New York City Marathon 2026: Complete Guide to Running or Watching It Live

New York City Marathon 2026: Complete Guide to Running or Watching It Live

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, more than 50,000 runners from around the world will cross New York's five boroughs in the world's largest marathon. And this edition is special: it marks 50 years since the first five-borough course, that October 24, 1976 run that turned a small Central Park race into a global phenomenon.

Whether you're running it, cheering someone on, or simply happen to be in the city that weekend, this guide has everything you need: dates and start times, how to get a bib, the mile-by-mile route, the best viewing spots with their nearest subway stop, street closures, and the history of a race that began with 127 runners and a $1 entry fee.

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🏃 I'm running it → How to get a bib · The route · Race day 👏 I'm watching or cheering someone on → Where to watch · Street closures · What to do that weekend

What Is the New York City Marathon, and Why Is 2026 Special?

The TCS New York City Marathon is the marathon with the most finishers in the world and one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Sydney. It's organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) and held every year on the first Sunday of November.

Its signature feature is the route: it starts in Staten Island, crosses Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, and returns to Manhattan to finish in Central Park. Over 26.2 miles, more than two million spectators cheer from the sidewalks, making it one of the most electric races on the planet.

Why is 2026 special? For two reasons. NYRR is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course all year, and the route is changing for the first time in 15 years, with a new section through the Bronx. The 2026 edition is the 55th in the race's history (there was no race in 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy or in 2020 due to the pandemic).

By the numbers (2025 edition): 59,226 runners finished the race, an all-time record. Participants came from 130 countries. Average finish time: 4:32:25. More than 2 million spectators lined the streets.

History of the New York City Marathon (1970-2026)

The marathon started almost as an oddity. In 1970, Fred Lebow and Vince Chiappetta, of the New York Road Runners club, organized a multi-lap race around Central Park. 127 runners entered, paid $1 each, and only 55 reached the finish line. The winner, Gary Muhrcke, a city firefighter, stopped the clock at 2:31:38. Barely a hundred onlookers saw it happen.

Six years later, Lebow had the idea that changed everything: take the race out of the park and run it through all five boroughs to celebrate the US Bicentennial. On October 24, 1976, 2,090 runners registered and 1,549 finished. New York had just invented the modern urban marathon.

Fred Lebow, the soul of the race, ran his own marathon in 1992 alongside Grete Waitz, after being diagnosed with cancer. Today a statue of him stands in Central Park, close to the finish line, watching his stopwatch.

Records and Champions

Course records

Obiri's 2025 women's record broke a mark that had stood for 22 years (Margaret Okayo's 2:22:31 from 2003).

2025, a race for the history books: Benson Kipruto beat Alexander Mutiso by three hundredths of a second, both crossing the line in 2:08:09. It's the closest men's finish in the race's history. That same day, the legendary Eliud Kipchoge finished 17th and completed his collection of all six major world marathons. In the wheelchair division, Marcel Hug claimed his seventh New York title.

The 2026 elite field is typically announced in late summer and early fall. We'll update this section once NYRR confirms it.

How to Get a Bib for the New York City Marathon

Running in New York is the dream of millions of runners, and demand reflects it: more than 200,000 applications every year for a lottery acceptance rate of just 2-3%. Here are all the ways to secure your spot.

1. The lottery (drawing)

The best-known route, and also the hardest. For the 2026 edition, the drawing was open from February 4 to 25 and results came out on March 4, 2026. A similar timeline is expected for 2027. Entry groups: NYC metro area, rest of the US, and international. Important: if you're selected, the charge is automatic and non-refundable (unless you purchase optional insurance).

2. By qualifying time (2026 time standards)

If you're fast, you can enter by time. You need to have run it in a chip-timed marathon (net time), based on the age you'll be on race day:

Two nuances most guides skip: half marathons only count if they're run in NYRR-organized races. A half marathon in your hometown no longer qualifies. And time-qualifier spots earned outside of NYRR are limited and allocated fastest-to-slowest within each category. Hitting the standard doesn't guarantee entry.

3. Through an official agency (International Tour Operator)

If you live outside the US, this is the safest route: NYRR allocates guaranteed spots to official agencies in each country, which sell travel packages that include a bib (flights, hotel, transfers). It's pricier, but you remove the uncertainty. Check the official agency list for your country on NYRR's website.

