NYC Marathon 2026: Course, Hotels & Race Guide

The TCS New York City Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and this year's race marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course.

Nearly 60,000 runners are expected to start on Staten Island, cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, run through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, and finish in Central Park.

Getting to the start is almost as famous as the course itself.

Unlike Chicago, where runners can often walk from a downtown hotel to the start, New York requires a pre-race transportation plan to reach Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

For 2026, NYRR has also changed how official start transportation works: runners choose their transportation mode, then NYRR assigns the departure time based on pace information.

This guide covers:

• NYC Marathon 2026 date and start times
• transportation to Staten Island
• Staten Island Ferry vs. Midtown bus
• where to stay near the Central Park finish
• Expo and bib pickup at the Javits Center
• the five-borough course
• entry and lottery information
• race-day cutoff rules
• spectator strategy
• where to eat
• what to do before and after the race
• how New York fits into the World Marathon Majors

NYC Marathon 2026 quick facts

More than two million spectators are expected along the course, making New York one of the largest live sporting events in the world.

When is the NYC Marathon 2026?

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

The race is held on the first Sunday in November.

The 2026 event is especially significant because it commemorates 50 years of the five-borough version of the marathon.

The original New York City Marathon began in Central Park in 1970.

In 1976, the race expanded across all five boroughs as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration. That format became the modern NYC Marathon.

How many runners are in the NYC Marathon 2026?

NYRR expects nearly 60,000 participants in 2026.

Demand for entry reached another record.

More than 240,000 runners from over 160 countries applied for the 2026 non-guaranteed drawing.

Only about 1% of drawing applicants were accepted.

The scale of the race is one reason hotel rooms, restaurants, flights and race-week logistics should be planned well in advance.

Where does the NYC Marathon start?

The NYC Marathon starts at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

Runners begin by climbing onto the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before entering Brooklyn.

The start is separated into three color-coded villages:

• Blue
• Orange
• Pink

Your bib identifies your assigned color, wave and corral.

The Fort Wadsworth start area is restricted to registered runners and approved guides.

Spectators do not accompany runners into the start village.

What time does the NYC Marathon start?

The 2026 participant waves are scheduled for:

• Wave 1: 9:10 a.m.
• Wave 2: 9:45 a.m.
• Wave 3: 10:20 a.m.
• Wave 4: 10:55 a.m.
• Wave 5: 11:30 a.m.

Professional wheelchair athletes begin earlier, followed by other professional and adaptive divisions.

Your wave and corral are based on pace information and are shown on your official bib.

NYRR says runners may move to a later or slower wave or corral when permitted, but should not move into an earlier or faster assignment.

Because transportation to Staten Island takes significant time, race morning can begin several hours before your actual wave.

Getting to the NYC Marathon start

This is one of the most important parts of the entire trip.

NYRR strongly encourages runners to use official transportation to Fort Wadsworth.

For 2026, transportation selection opens:

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET

and closes:

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

The process is different in 2026.

You select your mode of transportation, and NYRR assigns your departure time based on your registered or predicted pace.

The main official options are:

1. Staten Island Ferry
2. Midtown Manhattan bus
3. New Jersey bus

Runners must use the transportation mode they selected.

Staten Island Ferry to the NYC Marathon start

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the classic NYC Marathon experiences.

Runners depart from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.

The ferry itself travels to St. George Terminal on Staten Island.

From there, official buses transport runners to Fort Wadsworth.

NYRR estimates the total transportation process at approximately 90 minutes.

The Staten Island Ferry is free.

Who should choose the ferry?

The ferry works particularly well for runners staying in:

• Lower Manhattan
• Financial District
• Tribeca
• Downtown Brooklyn with easy Lower Manhattan access
• hotels convenient to the 1, R or W trains

It also provides the iconic pre-race view of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

The downside is that the journey involves multiple steps:

hotel → subway/walk → ferry → Staten Island bus → Fort Wadsworth.

Give yourself plenty of time.

