New York Road Runners

I really hate this organization. Their finish line staff is rude and impatient and every race I have run with them has been extremely inconvenient, including a 15K where they place the medical tent on the inside of the park so in order to get to it, they have to cut across the running path every time, interrupting runners right before the finish line.
The absolute worst is the outrageous «Pre-​Race Party» for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. While I understand bib pick-​up is necessary for smaller races where there may not be much time between signing up and the actual event, this half marathon typically sells out in January, leaving MONTHS for the organization to give runners the option of receiving their bibs in the mail. Instead, though, they have a mandatory event in the incredibly inconvenient Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park in the middle of the week. Not to mention that this year they cancelled race-​day pick up entirely. There is no good or quick way to get to this ridiculous event any time but especially in the middle of a work week. They have a useless list of suggestions including running and biking, which are not only obvious but totally unhelpful to someone who might be working during that time. They also suggest taking the 2,3 train which requires a 45 minute walk there and back, adding at least an hour to someone’s commute time, and in my case, forcing me to take 1.5 hours out of work to pick up my bib which I already paid for and would be given no choice but to relinquish unless I trek out to the middle of the East River to receive it. I am furious at this and will not be running the race again until they revise this absurd oversight.

Everyone is always so friendly and helpful. They get you in and out quick and I’ve never had to wait in line!

OMG bib pick up is so easy and fast! In and out in a few minutes! Besides bib pick up being so quick and efficient, NYRR races are honestly really well organized. No wonder some of the big races such as the NYC half (really fun half to run), Brooklyn half are so hard to get in!
All in all sign up for a NYRR race! They have all distances from 1 mile to marathon

Wow the best New Year’s Eve in Central Park in the Midnight run with my family and thousands of runners. The race was organized and exhilarating. Would love to do it again.

I have been a member of NY Road Runners for a few years now and have run quite a few of their races from 5K up the the NYC Marathon and have also volunteered. I think they do an amazing job of organizing these races. Considering the amount of people that run their races, I have found the bib pick-​up and the races themselves to be well run.
Some things I wish they would do: Introduce some new races (It does get a little boring running in Central Park all the Time. Maybe branch out to a new locale? yes I know they have the 5 borough races but maybe a few more).

NYRR makes me get up on the weekends… to join one of the great and reasonably priced races which mostly take place in Central Park (and in my book the Park is the best about the City!).
Every race is well-​organized, safe, and just a lot of fun. Races come between one-​mile and the NYC Marathon which you can qualify for by running nine qualified races and once volunteering during the previous year.
Even if you only visit the city — check out if you can sign up for one of the races! How better to experience the city?

Going to a NYRR race is a joyous event! Everyone is pumped and there’s good vibes all around. I’m always happy to be there and participate. The experience and accomplishment you feel at the end deserves 5 stars. My experience volunteering at the office was another mater …
As part of my 9+1 requirement, I elected to help out at their office putting bibs together. Boy, what an opposite experience that was. I expected happy, outgoing workers and instead, I got unhappy, miserable people. Why be so disgruntled to work for an organization that brings so much joy to people? The worst one was a worker named THERESA. She was irritable and acted angry with me. I came in and volunteered! I want this organization to thrive and I pay for these races. I’m your customer and people like me keep you employed. This is how you act? Pathetic!
My advice to others is to volunteer at the races and stay out of the office.

The home office isn’t much to talk about in and of itself, but I am definitely a fan of the organization. They get some bad press sometimes… and may have some faults, but can’t the same be said for any large organization?
At the end of the day, they do a lot of good for the youth of our city. Along with that they consistently put on some of the best running events in the country, if not the world. This year over 50,000 people ran the marathon, and in my mind it was executed to perfection.
I may be bias as I am an active NYRR member, but I run a lot of road races outside of NYRR as well, so I’ve seen the good and the bad. NYRR definitely surpasses so many of its peers.

NYRR is a fabulous organization.
The races are a lot of fun, always support a cause, and the marathon is self explanatory, not to mention the good work they are doing with their kids program.
I have been a member and running most races for several years, and I write this review not of the parts of the org I am a part of, but a part I am not.
Training for long distance races in Central Park can be frustrating. Other running groups run 5 wide taking up lanes reserved for both directions of runners forcing non group members into bike lanes or traffic, and generally have little to no consideration for other park users. One group even ran up on my wife from behind and bumped her out of the way at the water fountain at 90^th st.
NYRR running groups?
Always polite and courteous, and good citizens.
Running in groups of 20+… they run two across leaving room for everyone else.
Group of 25 about to overtake you? They announce and all pass on one side, not swarming you or effecting your run.
Announce yourself passing? They allow you to pass.
NYRR deserves to be recognized for not only organizing almost all of the NYC running events, but also for being considerate of every other park user, and adding a total net positive to other runners park experiences.

