty:D that is funny

Peckham

Was in the same position last year. Was hoping my name wouldn't come out, but it did and 170 euro promptly disappeared off my Visa card.

KC - at least that gives you a guaranteed 2011 place. But you'll probably have qualified with sub-2:55 by then anyway.

Krusty_Clown

Peckham wrote: »

Was in the same position last year. Was hoping my name wouldn't come out, but it did and 170 euro promptly disappeared off my Visa card.

KC - at least that gives you a guaranteed 2011 place. But you'll probably have qualified with sub-2:55 by then anyway.

If I defer, will I have to pay again anyway?
Are Ryanair flying to New York yet? Can travel in the hold.

Peckham

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

If I defer, will I have to pay again anyway?

You'll be given the option to defer your place, and then you'll have up until March next year to accept and pay for a 2011 place (that's how it was this year). You can keep defering indefinitely, but you'll have to pay each year.

So, in answer to you question - yes, you'll have to pay again.

However, if you're not going to do it this year, then definitely defer - it will cost you nothing for the moment and keeps your options open for next year.

webpal

I managed to get in thru guaranteed entry (didnt get in thru lottery 3 years in a row). For those of you who get in now, wait til you see the hotel prices! All I'll say is keep looking, a bargain will crop up eventually.

Krusty_Clown

Peckham wrote: »

So, in answer to you question - yes, you'll have to pay again.

So, if they're going to charge me anyway, I might as well wait until closer to the race date to cancel/defer (final deferral is 3rd November).

Peckham

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

So, if they're going to charge me anyway, I might as well wait until closer to the race date to cancel/defer (final deferral is 3rd November).

Yes, no harm in that.

Lex Luther

webpal wrote: »

I managed to get in thru guaranteed entry (didnt get in thru lottery 3 years in a row). For those of you who get in now, wait til you see the hotel prices! All I'll say is keep looking, a bargain will crop up eventually.

Yeah I'm in too through the guaranteed entry ( its great being old !).

Krusty i'm sorry for your troubles ...........clearly the lesson here is that reverse psychology works for the lottery .......if you do want to get in all you have to do is convince yourself that you really dont !

Webpal ( and others) if you come across any good hotel deals please feel free to post !

LL

Krusty_Clown

Lex Luther wrote: »

Krusty i'm sorry for your troubles ...........clearly the lesson here is that reverse psychology works for the lottery .......if you do want to get in all you have to do is convince yourself that you really dont !

I guess I really shouldn't have applied for it, and instead had faith in getting a good for age place (which would be a lot easier when I'm 40). I had hoped to do Boston next year, and NY the year after that, but best laid plans and all that... I think my OH is getting slightly tired of Marathon holidays, but thankfully she's been roped into running Berlin, so hopefully that works out well, and sets the tone for another few! So many marathons, so little time.

SharkTale

No luck myself " Not Accepted", well done to those who got in:)

Poncherello

I got in
Krusty where did you read that the final deferral is Nov 3rd - seems very close to the start date ?
Thanks

Highway_To_Hell

SharkTale wrote: »

No luck myself " Not Accepted", well done to those who got in:)

Also not accepted, kind of glad as it is the only race my OH has said she wouldn't mind travelling to and the cost would have gone through the roof. This was my first year applying for entry and the long term plan is to apply each year until I get a guarenteed entry which will mean doing the NY marathon the year I turn 50 years old :eek: also not getting in this year means I can think about doing the Sahara Marathon in 2011.

Krusty_Clown

It's on their cancellation page:

ancel online
To cancel, go to the Profile Login and enter your username and password. On your profile, click the "Cancel My Entry" link. The deadline to cancel online is November 3, 2010. [Profile Login Page]

It's a wonderful way for them to make money! They probably have people cancelling every year, and paying the full marathon entry price of $265.
The more I look at it (cost of entry), the more I think I'll be running two marathon majors this year. Seems like a massive waste of money not to run it..

webpal

Lex Luther wrote: »

Webpal ( and others) if you come across any good hotel deals please feel free to post !

LL

I've actually got a hotel as I knew I was guaranteed entry and I got a great deal compared to whats there at the moment. Manhattan hotels are very expensive so anyone on a budget should have a look at Long Island City or Jersey City or any of the airport hotels (None of which are a huge distance from Manhattan).

You can always book a hotel now and cancel without any charge closer to the time if you get a better deal. Have a look at travelzoo.com, booking.com etc for some deals and dont forget some hotels offer a best rate guarantee which offers even a further discount (I got my hotel room for $112 compared to $335 per night using this). Lastly have a look at the New York forum on tripadvisor.com for some advice and what accommodation not to book.

Flights seems to be cheapest with Delta at around €450-€500, Aer Lingus and Continental also fly direct.

I've been a few times so happy to offer any advice to anyone (Although I cant get into this site in work so I'll only be able to respond in the evenings)

Lex Luther

webpal wrote: »

).