Midtown Manhattan bus to the start

NYRR also operates official buses from Manhattan.

The 2026 Midtown departure point is near the New York Public Library at 6th Avenue and West 39th Street.

The estimated travel time is approximately 90 minutes.

Runners are instructed to arrive before their assigned departure.

Who should choose the Midtown bus?

This can be the easiest option if you're staying in:

• Midtown
• Times Square
• Bryant Park
• Midtown East
• Midtown West

The appeal is simplicity.

Instead of taking a ferry and then another bus, the Midtown bus travels directly toward Fort Wadsworth.

New Jersey bus

The third general official option departs from the MetLife Stadium area in New Jersey.

NYRR estimates the trip at approximately 60 minutes.

This option primarily makes sense for runners staying in New Jersey or otherwise positioned west of Manhattan.

Can you take a taxi or Uber to the NYC Marathon start?

Technically, private transportation is possible, but NYRR strongly recommends official transportation.

There is no parking at the start.

Road closures make Staten Island access difficult, and private vehicles must use designated drop-off areas outside Fort Wadsworth.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closes to traffic as race operations begin.

For most runners, official transportation is the safer option.

Where does the NYC Marathon finish?

The race finishes in Central Park on West Drive around 67th Street.

After crossing the line, runners continue through a long runners-only post-finish area.

You do not simply cross the finish line and immediately walk onto a normal Manhattan street.

Runners receive their medal and recovery items before continuing north and eventually exiting the secure zone.

NYRR warns that cellular networks may become congested around the finish.

Agree on a meeting point with family or friends before the race.

Where to stay for the NYC Marathon

The best NYC Marathon hotel strategy is different from most races.

You should generally choose a hotel around the finish and race-morning transportation, not around Staten Island.

You only spend race morning at the start.

You spend the rest of your trip in New York City.

1. Upper West Side - best for the finish

For pure post-race convenience, the Upper West Side is difficult to beat.

Advantages:

• close to the Central Park finish area
• shorter post-race walk
• easy access to Central Park
• calmer than Midtown
• many restaurants
• convenient subway access

After 26.2 miles, being able to walk back toward your hotel can be enormously valuable.

2. Midtown - best overall logistics

Midtown Manhattan is probably the best all-around choice for most runners.

Advantages:

• enormous hotel inventory
• convenient to the official Midtown bus
• reasonable access to Central Park
• easy subway connections
• close to the Javits Center
• convenient for family and spectators
• easy access to Penn Station and Grand Central

If you do not know exactly which neighborhood to choose, Midtown is the safest default.

3. Columbus Circle / Midtown North - excellent finish access

Hotels near Columbus Circle and Central Park South provide a strong combination of finish access and central location.

They can be expensive on marathon weekend, but the logistics are excellent.

4. Financial District - best for the Staten Island Ferry

If you know you want the ferry, Lower Manhattan becomes much more attractive.

Hotels around:

• Financial District
• Battery Park
• World Trade Center

put you close to Whitehall Terminal.

The trade-off is that your hotel is much farther from the Central Park finish.

5. Brooklyn - strong for spectators and value

Brooklyn can work well for families, spectators and runners who prefer a neighborhood feel.

Areas such as:

• Downtown Brooklyn
• Brooklyn Heights
• Williamsburg

can provide good transit connections and excellent access to early parts of the course.

The drawback is the post-race journey from Central Park back to Brooklyn.

NYC Marathon hotel strategy

When comparing hotels, look beyond the nightly rate.

Consider:

• distance to Central Park after the finish
• access to your selected race-morning transportation
• distance to the Javits Center
• subway access
• breakfast options
• late checkout
• cancellation policy
• where family or spectators plan to watch

New York has a huge hotel inventory, but marathon weekend creates enormous concentrated demand.

Book early if you have a confirmed entry.

Where to eat before the NYC Marathon

New York has almost unlimited food options.

The day before a marathon is not the time to test all of them.

