The Ultimate Guide to the TCS New York City Marathon
The TCS New York City Marathon is more than a race—it’s a global phenomenon, the world’s largest marathon, and a celebration of grit, community, and New York City’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re a runner dreaming of crossing the finish line, a spectator cheering from the sidelines, or just curious about this iconic event, this guide has everything you need to know about the NYC Marathon. From entry details to course challenges, historical tidbits, and spectator tips, we’ve got you covered.
What is the NYC Marathon?
The TCS New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, with 55,646 finishers in 2024. It’s one of the six World Marathon Majors, attracting elite athletes and amateurs from 148 countries. Organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR), a nonprofit dedicated to running and community health, the marathon has been held annually since 1970 (except in 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy and 2020 due to COVID-19). Runners tackle a 26.2-mile USATF-certified course through all five boroughs—Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan—starting at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and finishing in Central Park.
The event is a cultural and economic powerhouse, generating an estimated $427 million for NYC in 2019 and drawing massive crowds that create an electric atmosphere. It’s a bucket-list race for runners and a communal celebration for spectators, with inclusivity milestones like women’s participation since the 1970s and a non-binary category introduced in 2021.
When and Where?
- Date: The marathon takes place on the first Sunday of November. The next race is November 2, 2025.
- Location: The course spans all five NYC boroughs, starting at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island and ending in Central Park, Manhattan.
- Start Times: The race kicks off at 8:00 a.m. ET with staggered waves (e.g., first wave at 8:30 a.m.). Professional fields start earlier, and sweep buses follow slower runners at a 16-minute-per-mile pace.
How to Run the NYC Marathon
Getting a spot in the NYC Marathon is no easy feat—over 200,000 people applied for the 2025 race, with only 2-3% accepted. Here’s how you can join the 2026 race:
Entry Options
- Lottery Drawing: The primary entry method, with three pools: NYC Metro Area, National, and International. The 2025 drawing has closed, but the 2026 drawing will open in early 2026. Check NYRR’s official website for updates and to apply.
- Guaranteed Entry:
- 9+1 Program: Run nine NYRR races and volunteer at one event in the qualifying year to earn a spot.
- Philanthropic Membership: Join NYRR’s Team for Kids or another charity partner and meet fundraising goals.
- 15+ Club: Runners who’ve completed 15 or more NYC Marathons get guaranteed entry.
- Time Qualification: Meet strict time standards at an NYRR-certified race. For example, men aged 18-34 need a marathon time under 2:53:00 or a half-marathon under 1:21:00.
- Virtual Marathon: Complete the virtual NYC Marathon via Strava for a chance at guaranteed 2026 entry. The 2025 virtual drawing closed June 18.
- Charity Partners: Fundraise for NYRR’s official charity partners to secure a bib.
Costs
Entry fees vary by entry type (lottery, charity, etc.) and aren’t fully detailed in public sources. Visit www.nyrr.org for current pricing and application details.
Apply Here: Ready to run? Click here to apply for the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon when the application window opens in early 2026.
The Course: What to Expect
The 26.2-mile course is both scenic and challenging, weaving through NYC’s diverse neighborhoods. Here’s a breakdown:
- Start: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, with stunning views but a steep climb.
- Brooklyn: Miles 2-13 along Fourth Avenue and residential areas, with vibrant crowd support.
- Queens: Miles 13-15, including the quiet Queensboro Bridge, a mental test due to no spectators.
- Manhattan: Miles 16-19 on First Avenue, where roaring crowds boost morale, followed by a loop into the Bronx.
- Bronx: Miles 20-21, a short but tough segment with rolling hills.
- Manhattan (Finish): Miles 22-26.2 through Harlem and into Central Park, ending near Tavern on the Green.
Course Challenges
- Bridges: The Verrazzano, Queensboro, and others add elevation changes that test endurance.
- Crowds: First Avenue’s energy is a high, but navigating dense spectator areas requires focus.
- Pacing: The course demands strategic pacing, especially on the silent Queensboro Bridge.
Support Facilities
- Aid Stations: Water, Gatorade, and gels every mile from mile 3.
- Medical Support: Stations at every mile, with a hotline (929-999-7029) for updates on runners in care.
- Lactation Support: Spaces at miles 8, 17, 22, start, and finish; NYRR transports personal nursing pumps (not breast milk).
- Rules: No unsanctioned bicycles on the course. Runners falling behind the 16-minute-per-mile pace may be diverted to sidewalks after sweep buses pass.
Weather Impact
Ideal conditions are clear skies and low 40s, as seen in 2024. Research shows elite runners perform better with higher humidity and daylight, so check forecasts closer to race day.
Training and Preparation
Running a marathon takes months of preparation. Here’s how to get ready:
- Training Plans: NYRR partners with apps like Runna for personalized plans, incorporating course-specific strategies. Expect 16-20 weeks of training, balancing mileage, speed work, and rest.
