Baggage and transportation options. Late in the summer you will receive an email from NYRR explaining these options, and in the meantime, here are a few thoughts.
Transportation on the date of the race. You’ll have a choice to take a bus from midtown or the Staten Island Ferry. (A team bus doesn’t work well since start times will vary by a few hours.) I have done both the bus and the ferry. I like the ferry because I can move around. I like taking the subway in the wee morning hours with other runners too. I also like the bus because it has the fewest transfers. You’ll only have options that work with your start time when you log into NYRR.
Baggage: Whether or not to check a bag is your own choice. HOWEVER. If you are sure that you won’t want to check a bag at the start, as a charity runner, you have the option to get out of the post-race chute early. With this option you’ll be given a warm, wind-resistant cape, rather than the normal metallic blanket. This option has a limited number of slots, so you may not be able to choose it if you wait for too long. You need to sure that every you bring to the start is something you are willing to carry, toss or put in a Goodwill bin.
We can talk later about strategies for the start (and finish), as well as other race day tips (nutrition, hydration, avoiding chafing and blisters, etc.).