🇺🇸New York City, USA
TCS New York City Marathon
Nov 1, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
248 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Lottery
PB potential
Technical or hilly — come for the experience, not the time
Beginner friendly
Perfect first marathon — supportive, accessible, and well-structured
About this race
No marathon on earth has more spectators than New York City's — around two million people line the 42.2 km route across five boroughs, from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge start in Staten Island through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan, finishing at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. The course has significant elevation: five bridge crossings create short but sharp climbs, and First Avenue in the Bronx at km 34 is notoriously where the wheels can fall off. NYC isn't the course for a PB — but it may be the single most memorable marathon experience on the planet. The field of 50,000 runners is diverse, festive, and international. The charity and guaranteed entry routes are the most reliable paths to the start line if you miss the lottery.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
8–16°C
Humidity
55–70%
Conditions
Cool and breezy, perfect for spectators
Wind
15–25 km/h variable
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