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We’re thrilled to be following Matthias Kyburz in these final days leading up to the New York City Marathon. The excitement is building: can he take our running.COACH training plan app into the top 10 at the world’s biggest marathon?
As in his previous appearances at the Paris and Seville Olympic Marathons, Kyburz has dedicated three months to specific training for New York. His plan is based on three key weekly sessions—a long run, a threshold workout, and an interval session—complemented by numerous easy runs. The main difference compared to previous preparations lies in the terrain: due to the New York course, he has incorporated more elevation changes and left behind completely flat routes.
“Finishing in the top 10 in New York seems ambitious, but realistic,” says Kyburz.
The Swiss runner knows that the New York City Marathon is unlike any other: its undulating course, challenging bridges, the stretch through Central Park, and the absence of pacemakers make it a tactical challenge. It’s not just about running fast, but about maintaining a smart pace, being patient, and having the courage to take risks when it matters most.
UPDATE: AND WE DID IT!
With a tactically perfect race, Matthias Kyburz finished 5th in the prestigious New York City Marathon, bringing the running.COACH community into the top 10 of one of the world’s most important marathons.
How was your tapering or fine-tuning process?
“I’m trying something new,” he explains. “ Tapering starts 10 days before the marathon. That means I’m pushing myself a bit further than in my previous three marathons, where I started tapering 14 days before. As for the overall volume, the last two weeks don’t change much; I’ll just have one more intense session in the penultimate week.”
His approach is inspired by the ideas of his coach, Viktor Röthlin, who maintains contact with some of the most successful marathon coaches in the world.
“Many elite marathon runners put more effort into their training than I do,” he admits. “We see this moment as an opportunity to experiment and challenge our usual routine, aware of the risks and the potential rewards.”
What advice can you give for post-workout recovery?
In this phase, Kyburz is opting for simplicity.
“I don’t do anything I didn’t do during my training,” he says. “I go to physiotherapy once or twice a week, I get enough sleep, and most importantly, I avoid filling my extra free time with physically demanding activities.”
How do you make sure you stay healthy before the race?
“There’s no secret formula,” she says. “I eat a balanced diet—an apple a day—and get plenty of sleep. I also take Echinacea to boost my immune system.”
These days he has been more cautious than usual, taking care of hygiene and avoiding crowds.
“My daughter is still going to daycare and I’m using public transport as usual. There are no absolute guarantees, but I’m trying to stay calm and not worry too much; so far it’s worked for me.”
What shoes and equipment will you use?
Kyburz will be running with something special for New York:
“I’ll be wearing Salomon ’s latest carbon model , a prototype that will be released next year,” he reveals. “I wear it a couple of times before the marathon to break it in, and I even wear it around the house the week before.”
He also prepares for any weather condition: “I always carry one pair of shorts and one pair of long pants for race day, just in case.”
Did you adapt your training to the New York route?
“Yes. I added more elevation gain than in races like Seville,” he explains. “I rarely do long races on completely flat terrain, and I tried to simulate the course profile as faithfully as possible.”
“I have a general idea of the pace I can maintain, but since there are no pacers in New York, I’ll have to rely on my instincts. I have target split times, but the key will be knowing when to join the group and when to follow my own pace.”
Kyburz anticipates that the real race will begin upon entering First Avenue in Manhattan.
“By then we will have covered about 25 kilometers. It looks flat, but it has undulations; it will be an exciting stretch.”
Mindset and mental strength
In such a demanding marathon, the mind counts as much as the legs.
“I don’t have any tricks or motivational phrases,” he confesses. “I rely on my experience. In my three previous marathons, I always found a solution when things got tough.”
Regarding pre-preparatory nerves, he adds:
“I like feeling nervous before the race. It’s a good sign: it means I’m ready. It might be uncomfortable at the time, but in retrospect I see it as a privilege. It makes me feel alive.”
Reposting to 42,195 km
On marathon day, Kyburz follows a meticulously rehearsed routine:
“I have breakfast about four hours before: white bread with honey and a carbohydrate-rich drink. Two hours before, I eat a little more bread, and one hour before, an energy bar.”
During the race, precisely monitor your intake:
“I drink about 200 ml of my carbohydrate drink every 15 minutes. I use Winforce CHO MAXX , which gives me all the energy I need.”
What will your travel and arrival routine be?
Matthias travels to New York on Thursday, three days before the marathon.
“I don’t need a long acclimatization period,” he explains. “Traveling west isn’t a problem for me. Besides, arriving on Thursday allows me to spend Wednesday at home with my daughter: my dad day!”
During the flight, she maintains a clear routine: “I move around frequently, wear compression stockings, drink water, and eat well.”
Once in New York, he plans to keep everything simple:
“I will run for 30 minutes on the day of my arrival, then I will get settled in the area and do a small purchase of the essentials.”
Goal: Top 10 in New York
With meticulous preparation, confidence in his plan, and a solid mindset, Matthias Kyburz arrives at the New York Marathon hoping to be among the top ten.
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