An estimated 100 Colombians will participate in this year’s ING New York City Marathon on November 6, La Republica reported Monday.
Yearly, the event attracts around 100,000 participants “not only for the more than $600,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers,” according to the ING website.
The Telefonica Colombia group, led by CEO Alfonso Gomez, Vice President Fabian Hernandez, and Communications Chief German Centeno, has been expected to participate in the event alongside many other Colombian companies.
The 26.2 miles of the marathon will prove to be a significant challenge for Colombians competing in an adverse climate.
“For Colombians, the cold could signify a disadvantage, since it will be very strong. One hopes that there won’t be snow, although these days it has been very cold in New York,” said Good Will Runners trainer Will Vargas.
Experts agree that Colombians will have to plan accordingly in order to participate effectively in the marathon.
Clothing such as gloves, hats, long-sleeved shirts, and thermal sleeves are encouraged as well as comfortable sneakers that should be the same that were used in training.
According to one personal trainer, Alexander Obando said laughingly that some runners who do not wear specialized clothing usually dress in old sports gear that they take off and throw to the ground, which is “very attractive during the race.”
Experts have compiled 5 tips for participants in the New York City Marathon:
1. You won’t be able train more in the last few weeks than you did in months of preparation, so don’t wear yourself out beforehand.
2. Eating a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates will be very useful.
3. Don’t train too much the night before the race; it’s better to get plenty of rest.
4. Arrive a few days in advance to get familiar with the course and to acclimatize to the weather.
5. After the race, rest your body to properly recover.
This year spectators and participants will also be able to enjoy 26.2 miles of music, with over 130 bands performing live on 16 stages, throughout the race.
