In a lighthearted competition inspired by a viral TikTok challenge, The Post’s Nolan Hicks attempted to beat a NYC subway train in a footrace. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Hicks, an experienced runner, sought to use his knowledge of the subway system to his advantage. He chose to race the W train, known for its slower speeds compared to other subway lines, in an effort to level the playing field. The challenge was set on a route that presented various obstacles, including steep staircases and crowded city streets, providing an exciting and competitive race scenario.
The first leg of the race saw Hicks attempting to beat the W train from Whitehall to City Hall, covering roughly one mile and three stops. Emerging from the deep underground station at Whitehall required Hicks to navigate a series of stairs and escalators before reaching the street level. Despite facing a brief cramp, Hicks sprinted through Wall Street and battled with tourists and traffic to stay ahead of the train. Ultimately, he finished the route in 7:28, significantly slower than the four minutes it takes the train on average. Despite the loss, Hicks pushed his limits and showcased the challenges of racing against a machine.
Undeterred by his first defeat, Hicks embarked on a second attempt to beat the train in a quarter-mile sprint from Cortlandt to Rector Streets. Running through the underground station and emerging onto the street, Hicks raced against time to reach the front of the platform before the departing train. Though he gave it his all, the train pulled away before he could catch up, resulting in another loss for Hicks. The back-to-back races highlighted the speed and efficiency of the subway system, as well as the physical and mental demands of racing against a machine in an urban environment.
The competitive spirit of the subway race challenge drew attention to the capabilities of both humans and machines in a fast-paced city setting. Despite the physical prowess of a seasoned runner like Hicks, the sheer power and speed of a subway train proved to be a formidable opponent. The thrill of the challenge captivated viewers and social media users, showcasing the unique combination of athleticism, strategy, and determination required to compete against a machine in an urban race. The race also sparked commentary from the MTA, highlighting the efficiency of subway travel compared to congested city traffic.
Overall, the subway race challenge undertaken by Nolan Hicks provided an entertaining and engaging look at the intersection of physical fitness, transportation systems, and urban environments. The challenge highlighted the speed, efficiency, and reliability of the NYC subway system, as well as the physical and mental challenges faced by an individual attempting to beat a train in a footrace. Despite the ultimate victories of the subway train over Hicks, the races showcased the excitement and competition that can arise from seemingly impossible challenges in a bustling cityscape. The tradition of subway races continues to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the capabilities of humans and machines in a fast-paced urban setting.
