Sports Tours International and the New York Marathon

Sports Tours International is the longest serving International Travel Partner of the New York Marathon. 

• For nearly 40 years, we have taken thousands of runners to take part in the New York Marathon.
• We offer guaranteed race entry into the New York Marathon for runners who are residents in the UK, although you can be of any nationality.
• We only use hotels in Manhattan, which are either ideal for race registration to 2012 New York Marathon or convenient for the Staten Island ferry on Sunday morning. For our hotels near Times Square, we use the Official New York Marathon bus transfer which leaves the NY Public Library on 42nd Street around 6am (that was the time in 2011). With this service you are guaranteed arriving up at the marathon start.
• We work with many charities to help their fundraising efforts and, over the years, charities have earned millions from participating in the New York Marathon.
• Our Tour Guides have fantastic experience of the New York Marathon from past years and are in New York to make things easier for you.
• On the Friday morning, we will be having a warm up run in Central Park, which you are welcome to join us on.

New York Marathon Itinerary

Typically, runners fly in to New York in the few days preceding the marathon. By arriving early, it gives you more time to settle in and adjust to the time zone. It also gives you a bit of time to explore New York, especially if you have friends of family with you.

You need to register for the marathon and pick up your bib at the Jacob Kravits expo centre in central Manhattan. You will also have time to walk around the expo centre and buy some race souvenirs.

On Friday morning, our reps lead a warm up run to anyone who wants to join in. We usually go to Central Park, so you will also see preparations for the Marathon taking place. Friday evening sees the new Parade of Nations, a gathering of all the international runners.

On Sunday morning, we use the Official Marathon bus transfer from 42nd Street to the start. For 2011, we were allocated a 6am transfer (access to the start area closes at 7am, which is why we use the official transfer option). This way you are guaranteed getting there. 

It is best to take a couple of tops to wear at the start as you wait for your start wave to leave.  You can either wear these running or some people discard old clothing at the start line. If you do this, your old tops will be collected and distributed to charities in the New York area.

If you have friends and family with you, they cannot accompany you to the start area - access is not permitted.  We recommend a long lie-in at their hotel before going directly to one of the majors cheering points on the route. These tend to be around the 17 mile marker (when the route enters Manhattan Island) or from Mile 24 onwards at Central Park. Alternatively, you can join one of the UK charities' cheering points and help encourage runners.

After the marathon, runners are advised to leave the finish area at Central Park quickly to prevent overcrowding. We recommend that you meet friends and family at a pre-designated point or even back at your hotel.

Many runners and their families stay for a few days later to enjoy the sights and sounds of New York and really make a good holiday out of their trip. If you are staying on one of our full travel packages, our reps will be on hand to offer advice and tips throughout the weekend. 

1. Just wanted to a big thank you to the team for the New York Marathon trip. We had the trip of a life time and Sports Tours made the trip effortless. Much appreciated.

   Only to add that if I was there I’d give you all a big warm group hug!!

   — · May 19, 02:46 PM · #

2. Completed the NY marathon last year, travelling with Sports Tours International & had a great trip.

   Was really pleased with the info/service etc received.

   — Sarah W · Jun 8, 06:29 PM · #