New York City Marathon

New York City Marathon course route

The New York City Marathon is a point-to-point course from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island to Central Park, crossing all five boroughs via five bridges and passing long stretches of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The flatter miles through Brooklyn and the descent off the Queensboro onto First Avenue are the easiest, while the Pulaski and especially Queensboro bridges are the toughest sections. Spectator support is immense throughout, with the loudest crowds on Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, First Avenue in Manhattan, and near the Central Park finish.

New York City Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

New York City Marathon elevation profile

The New York City Marathon course is rolling with bridges over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 294 metres of climbing and 292 metres of descent, with a net climb of 2 metres from start to finish.

New York City Marathon elevation profile

Official elevation profile — view on race website

Entry requirements

There are three primary entry paths. The public TCS NYC Marathon drawing lottery accepts applications each February; acceptance odds have historically been roughly 15–20%. The NYRR 9+1 program requires running nine qualifying NYRR events and volunteering at one within the year prior, guaranteeing entry the following year. Charity entries are available through NYRR charity partners, typically requiring $3,500–$5,000+ in fundraising. International runners can also access the race through official overseas travel partners.

New York City Marathon course videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

2025 TCS New York City Marathon Course Preview and Medal Reveal

Halfway cam: KIPRUTO and OBIRI run towards a Kenyan double win at the NEW YORK MARATHON 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New York City Marathon elevation profile?

The New York City Marathon has 294 metres of total climbing and 292 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with bridges, with 2 metres of net climb from start to finish.

Where can I find the New York City Marathon route map?

This page includes a New York City Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.tcsnycmarathon.org/the-race/course. Crosses five boroughs via five bridges — Verrazzano, Pulaski, 59th Street, Queensboro, and Madison Avenue — with the steepest climb on the Queensboro Bridge around mile 15.

How long is the New York City Marathon?

The New York City Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Five-borough course from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island to Central Park.

What time does the New York City Marathon start?

The 2026 New York City Marathon starts at 9:10 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

How does the TCS New York City Marathon route cross all five boroughs?

The race begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Staten Island — the longest of six bridge crossings — and descends into Brooklyn. Roughly 12 miles traverse Brooklyn before runners cross the Pulaski Bridge into Queens. A brief Queens section leads to the Queensboro Bridge (miles 15–16) and then onto First Avenue in Manhattan. The course heads north into the Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge, briefly loops, then re-enters Manhattan via the Fifth Avenue Bridge and finishes in Central Park after passing through Harlem.

How do I get into the NYC Marathon?

There are three primary entry paths. The public TCS NYC Marathon drawing lottery accepts applications each February; acceptance odds have historically been roughly 15–20%. The NYRR 9+1 program requires running nine qualifying NYRR events and volunteering at one within the year prior, guaranteeing entry the following year. Charity entries are available through NYRR charity partners, typically requiring $3,500–$5,000+ in fundraising. International runners can also access the race through official overseas travel partners.

What happens at the Queensboro Bridge during the race?

The Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge) at miles 15–16 is arguably the most dramatic moment in the race. The bridge is closed to spectators, creating an eerie silence after the noise of Brooklyn and Queens. Then, as runners descend from the bridge onto First Avenue in Manhattan, they are hit by a wall of sound from hundreds of thousands of spectators — widely described as one of the most goosebump-inducing moments in distance running, and a spot where many runners dangerously accelerate.

When is the NYC Marathon and how large is the field?

The TCS New York City Marathon is held on the first Sunday of November. With approximately 50,000–55,000 finishers and close to 2 million spectators lining the course, it is often among the largest marathons in the world by finisher count, though the exact ranking varies year to year. The race has been held annually since 1970 — originally as a small loop in Central Park — with the current five-borough course introduced in 1976 during the US Bicentennial.

Is NYC Marathon a good course for a personal best?

NYC is not a flat PB course. Six bridge crossings provide significant climbing, and the final two miles through Central Park (including Harlem Hill around mile 22–23 and Cat Hill around mile 24–25) arrive when legs are most fatigued. Total elevation gain is approximately 230 metres. Runners targeting a personal best should account for these late-race hills, resist the temptation to surge on First Avenue, and plan conservatively through Brooklyn.