Saturday night

Choose food that is:

• familiar
• carbohydrate-heavy
• relatively simple
• easy to digest

Pasta, rice, bread, potatoes and familiar lean proteins are safer than turning Saturday dinner into a culinary adventure.

Make a reservation.

Thousands of marathon runners have the same idea.

Race morning

Race morning can start several hours before your assigned wave.

Bring food you already know works for you.

Depending on your transportation assignment, you may eat breakfast long before the race actually begins.

Pack enough familiar nutrition to cover the time between leaving the hotel and starting.

After the race

Now take advantage of New York.

Pizza, bagels, steak, Italian food, ramen, burgers or almost anything else you have been thinking about during the final miles is available somewhere nearby.

The better strategy is to reserve your celebratory restaurant in advance rather than trying to find a table spontaneously on marathon Sunday.

NYC Marathon Expo and bib pickup

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

The Expo runs October 29-31, 2026.

Thursday, October 29

Expo:

10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Bib pickup closes at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 30

Expo:

10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Bib pickup closes at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 31

Expo:

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Bib pickup closes at 4:30 p.m.

Runners select a bib-pickup time through their NYRR dashboard.

For 2026, Expo time-slot selection opens August 25 at noon ET.

Can someone else pick up my NYC Marathon bib?

No.

NYRR requires runners to collect their own race materials in person.

You must bring:

• photo ID
• runner confirmation form

You cannot send a friend, family member or another runner to collect your packet.

That makes your arrival day important.

Do not schedule travel that risks getting you to New York after Saturday's pickup closes.

How to get to the NYC Marathon Expo

The Javits Center is on Manhattan's West Side near Hudson Yards.

The closest subway station is:

34th Street-Hudson Yards on the 7 train

Penn Station is also nearby and is served by:

• 1
• 2
• 3
• A
• C
• E

as well as Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit.

For runners staying in Midtown, reaching the Expo is relatively easy.

NYC Marathon course

The NYC Marathon covers all five boroughs:

1. Staten Island
2. Brooklyn
3. Queens
4. Bronx
5. Manhattan

The course begins with the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Runners then spend a large portion of the race moving north through Brooklyn before crossing into Queens.

From Queens, the course crosses the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan.

Runners head north on First Avenue, briefly enter the Bronx, return to Manhattan, travel down Fifth Avenue and enter Central Park for the finish.

Is the NYC Marathon course hard?

New York is not generally considered a fast, flat Major like Chicago or Berlin.

The main challenge is repeated climbing and descending across bridges combined with the rolling final miles.

Important sections include:

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

The race begins uphill.

The enormous bridge and skyline views make it easy to run too aggressively.

Do not let the excitement dictate your pace.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn contains some of the loudest spectator sections and a large portion of the race.

The energy is excellent, but it can encourage runners to push earlier than planned.

Queensboro Bridge

The Queensboro Bridge arrives around the middle of the race and is one of the defining course features.

Crowd noise temporarily disappears.

It is a long section where disciplined pacing matters.

First Avenue

After leaving the bridge, runners turn onto First Avenue and encounter one of the loudest spectator sections of the race.

Again, avoid turning the crowd energy into an unsustainable surge.

Fifth Avenue

Late in the race, Fifth Avenue can be particularly difficult.

The course trends upward before runners enter Central Park.

Central Park

The final miles are rolling rather than flat.

Save something for them.

NYC Marathon fluid stations

NYRR provides official fluid stations from Mile 3 through Mile 25, with exceptions at Miles 5, 7 and 9.

Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula are available at the official stations.

Timing mats are positioned at:

• start
• every 5K
• halfway
• Mile 20
• finish

NYC Marathon time limit

The street-closure schedule is designed around runners maintaining approximately a 16-minute-per-mile pace based on the final Wave 5 start.

Runners behind that schedule may be asked to move to sidewalks as streets reopen or may use sweep buses.

NYRR records official finishers through 10:00 p.m. ET, regardless of individual start time.