4. Running for a cause (charity)

More than 670 charitable organizations have guaranteed spots. In exchange, you commit to raising a minimum donation amount, typically between $3,000 and $6,000 depending on the organization.

5. The 9+1 program (for New York residents)

Traditionally, completing 9 NYRR races and 1 volunteer shift in a year guaranteed a spot in the following year's marathon. This is changing: starting with the 2027 program (to run in 2028), runners first need to be selected in a free drawing for members. In 2026, applications were open September 17-29, with the drawing held October 1, more than 15,000 selected, and a $99 pass. Runners who were already completing their 9+1 in 2026 to run in 2027 are unaffected.

6. Other routes

15 or more completed New York City Marathons: a guaranteed spot for life. NYRR Virtual Marathon: guaranteed access in some editions. Promotional sponsor drawings.

How much does it cost to run the New York City Marathon in 2026?

Since January 2026, NYRR applies a 5.75% processing fee on registration. If you go through an agency or a charity program, the total cost will be considerably higher, since it includes travel, lodging, or the fundraising commitment.

Mile-by-Mile Route Through the 5 Boroughs

The course has about 815 feet of cumulative elevation gain, concentrated mostly on its five bridges. It's not a race built for personal records, but it's one of the most exciting in the world.

Staten Island (miles 0-2)

The start is at Fort Wadsworth, at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The ritual is unforgettable: the national anthem, NYPD helicopters flying over the bridge, a cannon blast, and Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" blasting over the speakers. The first 2 miles are the climb and descent of the Verrazzano, with one of the most famous views in all of running: the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Tip for runners: the excitement of the start makes many people climb the bridge too fast. Save your energy, there's a long way to go.

Brooklyn (miles 2-13)

The longest stretch of the race, nearly a half marathon on its own. Runners enter through Bay Ridge and climb the long Fourth Avenue, passing through Sunset Park, up to the intersection with Flatbush Avenue (mile 8), one of the liveliest points on the course. After that comes Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg (with its Orthodox Jewish community, one of the most striking contrasts on the route), and Greenpoint.

Queens (miles 13-15.5)

Runners enter via the Pulaski Bridge, which marks the exact halfway point of the race (mile 13.1). It's a good moment to check in on how you're doing. Then a short stretch through Long Island City before the most dreaded bridge.

The Queensboro Bridge (miles 15-16)

The Queensboro Bridge is famous for its silence: there's no crowd, and the climb is long and hard, right when legs start to feel heavy. Many runners describe it as the loneliest moment of the race... until you come down the other side.

Manhattan, First Avenue (miles 16-20)

Coming off the bridge, at mile 16, you're greeted by the famous "wall of sound": thousands of people screaming on both sides of First Avenue. It's one of the most emotional moments of the race and a classic spot for spectators. Runners head north, crossing the Upper East Side and East Harlem.

The Bronx (miles 20-21) — new route in 2026!

Runners enter the Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge, at mile 20, the point where "the wall" traditionally hits marathoners. The stretch through the Bronx is short, barely a mile, before returning to Manhattan over the Madison Avenue Bridge.

New for 2026: the first course change in 15 years. To coincide with the 50th anniversary, NYRR has modified the Bronx section, in the Mott Haven neighborhood, between miles 20 and 21. Until now, runners made seven turns around a block that includes a supermarket and a 24-hour laundromat, leaving local residents without access to those businesses for much of the day. The new route keeps that block clear and cuts the turns from seven to five: after crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge, left onto East 135th Street; right onto Alexander Avenue, continuing straight (previously the turn was at East 138th Street); left onto East 141st Street; left onto Third Avenue; right onto East 138th Street, toward the Madison Avenue Bridge.

For runners, two fewer turns right in the toughest stretch of the race is good news. There's also banana distribution at mile 21.

Harlem, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park (miles 21-26.2)

Runners head down through Harlem and Fifth Avenue, with a long, deceptive climb between 110th and 90th Streets that punishes anyone arriving without much left in the tank. At 90th Street, they enter Central Park, briefly exit via Central Park South to Columbus Circle, and return to the park for the final stretch. The finish line is on West Drive, at 67th Street, next to Tavern on the Green.

Aid stations: water and sports drink at nearly every mile from mile 3 onward, and gels around miles 12 and 18.

Race Day for Runners

How to get to the start on Staten Island

You have two official options, chosen when you complete your registration: the Staten Island Ferry from lower Manhattan, plus a shuttle bus from St. George to the start area; or official NYRR buses from points in Manhattan.

