NYC Marathon Course Tips for Athletes with Disabilities

Nov 1

More than 400 Achilles members participate in the TCS New York City Marathon each year. Below are some top race day course tips from leaders at Achilles International for athletes with disabilities.

*Don’t forget, if something goes wrong on race day and your guide is unable to complete the race, please note there is an emergency guide exchange point where they can switch with another trained guide at mile 13.8 (Vernon Boulevard and 48th Avenue in Queens).

The most important thing to remember, “it’s about the smiles, not the miles,” says Francesco Magisano, Director of Achilles NYC Metro Region.

Tips for Wheelchair Racers and Handcyclists

Please be mindful of your participation division. Racing wheelchair athletes should work with and draft off of other racing wheelchair athletes. Handcyclists should work together and draft off of other handcycle athletes only. Please keep plenty of space between you and other participants.
Pace yourself going up the Verrazzano Bridge at mile 1. It's a difficult climb and you still have a long way to go!

Make sure to brake on the downhill towards the bottom of the Queensboro Bridge. That sharp left turn will really sneak up on you! And make sure to check your left and right shoulder to ensure you don't block any other wheelers also trying to make the turn.

Please ensure to stay behind the lead pace vehicle at all times. Handcycle athletes are not permitted to finish the marathon in under 1:35 minutes due to NYRR course rules and safety.
Don't forget your helmet, gloves and klister (if applicable) in case it rains.

The entrance to Central Park is a single curb cut, so if you're in a pack, it's best to go single file.

It's a small uphill to the finish line, so prepare for that mentally and be ready to give it your all!

If there are runners or other athletes in your path, be sure to give loud verbal cues, slow your pace, and be mindful of the crowds.

If you get a flat tire, call Domenic Romano, NYC Adaptive Cycling Manager (347)-607-6543 and he will coordinate with our neutral support cyclists to come and assist.

Tips For Runners/Walkers

Don’t forget your tether (if applicable.) If you do not have one on race day, find Francesco Magisano, Director of Achilles NYC Metro Region, at the start line area.
Pay special attention to your pacing on the Queensboro Bridge. Don’t forget you have ten miles left to go. It’s easy to let the momentum of the crowd get to you, but stick to your strategy and save your energy. Find the balance.
Don't let the crowds on First Avenue make you speed up past your goal pace.
It’s all uphill after the Bronx, so aim for a negative split strategy if possible and don’t go out too fast in the beginning of the race when it’s flatter.
Most accidents and falls tend to occur around aid and water stations. Please be mindful and aware of slippery cups on the ground and unpredictable movements of runners around you. Leverage your second guide and plan ahead for an aid station strategy if possible.

Reminders for Guides

Don’t forget to fuel during the race! If you don’t take care of yourself, you will not be able to support your Achilles athlete successfully to the finish line.

Due to the overwhelming amount of crowd support at this race, it can be particularly loud causing athletes to experience sensory overload and get distracted. Guides should be mindful of this and ensure to speak loudly and provide more tactile feedback, such as pulling harder on the tether, depending on the athlete’s preference.

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