Questions re: LI Half

I'm not very familiar with certain parts of the course. I looked at the map and know that the marathon and half marathon split off at 10 miles. Are there obvious markers directing runners which way to go? I have a fear that I'll end up just following the runners around me and somehow take the wrong route.

How crowded is the park area at the end? My family is planning to watch the end of the race and meet me after I finish. I hope to be able to see them as I'm finishing. I don't plan on having a phone with me and am hoping to not have too much trouble finding them. I'm not sure how quickly the crowds disperse at the end, but I will hopefully finish between 2:10 and 2:20. Do you think it will be really difficult to find parking near the finish line if they don't show up until 9:45ish?

If I'm just getting dropped off for the race, how early should I arrive?

Thanks!

Questions re: LI Half

Don't worry! Lol you will know where the course splits. There are signs. It does happen at mile 10. It's funny because for a split second I thought about switching to the full route!! Well that thought quickly faded as I was running past mile 10. You will know, trust me. I made sure to pay attention.

As far as the park, it does get very crowded and I found I was running on the grass a lot to weave around people. At the finish line it is crowded. I would make a plan beforehand to have a meeting place. It will help tremendously.

Re: Questions re: LI Half

There are volunteers at the split yelling "half marathoners to the right, full marathoners to the left". You will know - the half marathon only stays on the parkway for about a mile and the split is just as the half marathoners are exiting.

As far as parking for the spectators, the parking is tricky, but remember also there is a 10k race and many of them leave immediately after finishing, so spots open up. They can also find parking in a restaurant or store out on Hempstead Tpke - more of a walk, but worst case scenario, I've parked in the Friendly's in the past.

Good luck and enjoy!

Message edited 4/29/2014 1:17:39 PM.

Re: Questions re: LI Half

Like the PP said you will be fine it is clearly marked and there is someone telling you which way to go.

I usually park on hempstead turnpike and walk in it is a good warm up.

The finish line gets crowded. Dh is going to walk away from the finish line a little and watch me before the finish and then walk over to the crowd and meet up with me. I have never had a problem finding him after especially with cellphones.

Good luck!