Participants finishing after that time are not recorded as official finishers.

How to enter the NYC Marathon

There are several ways to enter.

General drawing

The 2026 non-guaranteed drawing application ran from February 4 through February 25, 2026.

Drawing day was March 4.

Demand was extraordinary:

240,000+ applications

with only about 1% accepted through the drawing.

9+1 program

Local runners can earn guaranteed entry through NYRR's 9+1 program by completing the required qualifying NYRR events and volunteer requirement during the relevant qualification year.

Time qualification

NYRR also provides qualifying-time entry routes under specific requirements.

Standards and eligible races can change by year.

Charity entry

Official Charity Partners receive guaranteed entries for runners who meet fundraising requirements.

For runners who missed the drawing, charity entry can be one of the most practical remaining options.

International tour operators

Eligible international runners can obtain guaranteed entry through approved International Tour Operators.

Packages may include hotels and/or flights.

Only use operators officially recognized by NYRR.

Is NYC Marathon 2026 registration still open?

The main non-guaranteed drawing is closed.

However, NYRR continues to list certain official entry routes, including charity and international tour-operator opportunities.

Availability changes as the race approaches.

Do not buy marathon entries from unofficial third-party sellers.

Why was the NYC Marathon lottery so difficult in 2026?

Running demand has surged worldwide, but New York experienced particularly intense interest.

NYRR received more than 240,000 drawing applications from over 160 countries.

That represented another application record.

Only approximately 1% of non-guaranteed drawing applicants received entry through the 2026 drawing.

That makes New York one of the hardest major marathons to enter through a standard lottery.

Is NYC a World Marathon Major?

Yes.

New York is one of the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors required for the Six Star Medal.

The original six are:

1. Tokyo
2. Boston
3. London
4. Berlin
5. Chicago
6. New York City

If New York is part of a multi-year goal, see our World Marathon Majors medal guide.

NYC Marathon spectator strategy

New York is one of the world's best spectator marathons.

It is also one of the easiest races to make overly complicated.

The subway allows spectators to move between sections of the course, but crossing the race route itself can be difficult.

Good viewing areas include:

Brooklyn

The early-to-middle miles provide enormous crowd support and multiple subway options.

Queens

Spectators can watch runners around the halfway portion of the course.

First Avenue

Miles 16-18 provide one of the race's most famous spectator environments.

Fifth Avenue

Miles 23-24 are an excellent place to see runners late in the race before they enter Central Park.

Columbus Circle

This gives spectators access to the final approach.

Access close to the actual finish line is controlled and may require tickets or designated spectator entry.

Where should spectators meet runners after the NYC Marathon?

Do not make the finish line itself your meeting plan.

The post-finish walk is long and cellular networks may be overloaded.

NYRR provides a Family Reunion area near Central Park West.

Even better, choose a specific meeting location away from the densest finish-area crowds.

Examples could include:

• a hotel lobby
• restaurant
• landmark several blocks away

Make the plan before race morning.

Bag check for NYC Marathon 2026

Bag procedures are also changing for 2026.

Runners make their bag-selection choice during the same August 25-September 8 selection period used for transportation.

If using the official bag option, follow the NYRR pre-check instructions rather than expecting to check a normal bag at Fort Wadsworth on race morning.

Review the final Runner Guide before race week because bag locations and procedures are operational details that can change.

What to do before the NYC Marathon

New York can turn into a 25,000-step sightseeing day almost accidentally.

Avoid that before the marathon.

Central Park

A short walk or shakeout run lets you see part of the finish area without spending an entire day on your feet.

Museum visit

The Met, MoMA or American Museum of Natural History can give you a full New York experience without walking across multiple neighborhoods.

Broadway show

A show is almost perfect pre-race sightseeing because you spend most of the activity sitting.

Expo

Treat the Javits Center as a planned activity rather than squeezing packet pickup between other sightseeing.

What to do after the NYC Marathon

After the race, design sightseeing around tired legs.

