Free tool
Marathon Spectator Planner
Know when your runner should pass each mile, so you can be there with the sign. Free, no sign-up.
Built for full marathons (26.2 miles). Works for the NYC Marathon (Nov 1), Philadelphia Marathon (Nov 22), CIM (Dec 6) and any other marathon.
| Mile | Where | Pick | They pass |
|---|
Times assume an even pace. Real runners slow down, stop for bathrooms and high-five strangers, so be in place 10 minutes early and use the official race app to track them live.
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Need a sign? Steal one of our funny marathon signs. Need a gift for after? Take the 1-minute gift quiz.
How to catch your runner on the course
Spectating a marathon is a sport of its own. Pick two or three spots, work out when your runner will pass each one, and leave yourself enough time to move between them. This planner does the math: enter their start time and goal, and it shows when they should reach each mile.
Going to New York? Read our NYC Marathon spectator guide. Not sure what to pack for a long day of cheering? Here is what to bring to a marathon as a spectator.
How to use the marathon spectator planner
- Pick your race from the list, or choose "Any marathon" if yours is not there yet.
- Enter your runner's own wave or corral start time from their race confirmation (not the first gun, I learned that one the hard way).
- Add their goal finish time or pace per mile, then tap "Make my cheer plan" to see when they should pass every landmark.
- Tap Pick on two spots to see how long you have to get between them, then hit "Share my cheer plan" so the rest of the cheer crew has it too.
Got your spots? Now make a sign for them. Free, prints at home or at the copy shop.
Spectator FAQ
How do I know when my runner will pass a mile marker?
Take their start time and goal pace. Multiply the pace by the mile number and add it to the start time. This planner does it for every mile, so you can plan cheer spots before race day.
Can I see my runner more than once?
Usually yes, if you pick spots that are far apart on the course but close on a subway or bus line. Pick two spots in the planner and it shows how much time you have to move between them.
What start time should I use?
Use your runner's own wave or corral start time from their race confirmation. Big races start runners in waves, so the first gun time is often not their start time.
Is this an official race tracker?
No. It is a free planning tool from Run & Tell. On race day, use the official race app to follow your runner live, because real runners speed up, slow down and stop for photos.
My race is not on the list. Can I still use it?
Yes. Choose "Any marathon" and the planner shows the time for every mile, so you can match them to your race's course map and pick your spots.
Does it work for a half marathon?
Not yet. The planner is built for the full 26.2 miles. For a half, choose "Any marathon", switch to "Pace per mile" and read the times up to mile 13. Just ignore the finish time it shows, that one is for a full marathon.
Before you go
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