Boston Marathon, NYRR Races and Security

For those of you running tomorrow's race in Central Park (and this may apply to other races), doubtless you've seen the new security actions:

*Enhanced security restriction
*Encouragement not to bring a bag
*New clear bags to hold baggage
*No trash cans in race vicinity

It's easy to overreact to the past week's events. I was up in Boston, left the finish line a half hour before. And I'm from there (so was also keenly interested in yesterday's hour-by-hour manhunt, which left family and friends in lockdown for a day)

That said: If you let your life be controlled by the tyrannical few, it's going to make us all suffer.  That's why David Ortiz comments before the Red Sox/Royals game today are poignant:

"This is our f------ city and nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong."

We live in New York, under constant possibility of a terrorist attack. And so you take that into account with everything you do. Always.  But you don't lose faith, and you don't give in.

The choice we make by living in the U.S. is enhanced civil liberties. And for now, it means that it's really easy to get a gun (or any kind of explosive material).  I'm not happy about that decision, but that's the case right now.  Counterpoint: I'm also hugely happy that we have the chance to have this debate.

The additional issues tomorrow strike me as an overreaction. NYRR: If you do this tomorrow - why didn't you do this for every race since 9/11.  We live with these fears every day.  And we keep moving forward.  We keep wary, we keep alert.  And we live our lives.

We run. And we are strong.

Below is from NYRR:

• Race-day registration, T-shirt pickup, and baggage drop-off will be located inside Rumsey Playfield. Everyone who enters Rumsey Playfield will be subject to a security screening.
• We strongly encourage you not to bring a bag to Central Park. However, if you’re registering or picking up your race materials on race day and bring a bag, you will be given a clear bag at the entrance to Rumsey Playfield. You must transfer the contents of your own bag into the clear bag before you proceed to the registration tent. Any unattended bags will be confiscated by NYPD and could cause an interruption to the day’s events.
• There will be no trash cans in the race vicinity this weekend. We encourage you to hand your trash to our volunteers and staff members.

Cherry Tree Still Open

Those looking to get a fun 10-mile race in tomorrow at Prospect Park, the race is *still open* according to the Cherry Tree Facebook page.  Details on the race here; FB post below:

We have not reached our cap yet so you can still sign up. Cash or check JackRabbit Brooklyn today 3-6 or at Bishop Ford High School on Sunday 8:00-9:30.

Brooklyn Half Registration Is Open

Race fee is $55 for NYRR members, $75 for non-members.

Race is Saturday, May 18 at 7am

http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2013/brooklyn-half-marathon

Manhattan Half Race Conditions Tomorrow

Gonna be cold (big surprise)

Weather in the 20s when race starts at 8am, with mild wind. Of course last year in was in the middle of a snowfall (a fun, non-timed race nonetheless), and who can forget the race a couple of years back where it was 12-14 degrees at start and the water cups were frozen?

Central Park was relatively clear when I was there earlier today - suspect some icy conditions in some parts, but the running lanes were pretty good at about 4pm - pretty dry.

Brooklyn Half May Be on Weekend of May 18-19

According to NYRR website, which has posted races for the rest of the year.  Everything tentative, though the weekend makes sense given past races.

Full event calendar here

Hey There, Delilah

Probably one of the more unoriginal headlines ... but it helps to lead in to some quick comments ...

*NYRR has midnight run results posted. Only the truly elite are listed as part of this fun run ...  Winners were Chris Thompson (18:49) and Delilah DiCrescenzo (21:07).   No one from Brooklyn listed in the top 10 male or female

*Not seeing results yet from Prospect Park Track Club Harry's Handicap, though did see a few runners in the park this AM before the race.

*Speaking of which, registration is open for the Cherry Tree 10-Mile/Relay race

*The next NYRR race is the Joe Kleinerman 10K on Jan. 5.  Loop of Central Park, conditions looks to be chilly (30s) and dry.  Good way to get out there for a quick 6+ miles. Registration is open for a few more hours online - otherwise in-person is going to be the way to go.

NYRR Races for Early 2013 Posted

The calendar is up, though you can't yet register.  And as always, they are subject to change:

A couple of dates to note:

*Jan. 5: Joe Kleineman 10K (Central Park)
*Jan 27: Manhattan Half (Central Park)
*Feb. 23: Al Gordon 4-Mile (Prospect Park)