New York City Marathon
The Lowdown
The TCS New York City Marathon is the world's largest marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors, attracting over 50,000 runners annually from across the globe. First held in 1970, this iconic race has grown from a modest four-lap course around Central Park to a spectacular journey through all five boroughs of New York City. The event is organized by New York Road Runners and is certified by USA Track & Field and AIMS, making it a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon and other prestigious events worldwide. The course showcases the incredible diversity and energy of New York City, beginning on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and winding through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan before finishing in Central Park. Runners experience the roar of over one million spectators lining the streets, creating an electric atmosphere that carries participants through the challenging hills and bridges. Iconic landmarks along the route include the Queensboro Bridge, First Avenue's legendary cheering tunnel, and the final miles through Central Park's scenic pathways. Known for its world-class organization, enthusiastic crowd support, and the unmatched experience of running through America's most famous city, the New York City Marathon represents a bucket-list achievement for runners of all levels. The race typically features elite international fields competing for prize money and course records, while thousands of charity runners and age-group athletes pursue personal goals amid one of the most celebrated running events in the world. With its perfect early November timing and professional race management, the NYC Marathon delivers an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit and resilience of both the sport and the city itself.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Hellen Obiri Sets Course Record at 2025 NYC Marathon
Nov 2, 2025Kenya's Hellen Obiri won the women's race in a new course record of 2:19:51, while Benson Kipruto claimed the men's title in the closest finish in race history.
NYC Marathon Becomes World's Largest Marathon Ever
Nov 2, 2025The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon set a new world record with 59,226 total finishers, making it the largest marathon in history.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: Starting point on Staten Island.
Brooklyn's Diverse Neighborhoods: Including Bay Ridge, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.
Queensboro Bridge: Connecting Queens to Manhattan with scenic views.
First Avenue: A lively stretch in Manhattan lined with enthusiastic spectators.
Willis Avenue Bridge: Leading into the Bronx.
Central Park: The iconic finish line location.
Other distances available during the event weekend:
New York City, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Admission through lottery, race time qualification, tour operator, charity, or NYRR 9+1 program
Required Documents
- Government-issued Photo ID: For bib pickup at the expo.
- Confirmation Form: Proof of race registration. Make sure you bring this to the race, even if it's on your phone.
Entry Methods
- Time Qualification
- Drawing System (lottery)
- Charity Program
- International Tour Operators
- NYRR 9+1 Program
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Registrations are non-transferable; bib transfers and name changes are not permitted
Medical deferral to the following year is allowed with approved physician documentation and request by the organizer's stated deadline
If the race is cancelled or significantly altered by the organizer for reasons beyond participants' control, NYRR may offer a deferral, credit, or virtual race option at its discretion
The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and attracts elite fields and tens of thousands of runners from around the world.
The course begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island, passes through all five boroughs and finishes with a downhill entrance into Central Park, offering iconic city landmarks and strong spectator support on First Avenue and in the Park.
The men's course record is 2:05:06 set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011 and the women's course record is 2:22:31 set by Margaret Okayo in 2003.
Race weekend includes the official TCS New York City Marathon Expo (bib pickup) at the Javits Center, a pre-race pasta dinner hosted by partners in the days before the race, and youth/Junior events as part of the festival activities.
Practical tips: use public transit to reach the start (buses transport runners from Manhattan to Staten Island for the start), drop your clear gear bag at the designated bag drop, and expect well-stocked aid stations roughly every 1–2 miles with water and sports drink plus medical tents at the finish; finishers receive a medal and a technical finisher shirt.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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