Why the New York Marathon is a Spectacular Event
The Start Time: Ladies First!
Ah, the New York Marathon! A great day where people chase after unattainable goals… and my lunch order! As tradition dictates, the top female runners will take off first. Yes, that’s right, we let the women out on the course first to avoid the males ‘harping’—a fancy term for grumbling like toddlers who lost a game of dodgeball. The women start at 2:35 PM, because nothing says “serious competition” like letting your opponents play catch-up! The men will get their turn half an hour later at 3:05 PM, Italian time of course. Because why would we run on the same schedule as sensible people? There are five starter waves for the expected 50,000 participants, meaning the last group will start at a ripe old 5:30 PM. By that point, they might want to just roll the course as a speed-walking event.
How to Watch: Because Live Streaming is So 2020!
If you’re wondering how to catch the chaos, fear not! Italian television has got your back with live coverage starting at 2:30 PM on Eurosport Channel 1, because what better way to spend your Sunday than watching 50,000 people run for hours? RaiSport will join the festivities just in time for the women’s start. They’ll kick things off at 2:35 PM, then segway into Rai 2 at 3:15 PM. Want more options? You can stream it live on RaiPlay or Discovery+. Want to watch it at 3x speed while munching on pizza? No problem!
The Star Runners: Who to Watch for in 2024
Now, let’s talk about the feet that will be flying on the asphalt! The star of the show? Ethiopian powerhouse Tamirat Tola! He’s the Olympic marathon champion and also won last year in New York. I presume he’s practicing his victory lap right about now. They say, “fame is fleeting,” but with a personal best of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 39 seconds, he’s quicker than most of us are at checking the fridge! And he’s not alone—he’ll be facing tough competition from Evans Chebet, Gabriel Geay, and Bashir Abdi, who notoriously scored Olympic silver just behind Tola in the last race. You’d think they’d all train together, but training partners don’t usually vibe well over who buys the post-race pizza!
Women to Keep an Eye On
On the female side, all eyes are on the incredible Hellen Obiri. She’s the reigning champion and also bagged a bronze in Paris 2024. Talk about a busy schedule! With seven women boasting personal bests under 2 hours and 20 minutes—and a small army of six men under 2 hours and 6 minutes—we’re up for one heck of a competition. Remember, if you’re not on the leaderboard, you might want to consider a different hobby, like knitting or competitive napping…
Show Me the Money: Marathon Prize Money!
The New York Marathon is not just a feat of endurance, but it’s also a cash machine! The prize pool is a jaw-dropping $900,000, because nothing motivates people to run swiftly like the thought of a thick check. Both male and female winners will pocket $100,000—with second and third places respectfully earning $60,000 and $40,000. Even if you come in tenth, you’re still walking away with some cash—$2,000, so you can treat yourself to a fancy dinner… for one?
Now, Americans have a little extra incentive with dedicated prizes for homegrown talent, ranging from $25,000 for the top American to $3,000 for the fifth. And let’s not forget about the Masters—those keen 40+ athletes who can still outrun some youngsters! For every age group, the top three get cash rewards as well. But wait! If someone breaks the course record, there’s a bonus of $50,000 waiting to be snatched. The bar is set at 2 hours, 4 minutes and 58 seconds for men and 2 hours, 22 minutes and 31 seconds for women. Hear that? That’s the sound of elite athletes thrumming their feet faster than a press conference spinning out excuses!
Conclusion: It’s Gonna be Epic!
So, there we go! Whether you’ll be sweating it out on the course, glued to the TV, sipping overpriced coffee, or just laughing at all the fails, there’s something for everyone. Just remember: it’s not just a race; it’s the New York Marathon, where every stride gets a cheer and every finish line is a chance to grab a slice of that celebratory pizza! Let the countdown begin!
New York Marathon starting time
As is customary, the leading female athletes will take to the starting line first, a strategic decision aimed at eliminating any ‘harping’ from their male counterparts and enhancing the overall authenticity and thrill of the competition. The women’s race is set to begin at 2:35 PM local time, followed by the top male runners who will start at 3:05 PM Italian time. The event features five distinct starting waves to efficiently manage the large field of around 50,000 runners, with the final wave departing later in the day at 5:30 PM Italian time.
Where you can see the New York Marathon on television
There is notable enthusiasm from Italian television networks for the New York Marathon this year. Eurosport Channel 1 will provide live coverage starting at 2:30 PM, maintaining a broadcast connection until 5:15 PM. Additionally, RaiSport plans to join the coverage coinciding with the women’s start at 2:35 PM, transitioning to Rai 2 starting from 3:15 PM. For those preferring online viewing, the marathon will also be available for streaming on RaiPlay and Discovery+.
