The New York City Marathon expo is a great way for runners and nonrunners to check out all the latest running equipment, clothing, gadgets, and nutritional supplements… it is open to the public usually 2-3 days before the marathon race date.

The New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance is one of the top 10 health and fitness expos in the whole world!

The NYC Marathon expo is also where those competing in the marathon need to collect their race materials, and must bring photo ID and their runner confirmation form with them.

Your New York City Marathon expo experience will be significantly better if you stick to a plan. 

This is what you need to know about the NYC Marathon expo 2024. Please note this information is based on previous years of the expo and is subject to change closer to the race date…

In this article, we will be covering…

  • Location Of The New York Marathon Expo 
  • BEST Way Of Getting to the NYC Marathon Expo
  • Collecting Your NYC Marathon race materials- What You Need To Bring With You
  • What You Need To Know About New York Road Runners Running Lab
  • Tips For Surviving The NYC Marathon Expo

Let’s begin!

Location Of The New York City Marathon Expo 

The TCS New York City Marathon Expo will likely take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 11th Avenue at West 36th Street. 

Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/EGyH6BRg5SiuKEgEA

Open & Closing Times Of The NYC Marathon Expo

Note: Race contestants need to select a time slot to pick up their race number by logging into their NYRR dashboard. (How to select your time slot here)

Thursday, November 3: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

(Race number pickup closes at 7:30 pm)

Time slots for race materials pickup: 

  • 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 4: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm 

(bib pickup closes at 7:30 pm)

Time slots for race materials pickup: 

  • 10:00 am–1:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm–4:00 pm
  • 4:00 pm–8:00 pm

Saturday, November 5: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Time slots for race materials pickup: 

  • 9:00 am–12:00 pm
  • 12:00 pm–5:00 pm

The New York City Marathon expo is going to be where runners get their first taste of that unforgettable pre-race energy… Let’s have a look at the best way for you to get there…

BEST Way Of Getting to the NYC Marathon Expo

Going to the NYC Marathon expo via subway, train, ferry or bus is your best option to avoid crowds and traffic as best as possible.

If you would like to catch a ferry to the NYC Marathon expo then…

  • From New Jersey take the Midtown Ferry to West 39th Street. 
  • From Staten Island take NYC Ferry’s St. George route from St. George ferry terminal on Staten Island to Midtown West/Pier 79 in Manhattan. 

If you would like to catch an MTA Bus then…

  • Take the M34 crosstown to 11th Avenue.

The Javits Center is accessible via several subway lines. 

The closest subway lines to The Javits center are…

  • 34th Street–Hudson Yards station on the 7 train line.
  • 34th Street–Penn Station, accessible via the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E trains, as well as via Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit.

From any of those stations ferry stops and bus stops you can walk to the entrance of the expo quite easily at 35th Street and 11th Avenue.

Let’s have a look at what you need to bring with you to the NYC Marathon expo…

Collecting Your NYC Marathon Race Materials (What You Need To Bring With You)

Runners competing in the NYC Marathon need to collect their race numbers as well as their race materials which include…

  • B-Tag, bag with sticker, 
  • Participant New Balance shirt
  • Other race materials. 

They also need to fill out the medical information on the back of their race number.

Runners will receive their confirmation forms by mid-October, these contain their start wave, start color, and corral, as well as bag-check and transportation allocations. (They will be able to access their confirmation form in the TCS New York City Marathon App)

To collect their race number at the NYC Marathon Expo runners need to bring these things along with them:

  • Confirmation form
  • Valid Photo Identity Document

What You Need To Know About New York Road Runners Running Lab

One of the main features at the expo is the NYRR Running Lab. This is where anyone can get valuable insight into the race as well as tools and strategies to plan their race.

NYRR will go through the marathon route, mile by mile their dive into detail about what you can expect along the 26.2 miles.

They also have members of the NYRR Pace Team available to help you achieve your goal finish time and to answer all your pacing questions as well as specialists to discuss and answer your questions related to pre-race, race, and post-race nutrition.

Each year the NYC Marathon expo draws over 100,000 visitors from around the world… That means there is A LOT on offer, from freebies to massages, to speakers and advice givers… it can become very overwhelming only days away from race day… on that note, here’s how to get through it as efficiently as possible…

This video will help! Don’t BLOW Your Race Before It Starts

Tips For Surviving The NYC Marathon Expo

  1. Don’t spend an unnecessary amount of time looking at everything.

You can see everything by going through the memorabilia shop, choosing a few items that you want to see, making sure you get registered and then spending 45 minutes to a maximum of an hour at an expo. 

  1. Wear your comfiest shoes.

Make sure your shoes are the most comfortable shoes you own. Even if you wear your running shoes, as long as they have support so that your feet aren’t working too hard. 

  1. Buy if you want … but don’t try.

You’re going to be surrounded by new gadgets, great deals, and specials. It is an awesome place to buy new gear and equipment.

Make sure you are NOT trying any of the new gear and equipment on race day!

It could ruin your race performance. In particular… nutritional supplements. “Freebies” and massage guns.

4. Don’t use the goodie bag until after the race.

When you get your event pack you will also receive a goodie bag filled with more free supplements… our suggestion, only look at it after race day. Unless it’s a product you’ve used throughout your training.

5. Be weary of what you eat

Eating food from expo food stands can lead to you spending race day on a portaloo.  Stick as closely to foods that you are used to as possible.

In this article, we break down what nutrition and hydration options are provided along the New York City Marathon route and where you can find them.

Author

Devlin Eyden has a passion for seeing his athletes grow and excel. From novice runners or cyclists across all disciplines to elite mountain bikers representing South Africa at World Championships. In addition to helping you ride faster, for longer, Devlin also has the personal touch when it comes to your bike setup, aiming at improving the overall rider experience. With his background as a Sport Scientist as well as a Strength & Conditioning specialist, performance is Devlin’s main priority, be it in the gym, the lab or out on the road or trails. Being a keen runner & cyclist and having completed the Cape Epic among others, Devlin has first hand experience in what it take to reach your goals. If you’re looking for a once-off training program or ongoing, high touch support Devlin has you covered.

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