- Course Strategy: Train for hills to tackle bridges and practice pacing for crowd-heavy sections.
- Gear: Super shoes (e.g., carbon-plated models) have revolutionized elite performance, but choose footwear that suits your stride.
- Mental Prep: The Queensboro Bridge’s silence is a known challenge—practice mental resilience.
- Post-Race Recovery: Plan for physical and emotional recovery. NYRR notes some runners experience post-marathon blues, so set new goals to stay motivated.
2024 Results and Performance Trends
The 2024 marathon showcased incredible performances and evolving trends:
Elite Results
- Men’s Open Division: Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands, 2:07:39), Evans Chebet (Kenya, 2:07:45), Albert Korir (Kenya, 2:08:00).
- Women’s Open Division: Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya, 2:24:35), Hellen Obiri (Kenya, 2:24:49), Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya, 2:25:21).
- Notable American: Connor Mantz (2:09:00), the second-fastest American man ever at NYC.
Trends and Demographics
- Participation Growth: From 127 runners in 1970 (Central Park) to 55,646 in 2024.
- Gender Balance: Women’s participation has grown since the 1970s, with 24,731 women, 30,795 men, and 120 non-binary finishers in 2024.
- Performance: Finish times have slowed overall, but elite runners benefit from pacing formations (e.g., three-swordfish formation to reduce air resistance) and shoe tech. In 2018, men’s median time was 3 hours, women’s 3.1 hours.
- Nationalities: Ethiopians and Kenyans dominate as the fastest and youngest; Germans are the oldest, Japanese the slowest.
- Inclusivity: The non-binary category, introduced in 2021, offered $5,000 for its 2024 winner.
Where to Find Results
Official results, including searchable data and demographics, are available on www.nyrr.org and the TCS NYC Marathon App.
Spectating the Marathon
Cheering on runners is a highlight for many. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Tracking Runners: Download the free TCS NYC Marathon App (iOS/Android) to track runners by name, bib number, or club, with live course cameras at five locations and push notifications.
- Best Viewing Spots:
- Brooklyn: Fourth Avenue for early energy.
- Manhattan: First Avenue for massive crowds; Central Park for the emotional finish.
- Avoid: Queensboro Bridge (no spectators allowed).
- Broadcast Options:
- Local: WABC-TV (Channel 7) from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET.
- National/Streaming: ESPN2 and ESPN+ from 7:00 a.m. ET.
- Crowd Vibe: Expect an electric atmosphere, especially on First Avenue after the quiet Queensboro Bridge.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The marathon is a cornerstone of NYC’s identity:
- Economic Boost: In 2023, small businesses along the route saw a 40% spending spike. The 2019 race generated $427 million for the city.
- Cultural Significance: It unites diverse communities, with Gen Z (19% of 2023 finishers in their 20s) embracing running for structure and connection amid a “loneliness epidemic.”
- Inclusivity Milestones: Women’s participation began in the 1970s, with pioneers like Nina Kuscsik protesting unequal rules in 1972. The non-binary category reflects ongoing inclusivity efforts.
Historical Highlights and Fun Facts
- Origins: Launched in 1970 with 127 runners in Central Park; expanded to five boroughs in 1976.
- Notable Winners: Bill Rodgers (four wins, 1976-1979); Miki Gorman (two wins, 1976-1977). No American man has won since Meb Keflezighi in 2009.
- Records: Alberto Salazar’s 2:08:13 (1981) is the fastest American men’s time, though doping allegations linger.
- Controversies: The 1972 women’s protest (NYC Six) led to rule changes. The 2012 cancellation (Hurricane Sandy) sparked debate over timing and refunds.
Related NYRR Events and Programs
Explore other NYRR offerings:
- United Airlines NYC Half Marathon: March 16, 2025, with 27,000 runners crossing the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time.
- Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon: A separate NYCRUNS event, with 24,603 finishers in 2025.
- Community Programs: NYRR offers free runs, youth initiatives, and sustainability efforts like NYRR Team for Climate (launched 2024).
Practical Logistics
- Getting to the Start: Runners use ferries or buses to Staten Island. Spectators should plan for road closures (check NYRR’s schedule).
- Medical Emergencies: Call 866-705-6626 for urgent issues; the hotline (929-999-7029) provides updates on runners receiving care.
- App Features: Beyond tracking, the TCS NYC Marathon App offers course maps, spectator guides, and live broadcasts.
Why the NYC Marathon Matters
The NYC Marathon is a dream for runners, a spectacle for fans, and a boost for NYC’s economy and spirit. Whether you’re aiming to run in 2026, cheer from the sidelines, or learn about its legacy, this event embodies resilience and community. For runners, it’s a test of endurance; for spectators, it’s a celebration of human achievement.
Ready to Run? Apply for the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon when the application window opens in early 2026. For more details, visit www.nyrr.org, follow @nycmarathon on X, or download the TCS NYC Marathon App.
Run, cheer, or celebrate—the NYC Marathon is an experience like no other!
