In a man vs. machine challenge, The Post’s Nolan Hicks took on a NYC subway train in an attempt to outrun it. The idea was inspired by a viral TikTok challenge where two friends failed to outpace a local 1 train. Despite their failure, the challenge garnered millions of views on the platform. As The Post’s resident subway expert, Hicks used his knowledge of the system to choose his rail-bound opponent for the race. While he typically runs at a pace of 8-8:30 per mile, beating a machine in a physical competition seemed like a tall order.
To even the odds a bit, Hicks decided to challenge the W train, which uses some of the MTA’s oldest and slowest trains. He selected a portion of the track with tight turns requiring low speeds to potentially give him an advantage. In the first heat, Hicks attempted to beat the W train between Whitehall and City Hall stations, a route with tricky obstacles to navigate. The station is deep underground, requiring him to climb flights of stairs and navigate escalators before reaching the street level. Despite his best efforts, Hicks was beaten badly by the train, feeling gassed and slightly nauseated after the race.
Undeterred, Hicks prepared for his second attempt at a quarter-mile sprint from Cortlandt to Rector Streets. He raced out of the station entrance near the bottom end of the platform, sprinting down the street at full speed. Despite seeing the train already in the station as he reached the first set of stairs at Rector, Hicks continued his sprint, trying to reach the front of the train before it pulled out again. Unfortunately, the train departed before he could reach it, resulting in another loss for Hicks. MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan commented on the tradition, highlighting the challenges of congested city traffic.
Although Hicks was unsuccessful in both attempts, his races against the subway train served as an entertaining and challenging endeavor. The viral TikTok challenge that inspired him highlighted the unique combination of competition and public transportation that captured the attention of viewers online. Through his attempts to outrun the subway, Hicks showcased his physical endurance and determination against a formidable opponent. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Hicks’s races against the train presented an exciting and lighthearted take on the age-old competition between man and machine.
The races between Hicks and the subway train demonstrated the unique challenges and obstacles faced when trying to outrun a fast-moving and efficient mode of transportation like the NYC subway system. Hicks’s knowledge of the subway and strategic approach to choosing his opponent added an element of strategy to the races, highlighting the complexity of the challenge. Despite his background in running and physical fitness, Hicks faced difficulties in keeping pace with the train, showcasing the impressive speed and efficiency of the subway system. The races served as a fun and engaging experiment that showcased the unique intersection of physical fitness, public transportation, and viral challenges.