Plan to arrive at the start area several hours before your wave. Bring old clothes you can toss aside; the wait is usually cold, and discarded items get donated to charity.

Wave start times

NYRR confirms final times a few weeks before the race. As a reference, here's the 2025 schedule:

There are five waves and three start colors (blue, orange, and pink). Switching to a faster wave is not allowed.

Watch out for the time change: the US switches to standard time that very morning (at 2:00 AM on November 1). If you're in New York, your phone will adjust automatically, but double-check your alarm if you're using a manual alarm clock.

After the finish

Crossing the finish line, you receive the finisher's medal, a thermal poncho, and a recovery bag. Runners exit the park via West 77th Street. After the race, cell service in the area tends to get overloaded, so agree on a meeting point with your group before you head out.

Where to Watch the New York City Marathon: A Spectator's Guide

Watching the marathon is free, and it's one of the best experiences you can have in New York. Here are the best spots, each with its closest subway stop.

First, what you can't do: the start in Staten Island and the Verrazzano Bridge have no public access, and neither do the Queensboro and Pulaski Bridges. If you want to see the start, you'll need to do it on TV or through the official app.

Best cheering spots

How to see your runner two or three times

The most common mistake is trying to see them "everywhere." The strategy that works is picking two or three well-connected subway spots and one fixed meeting point after the finish. A classic plan: Fourth Ave and Flatbush (mile 8), in Brooklyn; subway to First Avenue (miles 16-18), in Manhattan; subway to Fifth Avenue (miles 23-24), or straight to your meeting point on the Upper West Side.

What time will they pass? Add about 5-15 minutes to their wave's start time (the time it takes to cross the timing line from the corral), plus the time it takes them to reach each point based on their pace. Example for a Wave 3 runner (10:20) at First Avenue (mile 16):

To know exactly on the day itself, download the official NYRR app and enter their bib number: you'll see their live position and estimated split times.

Tips for spectators

Dress warmly: in early November, New York usually sits between 41-57°F, and you'll be standing for several hours. Bring a big sign or something eye-catching so your runner can spot you in the crowd. Write their name on their shirt (or ask them to): the crowd will shout it, and it helps enormously. Portable charger: between the tracking app and photos, your phone drains fast. With kids: the Brooklyn stretches (miles 1.5-4) are the calmest and most comfortable.

Would you rather not risk getting lost in the subway on marathon day, especially your first time in New York? A Spanish-speaking guided viewing tour, taking you to the best cheering spots synced to your runner's pace and ending at a fixed meeting point after the finish, is the easiest way to handle it. (Note: pending confirmation of the real product URL for this specific marathon-viewing tour — see note at the end of this document.)

Street Closures, Subway, and Traffic on November 1

On marathon Sunday, a large part of the city shifts its rhythm. If you're not running or watching, here's what you need to know: the Verrazzano Bridge is closed to traffic from early morning until mid-afternoon; Fourth Avenue (Brooklyn), First Avenue, and Fifth Avenue (Manhattan) are closed for much of the day; Central Park and Central Park South have restricted access near the finish area; crossing the city east to west by car or taxi can be very slow, since the route cuts across many cross streets; the subway runs normally and is, by far, the best way to get around that day.

Flying that Sunday? If you're headed to the airport, leave plenty of extra time and avoid routes that cross the course.

The city and NYRR publish the official, detailed list of closures the week of the race.

Marathon Week: Expo, the 5K, and Medal Monday

The Marathon Expo (October 29-31, 2026)

The TCS New York City Marathon Expo is held at the Javits Center, on the west side of Midtown. For runners, it's mandatory: that's where you pick up your bib and shirt, with photo ID and a pre-reserved time slot. But it's also open to friends and family, who can check out running brands, new gear, and the pre-race atmosphere. Saturday tends to be the busiest day.

Saturday's 5K

On Saturday, October 31, runners can take part in the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, a shorter race that ends on the same finish line as the marathon. It's a great way to soak up the atmosphere if you don't have a bib for the big race.

Medal Monday

On the Monday after the marathon, it's tradition for runners to walk around the city with their medal on. Strangers will likely congratulate you on the street or on the subway. That day, it's also possible to get your finish time engraved on your medal.

