Here's What NYRR Staffers Are Looking Forward to at This Year's Race

Training for the TCS New York City Marathon is hard work for runners who have to put in months and miles of training. It’s also a lot of hard work for everyone here at New York Road Runners to ensure that a 26.2-mile road race in one of the world’s biggest, busiest cities goes off without a hitch, and that all 50,000-plus runners have an unforgettable experience.

Still, it is a labor of love for NYRR staffers, who take immense pride in helping to put together this iconic event. Hear from members of Team NYRR about what they are looking forward to about this year’s race.

Michael Capiraso, President and CEO

“One is running in Central Park the days leading up to the TCS New York City Marathon. You get to run alongside people from all over the world, who are getting ready for race day. 

A favorite moment each year for me is standing on the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge at the start, where I see—and feel—the amazing anticipation of runners, as they prepare to embark on a 26.2-mile journey through the streets of New York City. 

And finally, standing at the finish line in Central Park with our New York Road Runners team celebrating the incredible accomplishment of more than 50,000 runners.”

Jim Heim, Senior Vice President, Event Development & Production, and Race Director, TCS New York City Marathon

“It’s a combination of internal and external for me. It’s always amazing to see all of the hard work of the team start to come to life on the ground, and then race day you can really feel the magic in the air. The staff, the volunteers, the spectators and the runners make for an incredibly inspiring day. You can see the emotion on the runners’ faces as they cross the finish line; it’s such an honor and privilege to be a part of their lifetime memory.” 

Ted Metellus, Vice President, Events, and Technical Director, TCS New York City Marathon

“Watching our new race director, Jim, and the team’s hard work come together. Watching the city come together to host a safe and amazing event. Watching the world come together...and run.”

Gordon Bakoulis, Director, Editorial

“One thing I look forward to every year is the arrival of runners at the Expo. I love seeing them enter the cavernous space of the Javits Center and seeing their excitement as they realize that all their months of preparation—all the hard work and sacrifices—have finally brought them to this moment. They’re here! They’re really going to run the TCS New York City Marathon! I have seen runners start to cry just being there, picking up their number, finally touching it, and thinking of the excitement that awaits them on race day.”

Marcia Tyler, Director, Event Staffing & Volunteer Operations

“In my role I am most excited about the 11,000 volunteers who will assemble in New York City to support our 52,000 runners in achieving their personal dreams.

Volunteers are extremely important to the success of our events, and they set the tone for the overall race-day experience. Volunteers provide the human touch to race day, and however they choose to participate—at the start, preparing runners for the 26.2 mile journey; along the course, handing out water at our fluid stations; or at the finish, giving out amenities after the race—my team and I take great pride in being at the forefront of making the magic happen.” 

Jacki Bares, Marketing Manager

“I am looking forward to doing social coverage for the third year in a row because it’s the happy balance of 1) Capturing the most amazing (and inspirational) moments on-course, whether it’s the pros, the runners or the supporters; 2) Experiencing the actual race itself on the ground; and 3) Getting to high-five as many runners as I can in between capturing content!” 

Ben Delaney, Runner Training & Education Associate

“Having been fortunate enough to have run the last five TCS New York City Marathons, this year I will be experiencing the Marathon from a whole new perspective as an NYRR employee. Knowing the nerves at the start to the exhilaration at the finish line as a runner, I look forward to similar feelings watching 52,000 runners start, and finish, their 26.2-mile journey.”

Mary Haskins, Senior Manager, Volunteer Operations

“One of the things I am most excited about is our record number of volunteers who have registered at the start [village] of the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. This is the only time all 50,000-plus runners will be gathered in the same place at the same time, and we will be ready for them with an amazing team of volunteers.

The other thing I am most excited about is my hubby, Harry, is running and I know this is his year and he is going to nail it!”

Lela Moore, Senior Manager, Digital Content

“I have run the Marathon twice, in 2010 and 2014, but this is my first year to work it as an NYRR employee. I can’t wait to chronicle the reactions of people waiting to start, and again when they cross the finish line.” 

Brian Hsia, Manager, Training Programming and Runner Services, and a member of the NYRR Pace Team Presented by Biofreeze

“On race day, I welcome the runners to Fort Wadsworth, as I have been doing each and every year. I enjoy it because you can see the excitement in everyone’s eyes that the day has come and they are going to embark on their final journey, and all the hard work and time they have trained for this race.

What I am really excited about this year’s race is that this will be my 100th marathon!!”

Elyse Haller, Senior Manager, Business Solutions

“Working with our partner runners, I am most excited to talk to them at the Expo when they get their bib, and hear how their training went and what they are excited or nervous about. Sometimes I can even provide them with a few tips! Then, I am fortunate to see many of them at the finish and hear how their race went and share in their excitement.” 

Rachel Isaac, Assistant Manager, Creative Services

“I’m looking forward to working at the Expo and making sure runners have their race-day plan, and that their friends and family have a cheer plan. I love giving advice on the best places to cheer!”

Emily Gaines, Assistant Manager, Strategic Partnerships

“For this year’s marathon, I’m most looking forward to seeing so many familiar faces cross the finish line! My cousin is running this year, as well as several of our partners. It’s going to be so rewarding to see them experience the work we do year-round!” 

Katie Manzi, Web Content Coordinator

“This year I will be out in Brooklyn, and I am excited to experience the race from a different borough than I had before. I can’t wait to see what the crowds there can dish up to support the runners!”

Jon Phillips, Director, Runner Programming & Products

“I’m looking forward to welcoming runners from around the globe at the Pavilion and the RUNCENTER for our race-week events, so they can enter the big day prepared, inspired, and motivated to fully embrace and enjoy the race of their lives!”

Ixzchel Salgado, Senior Manager, International Tour Operator Program

This will be my third TCS New York City Marathon and I can’t wait to see our ITOs and their runners arriving at the expo and feeling the buzz. They are always in great spirits and so enthusiastic about taking on the streets of New York. 

Experience all that Team NYRR has been working toward at one of our race-week events, and watch their efforts be put in action during the live broadcast of the race on Sunday, November 3.