Last week was the ballot for the ING New York City Marathon. Over 100,000 people applied to be part of the 40^th running of this event, on 1^st November. Less than 40,000 will get to run it on the day, so if you didn’t get in you are not alone.

Fortunately for me as a New York Road Runner member I was able to secure a place. This will be my 12^th marathon and second in New York after running it last year. I have also volunteered at the start and finish areas of this race, so I will have loads of advice and tips specific to this race, to bring to you over the next few months.

If you didn’t get in the ballot and still want to run this year then you can still get guaranteed entries through the charity program or if you live overseas through the international travel partners. If you have never run a marathon before or are desperate to race in New York this year then that could be an option for you. Personally I would try again next either in the ballot (after 3 rejections your guaranteed to be accepted) or by running a time fast enough to automatically qualify (Men half 1.23; full 2.55. Women half 1.37; full 3.23).

Many people want to run New York because it is one of the big five, part of the world marathon majors. I admit that there is a great atmosphere running in one of those races, having also run in London and Berlin. But there are also great experiences at other major city marathons held later in the year. Dublin and Venice marathons are held the weekend before New York. At the end of November I have previously enjoyed racing the picturesque marathon in Florence, Italy. In the US the Philadelphia marathon is held a few weeks after New York, starting to Rocky’s theme tune and finishing in front of the museum of art. For more ideas check out 42k195k.com, this site has a great comprehensive list of marathons around the world. So if your training partner got through to New York you can still enjoy your long training runs together as long as you each taper properly as your race approaches.

If you are not up to marathon standard yet why not take part in the additional shorter races that often accompany the main event. Philadelphia also runs a half marathon and 8k at the same time and in September, Nottingham hold’s the Robin Hood Festival of Running combining full and half marathons, fun runs and relays.

So there are only 142 days till I will be on the start line on Staten Island, New York. Wherever you decide to race this autumn, keep checking Strenua’s World for training suggestions, recovery advice and tips for race day. Also let us know if you are running this year in New York or if you have any great marathon advice.