Run as One 4M Team Preparation Guide
Event Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
For more information on Race Details, visit the official NYRR Run as One 4M page.
1. Key Race Times
- Race Start: 8:30 AM
- Bib Pickup (if not done already): 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM at Race-Day Central (near the Naumburg Bandshell).
- Bag Check: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM.
2. Logistics & Carpool
- Departure Point and Car Pool
Car A: 乐天，Edison
- Mark (红色迷你司机）
- 小松球
- Kristina
Car B: 乐天，Edison
- 兆华（司机）
- 潘正祥 （backup司机）
- 薛哥
- 田虹
- 叶晓鸣（回程）
Car C: 桥水 Duke Island Park
- 德东（司机，不过结束后可能留下来见朋友[Lol]）
- 叶晓鸣（去纽约）
Car D: 乐天，Edison
- 童刚 （司机）
- Curtis
- Matt
- 曼菁
啦啦：
- Mark
- 兆华
- Leaving Time: 6:00 AM. The drive is about 50–60 minutes, but you need time for parking, walking into the park, and bathroom lines.
- Car Pool Drivers: Mark, 兆华, 德东, 童刚
- Gas/Toll Contribution: The suggestion is $20 per athlete round-trip or $10 one-way paid to the driver to share the cost of the tolls, gas, congestion fee, parking, etc.
3. Parking in NYC
- Suggested Area: Street parking is often available on the Upper East Side (between 5th Ave and Lex, 60s–80s streets) on Sunday mornings, but it fills up fast.
- Paid Garages: Use apps like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance near 5th Ave & 72nd St to avoid stress.
4. Group Gathering & Photo
- Meeting Point: Eagle and Prey Statue near the Bag Check
- Photo Time: 7:45 AM. Team Flag: Who is responsible for bringing the “Love to Run” flag?
5. The Course Map (4-Mile Inner Loop)
- Start: East Drive near 69th Street (heading North).
- The Hills: Prepare for “Cat Hill” in Mile 1 and rolling hills on the West Side.
- Finish: 72nd Street Transverse (near Bethesda Terrace).
- Elevation: It’s a net-downhill finish—save some energy for a strong kick!
6. Race Strategy for Beginners
- Corrals: Enter your corral 15–20 minutes before the start.
- Pacing: Don’t start too fast on Cat Hill! Aim for a steady effort.
7. Facilities & Fuel
- Bathrooms: Large banks of port-a-potties are at Race-Day Central and near the start corrals. Expect 15+ minute lines.
- Breakfast: Eat your bagel and peanut butter 2 hours before (around 6:30 AM in the car).
- Hydration: Water and Gatorade are provided at Mile 2 and the finish.
- Is Gel Needed? For a 4-mile race, gels are usually not necessary for energy
8. Post-Race Gathering
- Meeting Spot: Once you get your recovery bag (bagel, apple, water), meet back at the Team Flag at the Eagle and Prey Statue near Bag Check area.
Others:
- NYRR App: Cheer leaders please download the NYRR app so you can track our athletes
- Check the Weather: Current weather forecast for April 12th in Central Park is 48°F (perfect)
- Emergency Contact: Make sure everyone has at least one other teammate’s WeChat contact or phone number saved. Especially the contact number for the carpool driver.
- 9+1 Credit: this race counts toward the “9+1” program if you are aiming for the 2027 NYC Marathon.
