Spectator Guide: Watching the Pursuit of Gold

On the first weekend in November, the buzz that normally surrounds the ING New York City Marathon will be louder than ever. As runners and fans from around the world gather in New York City for the world's largest marathon on Sunday, November 4, they will have the opportunity to experience another world-class race as New York Road Runners and New York City host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials–Men's Marathon on Saturday, November 3, in and around Central Park.

The Trials race will determine the three-man U.S. team that will compete in the Beijing Games in 2008. "The road to Beijing in 2008 runs through Central Park in 2007," says New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. "This is going to be the greatest weekend that running has ever seen."

The race will be a riveting display of the best of the best of American male distance running. Though only the top three Trials finishers will qualify for the Beijing Games, every one of the entrants will race their hearts out over the challenging hills of Central Park. For spectators, the race will be a thrill-of-a-lifetime opportunity to witness U.S. distance running at its best.

THE BASICS
The Trials course, which begins in Rockefeller Center and follows multiple loops through Central Park to end at Tavern on the Green (see map), is designed to be the most spectator-friendly route possible. The most enthusiastic and dedicated fans will be able to spot the runners up to 10 times during the race. If you're going to come out and watch, it's essential to plan ahead, use your feet, and carefully time your movement around the course.

PLANNING AHEAD
First, get to know the top competitors by reading their profiles. You can also check out "Chasing Glory," a video and textbased series profiling the top Trials entrants, at www.chasingglory.com.

Each runner will wear a front bib with his name and a back bib with a race number. Like all runners, the Trials athletes will feed off the energy of spectators, especially in the race's late stages. The ING New York City Marathon is known for having the best spectators in the world, and the 2008 Trials spectators should do their best to follow that example.

Second, time your viewing to make sure you see it all. The Trials race starts at 7:35 a.m. at Rockefeller Center; the runners will proceed west on 50th Street, south on Sixth Avenue, west on 44th Street, and then north on Seventh Avenue and through Times Square before they enter the park—all within the first eight minutes or so of the race. They will then run a four-mile circuit, followed by four identical five-mile loops, and finish at the ING New York City Marathon finish line next to Tavern on the Green. The leaders will run at a pace of five minutes per mile or slightly faster. If you're hoping to watch the finish, be aware that you'll have plenty of company. Bleacher seating will be available on the east side of the finish area on a first come, first served basis; arrive early to claim a seat. (The west side bleachers will be closed to the public.)

Third, be aware that the Trials course will be barricaded at various locations—yet to be determined—to protect the runners. To catch the action away from the finish line, your best bet is to head north, where you will probably be able to avoid heavy barricading as well as street closures and crowds stemming from the Continental Airlines® International Friendship Run, which will finish on Avenue of the Americas at 54th Street at approximately 9:20 a.m. Enter the park from the east side at 72nd Street and above, or the west side at 77th Street and above. If you are willing to do several miles worth of running, a good plan would be to run back and forth—up to 10 times—on the paved pathway south of the Great Lawn, or on the bridle path just south or just north of the Reservoir (see map).

Finally, be aware that a number of local running clubs and teams have plans to be on the scene to cheer on the Olympic contenders. "There's a concerted effort by all of the clubs to get the word out that this event is in our backyard, on the same ground that so many of us run every day," says Lesley Higgins, a member of the New York Athletic Club. If you're a member of a local team, check in to see what your squad may have planned. "Anyone who truly appreciates the sport of running should not miss out on witnessing this exciting event in person," says Higgins.

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
If you're running the ING New York City Marathon on November 4, you may face a dilemma on Saturday: You want to come out and support the Trials runners, but you don't want to run around so much that you jeopardize your own race the next day. That's understandable, but keep in mind that you can still show your support if you plan carefully. Pick one cheering spot, dress warmly, and bring a portable folding chair so that you can sit down while waiting for the runners to pass. From almost any Central Park location, you'll be able to see them five times. If you're worried you might get too caught up in the action and run around despite your best intentions, then watch the television coverage on Newschannel 4HD and/or the live streaming on NBCSports.com (see the schedule below). A half-hour highlights show will be aired nationally on NBCSports at 2:00 p.m.EDT Saturday.

A post-race awards ceremony at the awards stage next to Tavern on the Green will include the crowning of the top three finishers. As these three athletes stand on the podium, having just run the races of their lives, those who supported them along the way will know they have just witnessed one of the greatest races in the history of American distance running.

RULES TO WATCH BY

Walking, running, and biking will not be allowed anywhere on the course. Limit any activity that will interfere with the runners.
Barricades will secure the course loops in the park to protect runners and spectators. Do not move barricades and do not attempt to cross the course at any point without the permission of race officials or NYPD personnel.
Cars will not be permitted anywhere on the course.
Come early to claim a spot and stay late to watch the awards ceremony and celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympic athletes!

TELEVISION AND ONLINE COVERAGE
Tune in to the live start on Saturday, November 3, at 7:35 a.m. on NBC's Today In New York. The complete race will be streamed on NBCSports.com, and a half-hour highlights show will be aired on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EDT (check local listings for exact time in your area).