In a year marked by memorable events for New York City, this year’s TCS New York City Marathon is no exception. This edition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the route that covers the five districts (boroughs) of the city, which has made this race the most outstanding athletics competition in the world.
The marathon began in 1970 as a race that took place entirely within Central Park; However, in 1976, the route was modified to traverse all five boroughs: beginning at the Verrazzano Bridge in Staten Island and ending near the Tavern on the Green in Central Park.
This course forever transformed the New York City Marathon into a highly prestigious sporting event, bringing together not only people from all boroughs of the city, but also participants from all over the world, either to complete the course or simply to cheer on the runners.
It is no coincidence that it is called “the best day of the year in the best city in the world.” On November 1, 60,000 runners will arrive in New York. In waves that will begin promptly at 8:00 am and last until 11:30 am, the streets will gradually fill with runners as they pass through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan.
What is the route?
Runners prepare for the 26.2-mile (42.195 km) course to the foot of the Verrazzano Bridge on Staten Island. After crossing the bridge and arriving at Fort Hamilton, in Brooklyn, participants will cross the borough passing through Bay Ridge and Sunset Park, and then take Fourth Avenue in the direction of Park Slope.
After running along Flatbush Avenue and Lafayette Avenue towards Clinton Hill, Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the route uses the Pulaski Bridge to enter the next district: Queens. This section of the race is quite short; It passes through Long Island City before leaving the borough for a brief passage through Manhattan across the Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge.
Runners will head north along First Avenue for a few miles, entering the South Bronx, then return to Manhattan and down Fifth Avenue.
Already in the last kilometers of the test, the runners will border Central Park before entering it at the height of Columbus Circle, where thousands of family, friends and fans will cheer them on with enthusiasm.
You can consult the complete map of the route online (https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/the-course).
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Who participates?
With an impressive 59,226 runners crossing the finish line in 2025, from 130 countries, the marathon is likely to surpass its previous records. Although the exact number of those who will complete the test is not known, it is very possible that this year the threshold of 60 thousand participants will be exceeded.
Last year, runners recorded an average time of 4 hours, 32 minutes and 25 seconds. Professional athletes Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto, both 35-year-old Kenyans, were the winners in their respective categories.
Obiri completed the race in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds, after a close competition with Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui; For his part, Kipruto finished with a time of 2 hours, eight minutes and 9 seconds.
Those who wish to follow the progress of a runner and cheer them on virtually can use the NYRR app or check the results live online. Official results will be posted online after the race is over (https://results.nyrr.org/home).
Marathon Sunday is not the best day to drive. All streets that are part of the route will remain closed, including the Verrazano Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge and sections of First and Fifth Avenues.
Drivers are advised to follow alternative routes or, where possible, avoid using the vehicle. As for public transportation, there are metro lines distributed along the route; Therefore, please check the MTA website for possible changes and an updated list of options on the day of the event.
Where can you cheer on the runners?
Most of the route is open to the public, from mile 3 to mile 26. Throughout the entire route you will find special areas for fans.
There is an NYRR member cheer zone after mile 8 and another before mile 22, as well as a charity cheer zone just after mile 19.
If you want a prime location to watch the action of the final 200 meters, you can purchase tickets for the East Side Grandstand and watch your runner triumphantly cross the finish line. Please note that places are limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
If you can’t attend in person, or simply don’t feel like getting up early on a cold Sunday, you can follow the marathon through several channels.
Live coverage will air from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2, and also in Spanish on ESPN3.
Additionally, as runners arrive at the finish line, a two-hour special will air nationally on ABC from 3:00 to 5:00 pm ET, featuring celebrities and thousands of runners crossing the finish line.
Are you located outside the United States? No problem; Check out the NYRR website to find out where you can watch the event (https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/watch-the-race).
(Reporting by Alessa Alluin of AMNY.com)
