The Essential Guide to Running the New York City Marathon

This is hardly a training must-read but it sure was a blast to read if you're looking at NYC as an upcoming must-do marathon. I particularly enjoyed the spectator section and how the author recommended the best mile markers to view from. I bought a used copy and the previous owner made some notes in the margins regarding his/her own personal experiences with both the hotel and restaurants chosen. It's interspersed with fun trivia and prior race stats. The mile-by-mile description of the race itself was well written. Certainly this book will motivate and inspire a runner or two. Definitely worth the $5 investment.

Found it a great guide for a runner in New York City - eateries, places, info - Very helpful, and the running advice is awesome. Many pages of training ideas/tips from famous runners. I would recommend this book for any marathoner/runner, not only those running nyc.

Pulled this book off the shelf expecting another book with scant info BUT I was spellbound at once! It had everything from schedules to advice from all the names I had seen run the damn thing.I know NY city, but after reading this book I know it better as a runner. Loved Grete Waitz's advice, most entertaining and not really like any other travel - running book I have ever read.It has a jaunting theme of enjoyment, but offers first rate help to any level runner. Bought a copy, immediately!

The thing that pleased me most about this book, written by a deeply amusing and insightful Brit, Toby Tanser, is that he has turned the New York City Marathon into an accessible source of enjoyment for all, not just runners but visitors and family as well. Not only does he tweak the great city of New York into a handful of joyful and fascinating stories, but he brings the reader into direct contact with the city's people and streets. How detailed his research must have been to be able to say of my own local bagel shop that it has the most dough for the dollar (Pick-A-Bagel on 2nd Ave at 77th St) and yet thereafter list dozens of other shops, locales and curiosities that are minutely detailed and wonderfully inviting. Reading his book, New York becomes the friendliest spot on earth - and it certainly can be that. The book proves it.Author Tanser also adds humanism: he describes the race-director's birthplace as having been on the same Avenue around Mile 22 of the NYC Marathon itself. I didn't know that, and I used to WORK for the race director for 7 years. Imagine.Additionally, since he's a superb and responsible runner himself, Tanser squeezes the finest running-resources into his book. As marathon reference tool, city-guide and training manual, this book really has it all- and it's not too long, which is a plus for runners eager to get going!