60,000 runners set to tackle NYC Marathon's 50th anniversary
The race returns to its five-borough course on Nov. 1, with street closures and live coverage planned from start to finish.
By Claire Darwish ·
New York City Marathon runners will hit the course this Sunday for the 50th anniversary of the five-borough route.
The race starts at 8 a.m. at the foot of the Verrazzano Bridge in Staten Island. Waves of athletes will begin running until 11:30 a.m. The course covers 26.2 miles across five boroughs.
The event traces its roots to 1970, when it was held entirely in Central Park. The route expanded in 1976 to include all five boroughs. It now starts in Staten Island and ends near Tavern on the Green in Manhattan.
Organizers expect more than 60,000 participants. The previous record was 59,226 finishers from 130 countries in 2025. The average finish time last year was 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 25 seconds.
Hellen Obiri won the women's race in 2025 with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. She was followed closely by Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui. Benson Kipruto took the men's title in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 9 seconds.
Both winners are 35 years old and from Kenya. The current field is not yet fully known, but attendance numbers are projected to exceed last year's totals.
Traffic disruptions will affect major arteries. The Verrazzano Bridge and Queensboro Bridge will close to vehicles. Parts of First and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan will also be inaccessible. The MTA has advised drivers to check for updated subway service and detours.
Spectators can access the course from mile 3 to mile 26. NYRR members have dedicated cheer zones after mile 8 and before mile 22. A charity cheer zone is located after mile 19. East Side Grandstand seating is available for the final 200 meters, though tickets are limited.
Live coverage begins at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on ESPN2. Spanish-language coverage airs on ESPN3. ABC will broadcast a two-hour show from 3 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time featuring celebrity runners and finishers.
International viewers can find broadcast options on the NYRR website. The race concludes as runners turn into Central Park at Columbus Circle, where crowds gather to cheer the final arrivals.
Source: amNY
