Thousands of runners will take to the city’s streets on Nov. 3, each with their own personal reason for running 26.2 miles. Very few events can capture the city’s collective attention, but the TCS New York City Marathon — which twists and turns through all five boroughs — is one of them. Whether you’re looking to avoid the commotion or take in the spectacle, here’s what to know ahead of the big race in the Big Apple.

When does the marathon take place?

The TCS New York City Marathon typically takes place on the first Sunday of November every year. This year, that falls on Sunday, Nov. 3.

What is the marathon route?

The race starts on Staten Island — right on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — winds through Brooklyn and then into Queens before runners head into Manhattan via the Queensboro Bridge. Once in Manhattan, the athletes race all the way up to the Bronx, then back into Manhattan before landing in Central Park, where the finish line awaits.

Which streets are shut down and for how long?

The following streets will close for the marathon, according to New York Road Runners, the nonprofit running organization that has staged the New York City Marathon since its inception in 1970:

  • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — Upper level: 11 p.m. (Nov. 2) to 4 p.m. (Nov. 3)
  • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — Midpoint: 11 p.m. (Nov. 2) to 4 p.m. (Nov. 3)
  • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — Exit to 92nd St.: 11 p.m. (Nov. 2) to 4 p.m. (Nov. 3)

    Nov. 3 closures:
  • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — Lower level, Staten Island-bound: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — Lower level, Brooklyn-bound: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 82nd Street: 6:45 a.m. to 1:18 p.m.
  • 74th Street, before Sixth Avenue: 6:45 a.m. to 1:18 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 80th Street: 6:45 a.m. to 1:19 p.m
  • Bay Ridge Parkway and Sixth Avenue: 6:45 a.m. to 1:19 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 63rd Street: 6:55 a.m. to 1:34 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 43rd Street: 6:55 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 22nd Street: 6:55 a.m. to 2:06 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 18th Street: 6:55 a.m. to 2:09 p.m.
  • Fourth Avenue and 3rd Street: 7 a.m. to 2:22 p.m.
  • Flatbush Avenue and Lafayette Avenue: 7 a.m. to 2:38 p.m.
  • Lafayette and Classon avenues: 7 a.m. to 2:54 p.m.
  • Bedford Avenue and Kosciuszko Street: 7:30 a.m. to 2:58 p.m.
  • Bedford Avenue between Wallabout Street and Lynch Street: 7:05 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
  • Bedford Avenue and South Third Street: 7:05 a.m. to 3:26 p.m.
  • Manhattan Avenue past Bedford Avenue: 7:15 a.m. to 3:42 p.m.
  • Manhattan Avenue before Greenpoint Avenue: 7:15 a.m. to 3:48 p.m.
  • McGuinness Boulevard, approaching Pulaski Bridge: 7:15 a.m. to 3:59 p.m.
  • 10th Street and 44th Drive: 7:15 a.m. to 4:14 p.m.
  • Queensboro Bridge — Lower level, Queens side: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Queensboro Bridge — Lower level, midspan: 6:30 a.m. to 4:38 p.m.
  • Queensboro Bridge — Lower level, Manhattan side: 6:30 a.m. to 4:46 p.m.
  • First Avenue and 77th Street: 7:30 a.m. to 5:02 p.m.
  • First Avenue and 97th Street: 7:30 a.m. to 5:18 p.m.
  • First Avenue between 109th and 110th streets: 7:30 a.m. to 5:27 p.m.
  • First Avenue and 117th Street: 7:30 a.m. to 5:34 p.m.
  • Willis Avenue Bridge: 7:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
  • 135th Street just west of Willis Avenue: 7:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
  • Madison Avenue Bridge: 7:30 a.m. to 6:06 p.m.
  • Madison Avenue Bridge and West 138th Street: 7:30 a.m. to 6:06 p.m.
  • Fifth Avenue and 125th Street: 8 a.m. to 6:17 p.m.
  • Mount Morris Parkway and 122nd Street: 8 a.m. to 6:22 p.m.
  • Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street: 8 a.m. to 6:38 p.m.
  • Central Park East Drive and 84th Street: CLOSED
  • Central Park East Drive and 68th Street: CLOSED
  • Central Park East Drive and 65th Street: CLOSED
  • Central Park South (59th Street from Fifth Avenue to Columbus Circle: 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
  • Central Park West Drive and 62nd Street: CLOSED
  • Central Park West Drive and 67th Street: CLOSED

When does the race start?