Just to clarify, this review is for the running class, as i DO like the races NYRR organize.
The running class are the last thing you want to take. I’ve been running for many years and joining different groups, and i must say that the running class for NYRR are the worst I’ve seen.
I went to the first few classes, and my instructor couldn’t care less about the people. Didn’t try to understand what’s their goals, didn’t give any encouragement, didn’t give tips before, during or after the run. You will see your instructor running first and not looking back.
So think twice before you go there and spend your time/​money.

Love being a part of the org! I also love the head quarters on the UES, It is an old NYC building, but is also so organized. I have never waited for than 2 second for my number/​shirt for races.
Can’t wait to do more races!

NYRR owns me. And by this I mean… I just can’t stop doing their races. They’re always well organized and such a breeze in all the right ways. They’re enthusiastic and do care about their runners and members. Their membership is worth it if you’re going to do 3+ races of theirs a year. Also, at the actual races, they really are motivating when as they do their announcements and cheer everyone on at the start and the finish. I’ve done other races and a lot them don’t have that. Their race fees are very reasonable and they always give out nice shirts and sometimes medals which is great.
My ONLY gripe… and I do hope NYRR sees this… I know you have your borough races, which I like, but IMO there are not enough of them. As someone who runs a ton of your races (especially the 10K’s in spring and fall) the central park loop can get boring after awhile… and just because you switch the direction of the loop sometimes, doesn’t make it more exciting (I say this as nicely as possible). My last race this past weekend all I kept thinking was, «I’m over this loop, others have to feel this way.» I know it may be hard to shut down the streets of NY for races… but what about the other parks in NYC? Riverside Park? I live in Astoria… and our park is fantastic with amazing views. Maybe even some more runs in Prospect Park? I am not all that familiar with the Bronx, but I would go up there too for a diff park. Just a change of scenery would be nice and maybe thinking outside the Central Park Loop.
Other than this, I have no qualms :)

The staff could do with a little more kindness when not finding your bib for a race… Not my fault your misplaced it… Sorry you hate your job… Apart from that, NYRR has awesome races, well ran and planned, great classes and tips. I love their website, once you are a member you have access to a lot of races and events, if you register early enough, it is not very expensive, and it’s always worth it, for the breakfast you get, for the souvenir shirts, and for the friends you will make along the way. I love this group!

Staff are great help you out well organize volunteers also in out nice easy-​going love it

An awesome organization with a painfully broken website (luckily, much improvement to it can be made by simply massively simplifying the site).
NYRR was unresponsive to a request to clarify over the phone some confusion resulting from bugs in the website.

I do love this NYRR — I’ve been a member for a little over a year now and have run in races organized by other groups and I have to say, NYRR does it best.
* They know how to put a well-​organized event — sufficient water stations, on-​site information booths, tons of volunteers, mile markers, sufficient signage for even the biggest moron to find their way around.
*They want to see runners succeed — I’ve been aspiring to run the NYC marathon since I was a teenager (on the cross country track team and trying to keep with my dad on runs) and finally I will realize this goal this year (2014)! NYRR made it possible through the 9+1 qualification opportunity. They have also been very helpful and patient in answering all my questions, always!
*They are a fairly small organization — I remind people of this who complain that their emails are not responded to within 24 hours. You have to realize that they are doing a damn good job with limited human resources. They’ve always responded to my emails and gone above & beyond when doing so. It may take some time, but they are small organization with hundreds (maybe thousands?) or members & non-​members interested in running in NYRR events. Be patient.

To say that I love NYRR is a total understatement. As a guy who likes to keep fit throughout the week and push for 25mi a week, what better way to get out and run than to sign up for one of NYRR’s numerous races. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, there are races ranging from 5K to a full marathon for you to choose from. On any given month, there are a good 5+ races that you can choose from.
In comparison to other race organizers in the area, NYRR is on another level. You’re seeded by your pace, which keeps things flowing on the path, and the event organization itself is amazing. Packet pickup is an ease at their headquarters, and tidbits such as bag check and food during race day are just an added bonus.
If you’re looking for more motivation to run, then NYRR does have a 9+1 program for the NY Marathon. Participate in 9 races and volunteer for 1 during the year prior to the next marathon, and you’ll have guaranteed entry. For most, that’s a lot easier than qualifying with a time or 2:40. For the NY Half, it’s even easier. Just participate in 5 half marathons, and you get guaranteed entry. Otherwise, you can opt for the lottery for both. Yearly membership is incredibly cheap, and it gets you perks such as discounted entry and exclusive member-​only races.
New York is an amazing place, and what better way to get out and see more of it than to participate in some races. Throughout all the 5 boroughs, you’ll have fun and and even set some PRs along the way. Now get onto
and sign up for your next race!