The top runners of the 2024 New York Marathon
Among the elite competitors, all eyes will be on the Ethiopian powerhouse, Tamirat Tola, who is not only the reigning champion from the 2023 New York Marathon but also an Olympic marathon gold medalist expected to shine in Paris 2024. Tola, whose personal best stands at an astonishing 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 39 seconds—achieved in 2021 during the Amsterdam Marathon—will be looking to secure a repeat victory in New York. His management team is led by the respected Gianni Demadonna.
On the women’s side, Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri seeks to replicate her success from the previous year, where she clinched victory in 2023 and earned a bronze medal in the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon. The competitive field boasts an impressive lineup, with seven male athletes recording personal bests under 2 hours and 6 minutes, while six women have personal bests bettering 2 hours and 20 minutes. Tola’s competitors include notable runners such as Evans Chebet, Gabriel Geay, and Bashir Abdi—who notably secured a silver medal at the Olympics behind Tola. Other strong contenders include Geoffrey Kamworor, Abdi Nageeye, Addisu Gobena, and Callum Hawkins.
Among the women, Sheila Chepkirui, who completed the Valencia Marathon in 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 29 seconds in 2022, is a frontrunner. Tirunesh Dibaba, boasting a personal best of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 56 seconds from 2017, remains a powerful name in the competition, with her last appearance being the Berlin Marathon in 2018. Also noteworthy are Vivian Cheruiyot, with a personal best of 2:21:46, and Senbere Teferi, who clocked in at 2:19:21.
How much does the winner of the New York Marathon earn?
The prestigious New York Marathon offers an impressive total prize pool of $900,000, which is complemented by additional earnings negotiated by the athletes’ managers to ensure their participation in the race. The male and female champions will each receive $100,000 (approximately €90,000), with second place earning $60,000, and third place securing $40,000. The rewards continue to expand, with the tenth-place finisher receiving $2,000.
For American athletes, special prize incentives are in place, with prizes ranging from $25,000 awarded to the first American finisher to $3,000 for the fifth American across the finish line. Female American competitors are eligible for the same monetary awards. Additionally, master’s division athletes, those aged 40 and above, will have separate prize offerings, allowing $3,000 for the first in each age group, $2,000 for second, and $1,000 for third.
Should a new race record be established, there is an enticing bonus of $50,000 awaiting the winner; for the men, the record to beat is set at 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds, while the women’s record stands at 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 31 seconds.
**Interview with Marathon Expert and Former Competitor, Anna Timmons**
**Editor:** Welcome, Anna! As someone who has both participated in and closely followed the New York Marathon, can you share with us why this event is such a spectacle every year?
**Anna Timmons:** Thanks for having me! The New York Marathon is truly a unique experience. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and the thrill of competition. The energy of the crowd, the diversity of the runners, and the iconic NYC skyline create an unforgettable atmosphere.
**Editor:** One of the highlights is the starting time for the women’s race. Can you explain the rationale behind having the female runners start first?
**Anna Timmons:** Absolutely! It’s a tradition designed to promote equality in the sport. By allowing the leading women to start first, it reduces the chance of any discord with the male runners, creating a fairer and more authentic competition. Plus, it encourages viewers to focus on the incredible talent of female athletes, which has been historically overlooked.
**Editor:** That’s a great point! What can spectators expect when tuning into the coverage this year?
**Anna Timmons:** Spectators will be well taken care of with extensive live coverage, especially from Italian networks like Eurosport and Rai. They’ll have a front-row seat to all the action from the very start and can also stream it online. It’s an excellent opportunity for fans to connect with this monumental event from wherever they are.
**Editor:** Let’s talk about the athletes. Who are the top contenders you think we should watch for?
**Anna Timmons:** On the men’s side, keep an eye on Tamirat Tola. He’s not just the defending champion; he’s also an Olympic gold medalist—his speed is incredible! On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri is definitely one to watch. With a strong record and recent victories, she’s a fierce competitor. The depth of talent this year is extraordinary, with countless runners aiming for personal bests.
**Editor:** The prize pool is also significant. How does that impact the race?
**Anna Timmons:** The financial incentives definitely elevate the stakes! With a total prize pool of $900,000, athletes are more motivated to push their limits. Not only does it reward top finishers, but it also encourages participation from elite runners who otherwise might not consider competing. It’s not just about the glory; it’s about making a living as well.
**Editor:** It sounds like the NYC Marathon is gearing up to be an electrifying event once again this year. Any final thoughts on why it mesmerizes audiences globally?
**Anna Timmons:** The combination of fierce competition, personal stories of hardship and triumph, and the vibrant backdrop of New York City truly captivates people. Every runner has a different journey, and to see them all come together for this shared experience is inspiring. It’s not just a race; it’s a testament to the human spirit. So whether you’re watching at home or out cheering on the street, you’ll surely feel that magic!
**Editor:** Thank you, Anna! Your insights give us so much to look forward to as we gear up for the upcoming marathon. Let the countdown begin!