I've been a few times so happy to offer any advice to anyone (Although I cant get into this site in work so I'll only be able to respond in the evenings)

Hi Webpal ( and others), do you happen to know whether in previous years , a race pack was posted out or do you have to be in New York at an Expo on the Friday or Saturday to collect your number etc. Only reason I ask is that I'm half thinking of flying over on the Saturday morning and just sleeping and eating all day Saturday. Obviously that plan wont work so well if you have to get to an Expo.

Thanks again for your help,
LL

webpal

LL, check out last years handbook, something to get you motivated. You have to go to the expo to register and you need to bring your passport if you are from outside the US. I believe some stuff will be posted out but you will still need to register at the Javits Center. Here's a link (I believe this years will be posted out to successful applicants). http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/entrantinfo/handbook.htm

I was actually thinking of flying on the Saturday too but chose Friday instead in case of any flight complications etc. If all goes well there is no reason you couldnt get your flight and register on the Saturday but it could be tight! All that training and then you cant register!

Lex Luther

well after a LOT of agonising ( about the cost mostly !) I've finally booked my flights to New York........now I just have to figure out where I can stay for less than $300 a night, gulp.
anyone else taken the plunge yet ?

actwithoutwords

Yup. I threw financial caution to the wind and put down a deposit through the international travel partner scheme. Just have to pray I don't get injured before this one. Can't wait though.

webpal

Thats Cork out of the way .... next stop New York! For those of you looking for accommodation this is an offer you shouldnt refuse. Check out acehotel.com (looks lovely). If you book via their website, enter STARVING into the promotional code and the rate is only $99!!!!! Only downside is you have to pay up front, its non refundable and they are bunk beds but you still have a private bathroom and it does look nice. But still any of you looking will know thats about a third of what you would expect to pay.

TFBubendorfer

webpal wrote: »

Thats Cork out of the way .... next stop New York! For those of you looking for accommodation this is an offer you shouldnt refuse. Check out acehotel.com (looks lovely). If you book via their website, enter STARVING into the promotional code and the rate is only $99!!!!! Only downside is you have to pay up front, its non refundable and they are bunk beds but you still have a private bathroom and it does look nice. But still any of you looking will know thats about a third of what you would expect to pay.

No joy:

Promo code: STARVING
Valid for stays from March 01 - August 31, 2010.

Lex Luther

I've just tried it and got a reservation confirmation at the $99 rate !!
LL

Lex Luther

webpal wrote: »

Thats Cork out of the way .... next stop New York! For those of you looking for accommodation this is an offer you shouldnt refuse. Check out acehotel.com (looks lovely). If you book via their website, enter STARVING into the promotional code and the rate is only $99!!!!! Only downside is you have to pay up front, its non refundable and they are bunk beds but you still have a private bathroom and it does look nice. But still any of you looking will know thats about a third of what you would expect to pay.

Webpal thanks a million for this - the room and hotel both look great . I checked with a buddy who's lived in New York for a couple of years and he says the area is fine !
( Only worry now is why I got a confirmation and TFB didn't !!!)
LL

Krusty_Clown

webpal wrote: »

Thats Cork out of the way .... next stop New York! For those of you looking for accommodation this is an offer you shouldnt refuse. Check out acehotel.com (looks lovely). If you book via their website, enter STARVING into the promotional code and the rate is only $99!!!!! Only downside is you have to pay up front, its non refundable and they are bunk beds but you still have a private bathroom and it does look nice. But still any of you looking will know thats about a third of what you would expect to pay.

$269 per day to stay in bunk beds?! Having a private bathroom is a plus point? eek. Might end up pitching a tent in Central Park.

Lex Luther

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

$269 per day to stay in bunk beds?! Having a private bathroom is a plus point? eek. Might end up pitching a tent in Central Park.

Hey KC you should look again - its $99 per night ! King Size bunk beds - it looks like a cool place. Maybe not suitable for the other half ( no couch and bunk beds)but perfect otherwise.
LL

Krusty_Clown

Yep, came up this time. $595 + $95 taxes (6 days).
Seems like about the best deal around.

I presume that given that it's a pre-pay deal you couldn't cancel and get a refund?! Still don't know whether I'm going over or not, so would hate the idea of losing a further $700. Thanks for the suggestion though.

TFBubendorfer

Lex Luther wrote: »

Webpal thanks a million for this - the room and hotel both look great . I checked with a buddy who's lived in New York for a couple of years and he says the area is fine !
( Only worry now is why I got a confirmation and TFB didn't !!!)
LL

Don't worry, I didn't book anything, I just found the above information on their website.

If you got a confirmation, you should be fine.

webpal

Yeah, if you put in your dates and code it does work but you wont get your money back if you cancel.

On the other hand if $99 is too little to spend, try this http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704256604575294621593546414.html?mod=WSJ_hp_editorsPicks_2

$35,000 a night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HardyEustace

Aer LIngus have sale on at the moment. Just got flight for 417 euros.

Krusty_Clown

Hmm.. I should book this evening... There goes the 'never-never'.