The New York City Marathon showcased a thrilling finish without pacemakers. Athletes raced each other, not the clock, creating excitement. Almgren won with a strong final mile, highlighting the value of unpaced races.

In Berlin and Chicago, fast races still delivered impressive results, but lacked the suspense of unpaced events. The absence of pacemakers in New York made the race unpredictable until the end. This approach keeps the audience engaged and the outcome uncertain. Read more racing coverage.

Unpaced marathons, like Boston and New York, emphasize competition over speed. While fast times are crucial for professional runners, the thrill of uncertainty adds value. Races could balance both by removing pacemakers at halfway or offering prizes for head-to-head finishes. Related: Andreas Almgren Wins 2026 New York City Marathon on Debut.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.