I volunteered for the medical team for the 2013 ING marathon. I completed my application on time. Sent my credentials and photo on time. Went to the orientation on time. Then, after sending four unanswered 4 emails following the orientation on Tuesday Oct 22 requesting my assignment (they failed to send me the promised email with this information), they finally send an email at 5:51PM on the day before the race. Which, since I had long given up expecting a response, I didn’t open until after 10pm.
«Saturday, November 2, 2013 5:51 PM
My sincerest apologies for the lag time. We’ve been receiving hundreds of emails a day for assignment requests, assignment changes, new volunteer requests, etc. We’ve been trying to keep up but it’s been a challenge.»
If you’ve been «receiving hundreds of emails a day for assignment requests», then I’m probably not the only volunteer who’s experience has been so negative. Do they seriously believe that I would make a 2 hour trip with insufficient preparation to provide volunteer services for an organization which clearly does not value my contribution?
This is the second time of three times volunteering that I’ve had a bad experience with NYRR. The Brooklyn Half was a debacle because I was assigned to the Psych Team and told the NYRR staff heading this would be there at 5:30am to instruct the other volunteer and me as to what to do. (They said they didn’t have time at any point before the race to provide training/​information.) This person never showed. I was there by 5:15am and stayed until the last runners left the start. I checked back every 20 minutes or so; it was only as I was checking out that I found out he came at about 7:30am and never asked about the 2 volunteers assigned to his team. We left our cell numbers at check-​in so he could contact us. Despite this I decided I still wanted to volunteer for the ING Marathon. A mistake I will not make again.
But I’m out here cheering on the runners!

So many good and bad things about this organization, its tough to summarize them all in a paragraph. TO THE PROS AND CONS LIST!
Pros
1) Ease of signing up for races. You just go onto their website, search for the race, and sign up. Its very very easy.
2) Cheap fees for races. $ 25 or less (if you sign up early) per race. A very solid bargain, especially since you also get a great tech shirt for some of the races.
3) 9+1 for the marathon automatic entrance. Its nearly impossible to win the drawing for the marathon, so 9+1 or going through a charity are your only options.
Cons
1) Bib pick ups. Sometimes you can get in and get out, but other times, especially when they’re giving out anything free, this tiny building turns into a catastrophe.
2) The people that work at the office. Just seems like a lot of NYRR employees hate their job. They can be very rude and I’m never greeted with a smile, which bugs me because I’m usually happy that its almost race day.
3) The website can be tough to navigate, though its definitely better than it used to be.
If you’re looking to get into running and plan on doing at least 3 races a year, its definitely worth getting the NYRR annual membership. Just keep in mind that there will be a few hiccups along the way.

Beginner or experienced runner, the NYRR Club has a terrific opportunity. Their 9 runs + 1 volunteer to qualify for the NYC Marathon = Highlight of my year stay in NYC! I am so thankful to have found this opportunity and after having finished my 5^th run, I’ve had so much fun and have got to see so much of this beautiful amazing city.
We’ve run through Central Park, Wall Street, Queens, Brooklyn and Harlem… I’ve been taken everywhere and it’s very fun and rewarding!
They have decent bib pickup policies before race day and on the actual race day and often have prizes and sponsors at the end so you can enjoy post-​run festivities. I’ve seen other reviewers mention that the total cost of the 9+1 and NY Marathon entry fee comes close to $ 500+ but honestly the way I feel is these races are fun, in support of some really awesome nonprofits and if you’re looking to explore the different Burroughs, this is a terrific opportunity to do so. I see no downsides.

