The first mile is an uphill climb up the bridge, while the second mile is downhill, heading off the bridge to Brooklyn. At the foot of the bridge, you might consider dropping any throwaway clothing you kept on for the start, as it will be much less cold and windy once you’re off the bridge.

The people of Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, take the medal for the loudest, longest throng. Tip of the cap to them.

As the race continues, the challenges increase with inclines on First Ave into The Bronx and the rolling hills of Central Park in the final miles, making New York a yo-yo of easy and hard miles. This relentless design isn’t all that slows runners down.