Harbor cruise

A cruise offers views of:

• Manhattan skyline
• Statue of Liberty
• Brooklyn
• New York Harbor

while allowing you to sit down.

Long celebratory meal

New York may be the easiest city in the world to build a recovery day around food.

Museum day

A museum gives you flexibility to move slowly, stop frequently and remain indoors.

Broadway

A Monday-night show can be a very good recovery activity if performances align with your schedule.

How long should you stay in New York?

A simple itinerary could look like:

Wednesday or Thursday: arrive in New York

Thursday or Friday: Expo and bib pickup

Friday: light sightseeing

Saturday: short shakeout, early meal and race preparation

Sunday: NYC Marathon

Monday: recovery sightseeing

Tuesday: additional New York sightseeing or departure

International travelers should consider arriving earlier to adjust to the time zone.

NYC Marathon 2026 FAQ

When is the NYC Marathon 2026?

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Is the 2026 NYC Marathon the 50th anniversary?

It marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course, first used in 1976.

How many people are running the NYC Marathon 2026?

NYRR expects nearly 60,000 participants.

How many people applied for the NYC Marathon 2026 lottery?

More than 240,000 people applied from over 160 countries.

What was the NYC Marathon 2026 lottery acceptance rate?

NYRR said only about 1% of applicants were accepted through the non-guaranteed drawing.

Where does the NYC Marathon start?

The race starts at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

Where does the NYC Marathon finish?

The race finishes in Central Park on West Drive around 67th Street.

What time does the NYC Marathon start?

General participant waves begin at:

• 9:10 a.m.
• 9:45 a.m.
• 10:20 a.m.
• 10:55 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m.

How do runners get to the NYC Marathon start?

The main official options for 2026 are:

• Staten Island Ferry
• Midtown Manhattan bus
• New Jersey bus

Runners select their transportation mode through NYRR.

When do NYC Marathon transportation selections open?

For 2026, runner transportation selection opens August 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

When is the NYC Marathon transportation deadline?

The 2026 deadline is September 8 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Where is the NYC Marathon Expo?

The Expo is held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

When is the NYC Marathon Expo 2026?

The Expo runs October 29-31, 2026.

Can someone else pick up my NYC Marathon bib?

No.

Runners must collect their own materials in person with identification and their confirmation form.

Where should I stay for the NYC Marathon?

For most runners:

• Upper West Side is best for finish access.
• Midtown is best for overall logistics.
• Financial District works well for Staten Island Ferry access.
• Brooklyn can work well for spectators and travelers seeking a neighborhood base.

Is the NYC Marathon course flat?

No.

The course includes several bridges and rolling late miles, making it more demanding than flat Majors such as Chicago or Berlin.

What pace do you need to finish on the closed course?

NYRR's street-closure schedule is designed around approximately a 16-minute-per-mile pace from the final wave.

Does NYC count toward the Six Star Medal?

Yes.

New York is one of the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors required for Six Star.

Continue planning your World Marathon Majors

If New York is part of a larger marathon-travel goal, continue with:

• World Marathon Majors medal guide
• Tokyo Marathon travel guide
• Chicago Marathon travel guide
• Best marathons to travel for
• Race weekend trip guide
• Race weekend checklist

Turn your NYC Marathon entry into a trip

The hardest part may be getting the bib.

Once you have it, there is still a complicated trip to organize around it.

Claira can keep your hotel, flights, Expo appointment, Staten Island transportation, pre-race dinner, spectator plan and recovery-day activities together in one itinerary so marathon weekend does not become another logistics project.

Plan your NYC Marathon trip →

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NYC Marathon dates, start times, participant totals, transportation procedures, entry methods, Expo hours, bib-pickup rules, course support and race logistics can change. This guide was updated August 24, 2026. Always confirm current information with New York Road Runners before booking travel or making race plans. Claira is an independent travel-planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the TCS New York City Marathon, New York Road Runners, Tata Consultancy Services or Abbott World Marathon Majors.