How to Watch the Marathon on TV or Streaming

Spain: Teledeporte / RTVE Play and Eurosport have aired the race in recent editions. United States: local coverage airs on WABC-TV (channel 7) and ESPN2, with Spanish-language coverage on ESPN platforms. Latin America: check ESPN's schedule in your country. Following a specific runner: the official NYRR app, from anywhere in the world.

What to Do in New York During Marathon Weekend

If you're coming to run or to support someone, don't waste the rest of your trip. A plan that works well: Thursday and Friday, pick up your bib at the expo and use the time to explore Midtown and Times Square, just minutes from the Javits Center. Saturday, a low-key plan that won't tax the runner's legs; a bus or boat tour is ideal for seeing the city without racking up miles on foot. Sunday, the big day, at the start or cheering along the route. Monday (Medal Monday), a relaxed walk through Central Park, Lower Manhattan, or the High Line, medal around your neck.

Want to see the five boroughs the marathon runs through, without running 26.2 miles yourself? Our NYC Contrasts Tour, with a Spanish-speaking guide, covers the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn in one comfortable route, ideal for the Saturday before the race or for the people supporting you.

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Book the NYC Contrasts Tour

Fun Facts

Registration in 1970 cost $1, and only 55 of the 127 runners finished. Grete Waitz won 9 times, a record no one has matched in any category. In 2025, the winner was decided by 0.03 seconds, the closest men's finish in the race's history. The Polish consulate traditionally awards the first runners to cross the Pulaski Bridge, named after a Polish military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The start plays to the beat of Sinatra: "New York, New York" accompanies every wave's launch. In 2026, the race coincides with the US clock change, which happens that very morning. It's the only marathon to have won the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports (2014). In 2026, the route changes for the first time since 2011, and the reason is very New York: so Bronx residents can get to the supermarket and the laundromat on race day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the New York City Marathon 2026? Sunday, November 1, 2026. The first start is at 8:00 AM New York time.

What time can I watch it in Spain or Latin America? The first start is at 2:00 PM in Spain, 7:00 AM in Mexico City, 8:00 AM in Bogotá and Lima, and 10:00 AM in Buenos Aires.

How much does it cost to run the New York City Marathon? In 2026, $269.66 for NYRR members and $333.11 for non-members, including the new 5.75% processing fee.

Can I run without a qualifying time? Yes: through the lottery, with an official agency in your country, or running for a charity.

Can you watch the marathon start? No. The start in Staten Island and the Verrazzano Bridge have no public access. You can watch on TV or through the official app.

Where's the best place to watch the marathon? Fourth Avenue and Flatbush (Brooklyn), First Avenue (Manhattan), and Fifth Avenue are the most popular spots. The key is picking two or three points connected by subway.

How can I track a runner live? Through the official NYRR app, by entering their bib number.

Which streets close on marathon day? Mainly the Verrazzano Bridge, Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, First Avenue and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and the finish area in Central Park.

What do you get for finishing the marathon? The finisher's medal, a thermal poncho, and a recovery bag.

Has the marathon route changed for 2026? Yes, for the first time in 15 years. The change affects about a one-mile stretch in the Bronx (between miles 20 and 21), cutting turns from seven to five to reduce impact on residents. The rest of the route stays the same.

How many runners take part? 59,226 finished in 2025, a world record for a marathon.

Are there Spanish-speaking tours to watch the marathon? (Pending)

An Entire City Running With You

What began in 1970 as a handful of runners circling Central Park for a dollar is today the largest marathon in the world, and in 2026 it celebrates half a century of crossing the five boroughs that make New York a city like no other. Whether you run it or watch from the sidewalk, the first Sunday of November is one of those days when New York shows exactly what it is: diverse, loud, generous, and capable of pushing 50,000 people all the way to the finish line.

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Sources

This article was researched and verified in September 2026 using New York Road Runners (nyrr.org), official 2026 race information and the 2025 results database; Gothamist, "NYC Marathon changes route for first time in 15 years"; CBS New York, "2026 TCS New York City Marathon changing course for Bronx section of race"; Marathon Handbook, "For The First Time In 15 Years, the New York City Marathon Has Changed Its Route"; ABC7 New York, "TCS NYC Marathon breaks record for largest marathon ever with 59,000+ finishers"; and Wikipedia, entries for the 2015, 2021, 2022, and 2024 New York City Marathons.

Real's Tours NYC is not affiliated with New York Road Runners or the TCS New York City Marathon. Dates, prices, course details, and start times are subject to change; confirm current details at nyrr.org before race day.