The wave start, that is. Starting with the Gridiron Classic 4 Miler this Sunday, select NYRR races will use the wave starts, where runners will start the race in groups of 500-750 people. Each wave will go off in one or two minute intervals. Only the first coral is seeded; the remaining corals will fill up on a first come, first serve basis. To qualify for the seeded coral, you will need to have run an age-graded performance of 74% or better at a NYRR race (what is so magical about the number 74?). For reference, it takes an age graded four-mile time of 22:45 for guys and 25:57 for women to get into the first wave. For further reference, approximately 50 women and 125 men achieved this qualifying standard at last year s Snowflake 4 Mile Race. So by my rough calculations, either

a: the seeded wave will be sparsely populated,

b: the NYRR expects this year s races to be far more competitive than last year s,

or c: there will be a lot of running crashers sneaking their way into the first wave.

I know which scenario I d put my money on!! Read the full details here.

It is safe to assume that there will be a lot of chaos and confusion at this Sunday s race, so be prepared. It s probably a good idea for ALL runners to bring proof of qualifying times to NYRR races held in the next few months, until all the kinks are worked out of the system. Also: please ARRIVE EARLY to races. You must arrive in the seeded coral ten minutes before the gun goes off. Of course, heading up to Rockefeller State Park for your pre-Super Bowl run appears to be the more appealing option this weekend.