New York City Marathon - Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the NYC Marathon and Guiding in the Marathon….

Where and when is the Expo?

The Expo takes place at the Jacob Javits Center (655 West 34th Street, on 11th Avenue) the weekend prior to the NYC Marathon. It’s where the athletes participating pick up their race bibs, chips, etc. It is also where the Achilles Guides pick up their Guide bibs and Achilles Guide tech shirts to wear on race day. Aside from picking up your race day materials there is great shopping and interesting sights to see. Come early, stay late. But be sure to bring a photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) in order to enter the expo.

The hours to pick up your Guide materials from the Achilles staff are as follows:
Thursday, November 3rd: 10am – 7pm
Friday, November 4th: 10am – 7pm
Saturday, November 5th: 9am – 2pm

The Expo is often open later but the hours to pick up your materials are very strict so please make sure you leave yourself plenty of time.

What is the Standby Guide Station?

The Standby Guide Station means that you will be positioned at the 13 mile mark and will join an athlete for the last half of the marathon all the way to the finish line. When you attend the Expo we will have handouts there for you with the exact location of the Standby Guide Station as well as Transportation directions (subway directions).

Where are the buses and when do they leave?

Achilles Athletes and Volunteer Guides have their own special buses that are free for all of our participants (athletes and volunteers) that will depart from 38th Street & Fifth Avenue (this location is subject to change and we will have a handout with an exact location for you at the Expo) starting at 4:45 am and the very final bus will depart at 6:15 am.

This is not a day to sleep in. You haven’t been training and preparing all this time to miss the marathon!! Plus thanks to daylight savings time you automatically get an extra hour of sleep. So do not be late!!!!

Also, and I’m sorry to be the bad guy here, but your loved one(s) may not join you on the bus just to keep you company on your way to the start line. We simply don’t have the room. Please tell them to head back to bed for a bit and come back out and cheer you on later.

What about baggage? Is there a place for it and what do I do with it?

Leave anything of value at home or with someone you trust. DO NOT BRING IT WITH YOU!!! There is a place for baggage and it will be returned to our family reunion area (where you will head post-finish) but I will say this again DO NOT BRING ANYTHING OF VALUE WITH YOU THAT YOU DO NOT WANT STOLEN OR LOST: this means Wallets, Passports, iPhones, IPods, etc… I watch this year after year. The bags you and your athletes are given are clear bags (and they are not that big) and people see what’s in them and take your valuables. Spare yourself the heartache. Just don’t bring it with you!!

How do my friends/family find me after I’ve completed the marathon?

After Athletes and Guides cross the finish line they are directed straight to our Family Reunion Area which will be located on 72nd Street off Central Park West. This is where you can arrange to meet your loved ones. At the Achilles Booth at the EXPO we will have wrist bands that will act as credentials and allow your family/friends to enter our Family Reunion Area. Please ask for a wrist band for the people who will be meeting you. At the Achilles Family Reunion Area you will find your baggage, beverages and medical provisions should anyone need anything…as well as lots of people enthusiastically cheering on your athlete and your big accomplishment!

Hopefully we have managed to answer your questions. If for some reason we haven't then please contact Russell Koplin at rkoplin@achillesinternational.org