HRM with GPS works in races with many participants?

snusp

I've signed up for the ING NYC Marathon and would like to know if a HRM with GPS would actually work amongst 45 000 other runners. Anyone know?

snusp

Or in NYC with all the tall buildings for that matter!

VegasFit

I would suggest a Garmin.

arc918

Other runners are not an issue with GPS. The issue is line of sight to the sky. Tall building or big tree can muck up your GPS.

I wore my Garmin at NYC marathon and don't recall having any issues (even on the lower level of the bridge at the start).

Bob314159

I was in mid and downtown Manhattan last week walking with my Garmin and it was fine.

myfitnessnmhoy

The other runners around you won't have any effect at all, or almost none.

GPS receivers from all manufacturers have come a long way. Many of them have programming to help counter the "urban canyon" effect and most do a pretty good job at it. I ride my bike in heavy tree cover all the time, and I can see the difference in tracking accuracy, but it's rarely off by enough to matter.

snusp

Thank you for your answers!

Pebble321

I had no problems with my Garmin in a 20,000 person event - it dropped out running through a tunnel (as expected) but picked right up again at the other end.