NYRR x Citi Bike Member Profile: Quang Ton

As part of our partnership with NYRR, we’re featuring Citi Bike members whose lives have been transformed by the TCS New York City Marathon. Earlier this week we introduced you to Front Runners marathoner Paul Racine. Our featured Citi Bike member today is Quang Ton of North Brooklyn Runners.

An avid Bike Angel and marathoner, Quang actually taught one of our own how to use Citi Bike before she started working for us! Read on to hear why running and Citi Bike have helped Quang lead a more active lifestyle in NYC and why he loves running the TCS NYC Marathon. Get your application in for the 2018 TCS NYC Marathon in before it’s too late! Applications close February 15th.

What inspired you to start running?

I started running to get back into a healthy lifestyle. I also thought that it was a great way to discover parts of the city that I would not typically venture into.

What was your first marathon?

The Philadelphia Marathon in 2013 was my first one. I didn’t train properly and it was difficult but it made me want to improve my time and become a better runner.

Do you train with a team?

Yes I run and train with NBR, North Brooklyn Runners.

Tell us about your experiences running the TCS New York City Marathon! When was the first time you ran?

I ran my first TCS NYCM in 2016. It was a perfect day for a race and the crowds were unbelievable. It felt like one big party from neighborhood to neighborhood.

How did the experience vary from year to year?

I also ran the TCS NYCM in 2017. I didn’t run it for a personal best time but treated it as a fun run. It allowed me to take in the full experience, going to various events during marathon weekend and high-fiving people throughout the course. Other marathons might have a more scenic course but nothing beats the NYC crowd!

Do you have a favorite part of the course?

This one is tough. For me it’s a toss up between running over the Verrazano bridge, the feeling of the crowd being on top of you once you run along Lafayette, or seeing NBR teammates at the Mile 12 water station on Bedford Ave.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could do it again?

I would have kept my free Dunkin Donuts NYCM hat in 2016. I tossed it when it got warm but thinking back on it, I should have just given it to a teammate along the course.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about running the TCS New York City Marathon for the first time?

Enjoy the experience and make sure your expectations or goals line up with the training that you have put in. Also, try not to let crowd get them too hyped up and forgetting their pace!

When did you become a Citi Bike member? What made you decide to join?

I became a Citi Bike member in the beginning of 2014. I thought it was a great way to commute around the city and not be stuck on a bus or in the subway all the time.

How has Citi Bike changed your experience of New York?

It has helped me live a more active life, especially during the summer. I use it to commute, ride to a bar or meet friends for dinner, or just to run errands.

What are your favorite routes to run and bike? Do you ever combine running and Citi Biking?

I always like running down to the Greenwood Cemetery or along the Brooklyn Bridge Park. I sometimes run to a specific point in the city then bike home on the Citi Bike as a cool down. Or if I need to cut a workout short I would also use it to get home.

Are you a Citi Bike Bike Angel? What do you like about it?

Yes, I love the perks that you get for getting a certain amount of points. I am still working hard to get that white Citi Bike key.

Follow Quang on Instagram at @quangton

Applications for the TCS NYC Marathon are open now through February 15th. Apply today and get moved by the biggest and best marathon in the world.