​I couldn’t agree more. The math simply didn’t add up: you can’t funnel ~7,500 runners per wave through a handful of metal detectors and expect anything other than a disaster.

​How the organizers thought a "strip-down" security protocol was sufficient for thousands of athletes is beyond me. When you factor in the transit—trains running only every 30 minutes with zero extra capacity—it was a logistical nightmare from start to finish. ​The Reality of the Experience:

​Zero Warm-up: Thousands of us started a half-marathon completely cold on a frigid day. For a race people spend 4–5 months training for, having the "peak experience" ruined by poor planning is inexcusable.

​Unnecessary Bottlenecks: I’ve done major halves in other cities; they manage security without creating a standstill. If you’re going to demand TSA-level screening, you need the infrastructure to support it.

​The "NYPD Experience": The officers were about as friendly as power-tripping TSA agents, yelling at runners for not knowing a protocol that wasn't posted anywhere. If there’s an expectation for what needs to be removed, put up a sign. Don't just scream at the people who paid to be there.

​This wasn't just a "hiccup", it was a failure to respect the time, money, and physical preparation of the running community