PPTC x NYCM: Everything You Need To Know
PPTC club members gathered at the “Magic Tree” in the Marathon Village before the start of the NYC Marathon.
Photo credit: Adam Devine
Running the New York City Marathon is a lot like living in New York City: Everything is just a little harder than it has to be. Luckily, being part of a community makes both living in NYC and running the marathon so much easier.
One of the perks of your $25 annual PPTC membership is the way the club eases NYCM race day logistics, from getting to the start village to getting your stuff back once you’ve finished. Still, there’s a lot going on! Here, we’ve answered some of our club members’ most frequently asked questions about PPTC’s race day offerings. Give it a read, get prepared, and take a breath. You’ve done the work — now go have a great race day.
About the PPTC Bus
Where do I catch the bus?
Buses will be leaving from JackRabbit Sports/Fleet Feet in Park Slope, located at 474 Fifth Avenue. (Note: The store recently moved to this new address!) JackRabbit/Fleet Feet will be providing a bathroom, a place to be warm and dry, and the opportunity to purchase any last minute items.
When do I need to be there?
Please be in front of JackRabbit/Fleet Feet by 5:15 a.m. to be checked in. The last bus leaves promptly at 5:45 a.m. Please arrive early, and try not to be too loud as it is a residential area!
Will there be a bag check?
Yes! See the next section (About PPTC Bag Check) for details.
How long does the bus ride take?
About 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Will there be a bathroom on the bus?
Yes!
Where does it drop you off?
Fort Wadsworth, on Staten Island. From there, you’ll walk to the security screening checkpoint.
I forgot to sign up! Can I still show up?
Unfortunately, no! Pre-registration for a seat on the bus is required.
For more on the bus, visit WildApricot.
About PPTC Bag Check
Does the PPTC bus offer bag check?
Yes! Bags (small ones, please) will be driven from JackRabbit/Fleet Feet to PS 87 (located at 160 West 78th Street, near the finish line - enter from the West 77th Street entrance). If you need anything at Fort Wadsworth, do not put it in your checked bag! And do not bring the bag you want to check onto the bus.
I’m not taking the PPTC bus. Can I still check a bag so it’s waiting for me at the school after the race?
Yes! Members who are not taking the bus, but who would like a bag waiting for them at the post-race reunion at the school, will have an opportunity to check a bag at JackRabbit/Fleet Feet on Saturday before the marathon (information about the exact times for drop-off will be provided to members soon).
Where do I pick up my checked bag after the race?
Your bag will be waiting for you at P.S. 87 on the Upper West Side — a short walk (promise) from the finish line.
What should I put in my checked bag?
Most importantly, give yourself the gift of clean, dry, warm clothes and a change of shoes. Consider:
Sweatpants/sweatshirt
Don’t forget socks/bra/undies
Beanie
Jacket
Sneakers or recovery slides
Here are some more ideas from experienced marathoners:
Tissues
Chapstick
Body/face wipes
Cash
Snacks/electrolyte drink
Gloves
Hand warmers
About the Magic Tree
What … on earth is a Magic Tree?
The Magic Tree is a central gathering point where the team hangs out together — you’ll find us under a tree with a big PPTC banner. It is slightly lower energy (read: not as loud) as compared to the rest of the start village, so you’ll be able to relax with your teammates before the race.
Where is the Magic Tree?
In the central grassy area just to the north of the pink corral entrances.
On this map of the marathon village, X marks the spot for the “Magic Tree”.
Original Graphic Credit: NYRR
What should I bring to the start village?
Warm clothes (throwaway)
Snacks
Reading material (something you can toss, like a magazine)
Disposable charger packs for your phone
Poncho (if raining)
Avoid bringing any prohibited items.
About the Race
Who else from PPTC is in my wave/corral?
Check out this post on the Google Forum for a link to the spreadsheet to find PPTC buddies.
Where is the PPTC Cheer Zone?
Look for us at 4th Ave. and 3rd St. in Brooklyn, around mile 7 — runner’s right. (Note: If you’re on the left side of 4th Ave., you’ll be able to cross over to the right before you get to the cheer zone.)
About The School (P.S. 87)
Where is the school?
The PPTC post-marathon gathering takes place at P.S.87. We use the school's rear entrance (through the playground), located on W. 77th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam. From the finisher chute, exit on either W. 76th or W. 74th and head west — it’s a 0.95-mile walk.
If you zoom in on the marathon map, you’ll see 77th St. between Columbus and Amsterdam, where P.S. 87 is located.
Original Graphic Credit: NYRR
Okay, I’m at the school. Where do I find PPTC?
We’ll be in the lunchroom. If you use the rear entrance, there will be signs and volunteers directing you there.
Tell me more about the school. What can I expect to find there?
Snacks, drinks (including adult variety), your checked bag, teammates to help with recovery, and tears (so many tears).
Can my friends and family meet me there?
Yes! This is a great spot to meet your loved ones after the race.
How long is the school open?
From 12:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Is there an official PPTC post-race party?
The school is the club’s only official post-race gathering, but some members stay to cheer on the final finishers with Project Finish. See here for more details, but you can expect a party with a DJ, cheering, dancing, and lots of cowbells! Also, don’t miss the general membership meeting the next day (Monday, Nov. 6), where members will get a chance to share their race recaps with the rest of the club. Sign up for the November general membership meeting on WildApricot.
If your question isn’t answered here, try asking in the nyc-marathon Discord channel!
Member, Alexis Gordon (she/her) celebrating her finish of the 2022 NYC Marathon at P.S. 87
Photo Credit: Linda S. Chan (she/her)
Written by: Melissa Devine (she/her)
Edited by: Linda S. Chan and Rachael DePalma (she/her)
Produced by: Melissa Devine
PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership. We welcome and encourage everyone to share their stories with us.