You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to be part of the New York City Marathon. On the first Sunday in November, spectators line the course with cheers, applause, and creative signs for the runners.
What to expect
The course passes through all five boroughs. It starts on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, and continues through Queens. Runners cross the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, head up into the Bronx, and return to Manhattan for the finish in Central Park.
The support along the course is a big part of the day. People cheer for runners they’ve never met, hold up homemade signs, and stop to encourage strangers to keep going. You can join in even if you don’t know anyone running.
Marathon weekend also includes an opening ceremony in Central Park with a Parade of Nations. It’s a separate event before race day, not the start of the marathon itself.
Good to know
- Watching from the sidewalks is free. Finish-line grandstand seats require a ticket.
- Spectators cannot access the start area or the bridges along the course.
- Take the subway if you can: street closures make driving and crossing the course difficult. Stay behind the barriers.
- If you’re cheering for someone specific, agree on an exact spot along the course beforehand. You can follow their progress in the official NYRR app.
- Participants start in separate groups. When runners reach you depends on their start time and where you’re watching.
