From chasing World Major dreams to racing through the five boroughs, Rebecca Jackson’s latest marathon adventure takes us to the start line of the legendary New York City Marathon. Fresh from completing the Sydney Marathon just weeks earlier, Rebecca embraced the electric challenge of New York.

In this race report, she shares what inspired her to take on one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, how she managed a tight turnaround between races, and what it truly feels like to run across iconic bridges and into Central Park alongside nearly 56,000 runners.

What inspired you to take on the NYC marathon?

Being one of the Abbott World Major marathons, it is a goal of mine to complete the big 6 (or 7 now including Sydney which I did in August!). I’ve seen and heard from other runners how amazing the event is, with the iconic bridges and Central Park finish. NYC has been on my travel bucket list too so I thought why not combine the 2!

How did your training go in the lead up?

Having only completed Sydney marathon 8 weeks previously and only getting a place 6 weeks prior to the event, the weeks between were more focussed on easy milage, being mindful of recovery and any niggles, whilst also trying to keep some volume. Strength training, mobility and nutrition are all key elements of this too. The goal of this was to complete with no set time, although I had a rough aim of what I would’ve liked!

What was the atmosphere like?

It was a cold and dark start to the day with an early get up of 5am to be on the buses to the Staten Island start line at 5.45am. There was a great nervous but excited energy amongst everyone as we drove out to the start wrapped in blankets and old jumpers ready to discard. I love hearing everyone’s stories; some like myself have travelled overseas, some it is their very first marathon and some are far more experienced with multiple marathons under their belts and some have trained very hard with a PB in mind.

Once at the start village the sun had risen, and there was sea of foil blankets, fluorescent super shoes and a few in fancy dress. You could feel the excitement and the support from the event team was great too.

I had access to the VIP tent where we had a selection of bagels and hot drinks, warmth and most importantly a large block of portaloos!

What were your feelings as you stood on the start line?

When it was time to enter my corral the nerves kicked in a bit more, with the feeling of still needing to use the portaloos returning every 2 minutes! It was very well organised though and there was plenty of space within the start pen. It was still quite chilly so I left it until the last minute to discard my blanket.

All clothing etc is collected to be donated to the homeless which is a great cause. I was in Wave 2 but you can see the earlier start wave setting off up Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge which was a fantastic site on a clear sunny morning. There is music playing as everyone was then walked up to the start line, getting pumped up ready to go!

This is it!! Wait for the claxon and off we go- up the bridge!

What were the course landmarks and crowds like?

The streets are lined with crowds pretty much all the way! It was electric! So many bands, DJs, support crews, cow bells and banners- it was all quite overstimulating! The 5 bridges were major points. You don’t realise how spectacular it is until you see birds eye views of 56,000 runners going over them! You pass through 5 different boroughs; Staten island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Manhattan. Going through Queens and The Bronx the crowds were brilliant and the atmosphere built even more as you entered Manhattan and Fifth Avenue knowing it was the final straight. The final 5 miles through the city and Central park were tough but I tried to take in the sky scraper sights and remember this is the infamous concrete jungle.

What were the toughest points?

The start is actually pretty tough as it is uphill! This lasts for about a mile and even though you are fresh, it still takes it out of you and I felt it set me off in a bad rhythm as I then flew downhill and it took me a few miles to try and settle in to a comfortable pace.

There are 5 bridges in total; Verrazzano-Narrows, Pulaski, Willis Avenue, Queensborough and Madison Avenue. Each are different and present their own challenge, but with over 800 ft of elevation, it is definitely classed as hilly! There were lots of undulating sections, which again made it hard to settle into a comfortable pace.

Another strange section is the “Silent Mile” on Bedford Avenue which is through the Hasidic community, and the crowds noticeably thin whilst people still try to cross roads and continue with their days, despite the marathon!

Queensborough bridge is also renowned for being tough as there are no spectators allowed on the bridge, therefore all you can hear are footsteps, breathing and internal battles with your own mind as you trudge on between 15-16 miles.

Personally I found the last 5 miles around and through Central park really tough as it was deceptively uphill and my legs were ready to give up! The 200m to go sign was also at the top of sneaky little hill, which at the point you really didn’t want to see.

How did you involve VOOM in your fuelling strategy?

As usual, I had my trusty VOOM Pocket Rockets ready to go! I had one Caffeine Kick and one Electro Energy bar as well as an extra gel. I break each bar into their 4 cubes and place in the side pockets of my shorts. (Caffenated on the left and non caffenated on the right!) I just love the texture and ease of consuming as I run. There is no faffing around trying to open gels and they digest so easily without any tummy upsets.

After the first 40-45 mins I take a cube every few kilometres to give my body a constant drip feed of energy. At no point did I feel I “hit the wall” in terms of fuelling. Of course, there are mental struggles and muscle fatigue, but it is a marathon!

After the run I had the VOOM Chocolate and Vanilla Rapid Recovery Shake, which not only tastes delicious, but it delivers the essential blend of carbohydrates and protein to replenish muscle stores and kick start repair. Later on in the day I also snacked on the recovery fudge which I am OBSESSED with. I could eat that all day- marathon or no marathon!

What were your finish line and post run reflections?

It was such an accomplishment to finish another world major- this is my 3^rd this year! I finished in 3:10:11 which I was over the moon with and was pretty similar to my Sydney time a few weeks previous.

It felt an honour to be a part of the worlds most iconic races. With nearly 56,000 runners it was record breaking in terms of attendance! The winners tie break photo finish was also incredible and the female course record was broken by Helen Obiri who finished in an phenomenal 2.19.

Watching the final finishers coming through Central Park is also moving as you know they have been out there for several hours, yet are still determined to finish and get that medal. It takes a lot of grit to finish a marathon, whether that be in 3 hours or 7 so kudos to everyone.

Looking ahead..

Having done 3 marathons this year (Boston, Sydney and New York) it’s time for a bit of recovery.

Of course, I will still be running, however I think I will take the next year off marathons and focus more on my half marathon times. I have a half marathon PB of 1.23 so I’d like to get back to that and break the sub 3 hour marker for a marathon the following year. I still have Tokyo and Berlin to complete for the Abbott Majors and with them being flat courses, 2027 could be my year!

Regardless of distance I’ll still be using VOOM to fuel and recover and I’m recommending them wherever I go!