Year #2 for me having a membership with them and I live in Philly. Come in for a few times a year for races, but it’s also good for a last minute trips when there happens to be a race and you can save some money. The race prices seem like they’ve stayed the same from 2011 to 2012 but still pricey. I usually come up on Saturdays and have never had problems getting small shirts from them. Love running the Emerald Nut Run on NYE, I’ve done it 4 or 5 years and always so well put together. Have also done the mini marathon and a few others. I hate though how expensive the Marathon has gotten from 2011 to 2012.
Central Park is a great location for runs though and the Bronx and Queens races have also been good races to get in on! Race days in general are flawless and you can tell NYRR knows what they’re doing.
Downside: if there’s a change of date for an event (Grete’s Gallop), you’re out of luck for getting your money back if you can’t make the event. Also, trying to get an actual person on the phone can be difficult if you’re calling in with questions (or I’m just missing something).
Never had a bad experience though at their events

I ran the Grete’s Great Gallop Half Marathon in Central Park this past weekend and I thought it was very well organized. The main reason I am not rating NYRR higher is their terrible policy on refunds. The date of this race was changed and when I said I couldn’t make the new date they said I could pick a different race to run (out of a limited list) but they don’t EVER give refunds. They sent me the wording of their policy and it is a pretty insane policy if you ask me. They don’t give refunds even if the race is cancelled? What?
Terms and Conditions
Once you have entered a race, your entry fees are non-​exchangeable, non-​transferable, and non-​refundable, under any and all circumstances, including, but not limited to, cancellation of the event or of your participation, or change in the nature or format of the event. An event may be cancelled or changed due to severe weather or other factors that threaten the safety of participants, staff, or volunteers. Cancellation or change of the nature or format of an event may be mandated by governmental officials or otherwise be at the discretion of NYRR.
So anyway, I would consider running more races with NYRR in the future just because they are a huge entity in NYC and have races pretty much every weekend. For that convenience I guess I will accept that they could cancel my race and keep my $ 50. Oof.

After simmering disillusionment with NYRR (New York Road Runners) reached a boil with the announcement of the new price for the NYC marathon and the nonsensical handling of the Brooklyn Half Marathon, I started looking elsewhere to get my running on.
Enter the suggestion that I look at a pretty awesome little group known as NYCRuns.
Word of mouth dictated that the races put on by these guys are small, intimate, and more about running than anything else. Seriously? I just pay the much lower entry fee than I’m used to with NYRR, don’t have to pay an annual «member» fee in order to get the more reasonable race fee, and just show up and run? That’s it? Where have you been all my life?
I registered for the inaugural Verrazano Half Marathon on 4÷28÷12, which went for $ 30. By comparison, the Brooklyn Half put on by NYRR cost me $ 45 and that was AFTER the $ 40 annual membership fee. Now, sometimes inaugural races are disastrous with logistics, communication, bib pick up, etc etc, but NONE of this happened with NYCRuns. I got several emails from them leading up to the race, bib (and tech tank) pick up at JackRabbit Sports was a breeze, and the race went off without a hitch! Thanks to the crowd free environment of this race, I cruised to a 10+ minute PR on my previous half marathon (1:56:57 down to 1:45:50), which I was pretty much ecstatic about. The post-​race bagels were ah-​mazing, and there was plenty of fruit and water around to munch on.
After the race, I immediately came home gushing about NYCRuns. I’ve also signed up to volunteer at one of the 5K races in their Riverside summer series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the post-​race ice cream. Plus, my volunteering gets me a free sign up for any race I want (except the Brooklyn Marathon)? Why yes please. Sign me up!
I am very, VERY excited to stick with NYCRuns and see where they go over the next couple of years. If they stick to what they’re doing, they’ll continue to attract disgruntled local and experienced runners such as myself. I’m already seeing it happen after the success of the Verrazano Half! :)

My boyfriend and I chimed in the New Year with a midnight run in Central Park, organized by NYRR. Sponsored by Emerald Nuts, we had a great time and it was the perfect activity to ring in 2012. There must have been hundreds of runners that night, but everything went smoothly and we really enjoyed the «dance party» that kept us moving and shaking hours before the fantastic midnight fireworks and run. The setting, being in Central Park, made this an iconic event and a very memorable moment for me, personally.
I have to say, New York Road Runners really does a great job planning and executing races throughout the city, that runners of all levels can participate. Their website is user-​friendly, and all the info you’ll need to register or become a member of the organization, is clearly mapped out for you (
)! Though, I’m currently not a member, I have done about 3 or 4 races through NYRR as a non-​member, and each race has been seamless and enjoyable. You can pick up your free swag (most often a t-​shirt), running bib, and chip from their swanky, yet convenient, UES location, show up on race day, and run without any complications.
At times, I find myself checking their site for upcoming races that would piqué my interest, and NYRR has truly provided me with such a great resource that running has become a little bit of a love of mine.
If you plan on becoming a member, be forewarned that the membership fees are due to spike up considerably in the New Year. But I get it, it takes a lot of money to organize such great races. Getting in shape will never be a bad investment!