The race officially kicks off at 8 a.m. For the next three and a half hours, participants get going from the starting line in Staten Island in staggered waves.

  • 8 a.m. Professional Wheelchair Division
  • 8:22 a.m. Handcycle Category and Select Athletes with Disabilities
  • 8:35 a.m. Professional Women’s Open Division
  • 9:05 a.m. Professional Men’s Open Division
  • 9:10 a.m. Wave 1
  • 9:45 a.m. Wave 2
  • 10:20 a.m. Wave 3
  • 10:55 a.m. Wave 4
  • 11:30 a.m. Wave 5

How many people are racing this year?

Featuring approximately 50,000 runners — give or take a few thousand, depending on the year — from more than 130 countries, the race is the largest of its kind in the world.

How can I track runners I know?

Have friends or family running in the race this year? You can track their progress along the course by downloading the TCS New York City Marathon app, which is available for free on both Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.

Is the race televised?

Yes! In New York, WABC-TV, or channel 7, broadcasts the race from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-race coverage starts at 7 a.m. Nationally, ESPN2 airs the race from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Both channels offer viewers the opportunity to stream their coverage through their websites and apps.

Where can I watch the race in person?

One of the very best parts of marathon day in New York City is the atmosphere spectators create by cheering runners on in person — and there are plenty of spots around the city to do just that. New York Road Runners has curated a list of recommended on-course viewing locations, which is re-shared below:

  • Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4) Subway: R 
  • Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8):Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13) Subway: G, L, M, J 
  • Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1) Subway: 7, G, E
  • First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18) Subway: N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6, F
  • East Harlem (Miles 18-20) Subway: 6
  • Charity Cheer Zone, First Avenue and 120th Street (Miles 19-20) Subway: 6
  • Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24) Subway: Q, 4, 5, 6 
  • United Airlines Zone: Columbus Circle Subway: A, C, D, 1

The race finishes at 67th Street on West Drive. Spectators can access the final approach to the finish in two ways: 

  • Grandstand Seating: Tickets are required and are available at Eventbrite prior to race day. Enter at West 62nd Street and Broadway with your Grandstand tickets.
  • Standing Spectator Area: Located inside Central Park from Columbus Circle to the south end of the grandstands, approximately 500 feet before the finish. NYPD, NYRR, and the NYC Parks Department may limit access at times, based on capacity. No chairs or seats are provided or allowed. There is no spectator access north of the grandstands in Central Park. Spectators can enter at the following areas: Broadway at West 61st Street or West 62nd Street, or from the east side via the Central Park path by Heckscher Fields — Kickball Field #3. All entrances require screening.

How can I avoid getting stuck in traffic on race day?

If you want to get from point A to B as fast as possible in New York City on marathon day, your best bet is going underground, given all the road closures happening above ground. Check the MTA’s info and alerts page dedicated to planned service changes here.

Who holds the course record for the NYC Marathon?

Tamirat Tola, of Ethiopia, currently holds the course record for men, coming in at 2:04:58 in 2023. For women, Margaret Okayo, of Kenya, clocked in at a record-breaking 2:22:31 back in 2003.

How can I run the New York City Marathon next year?

There are more than a few entry methods prospective marathon runners can use to lock in their spot for next year’s race, all of which are detailed at length on New York Road Runners’ website. Completing the 9+1 Program, raising money on behalf of a charity, or qualifying by time for your specific age group tend to be the most utilized, though.