Wave Start FAQ
We know that there are many questions about what a wave start is, how it works, and exactly how it will affect each runner on race day. Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions about wave starts.
What are wave starts?
Instead of releasing a mass start of approximately 45,000 runners at one time, the field will be organized into three separate starts (or "waves") released at 30-minute intervals. Each wave will include approximately 15,000 runners.
How many waves will there be, and at what times?
Wave 1 will begin at 9:40 a.m., followed by wave 2 at 10:10 a.m., and then wave 3 at 10:40 a.m.
Why are there wave starts?
NYRR's goal is to provide every athlete with the best possible race-day experience. As the race has grown, crowding has become an issue -- at the start, along the course, and at the finish. We're instituting the wave start to reduce crowding and wait times.
What are the benefits to wave starts?
Runners will notice at least four benefits:
1. Reduced crowding and wait time standing in corrals
2. Reduced crowding and wait time standing on the bridge, waiting for the race to start
3. Reduced time to cross the start line
4. Reduced crowding on the course and at the finish
How will each runner's start be assigned?
Runners will be assigned to starts and corrals within each wave start according to the best finish time (or pace per mile) they provided on their marathon applications. Assignments will be posted on the runner profile page and in the entrant database and will be printed on runners' registration cards, which mail in October.
How many runners will be assigned to each wave?
Approximately 15,000 runners will be assigned to each wave.
Are there any disadvantages to starting in a later wave?
No. Because runners will be organized according to their projected finish time, they can feel confident that they will be seeded with runners who average a similar pace. Each runner's official race time will be his or her net time -- that is, beginning when the runner's D-Tag crosses the timing mats at the start and ending when the chip crosses the mats at the finish.
If I have a later start time, can I plan to arrive later at the start than runners in earlier waves?
NYRR strongly recommends that runners take NYRR official transportation to the start. This year, runners who need transportation will be assigned an option that will correspond to the runner's start time. NYRR cannot guarantee that unofficial buses, cars, or other modes of transportation will make it to the start on time.
How will wave starts affect the corral system?
There will be seven corrals per color within each wave start. Runners will be organized into corrals, from fastest to slowest, according to the projected finish time that they provided on their marathon applications.
If I want to run with a friend, can I switch to another start time or to another corral within my start time?
Once corrals and waves are assigned, they cannot be changed. Runners wishing to run together must go to the corral and wave start of the runner with the higher number.
I believe that I am faster now than I was when I applied. Can I switch to an earlier wave?
Once corrals are assigned, they cannot be changed.
Will each wave start begin with the ceremony that makes the start of a major marathon so special?
Each wave will have its own ceremony that will make it special.
How long will it take me to cross the start line?
Runners in each wave should clear the start in approximately six minutes.
Who will be in charge of entering each corral and how do we prevent runners from entering the wrong corral?
Corral marshals will be responsible for checking the race numbers of all runners at the entrance of each corral.
The key to successful wave starts are communication and runner cooperation. If runners try to beat the system, we all lose. NYRR wants all runners to have the best race experience possible, but we need your help. Thank you for your cooperation.
