World Marathon Major
New York City Marathon
New York is the marathon that defines the sport. Running from Staten Island to Central Park through all five boroughs, with over two million spectators on the course, is an experience that no other race can match.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash
- Distance: 42.2 km marathon.
- When: First Sunday in November.
- Entry: Lottery, qualifying time, or charity fundraising.
- Finishers: Over 50,000 each year — the largest marathon in the world.
- Course: Point-to-point through all five boroughs, finishing in Central Park.
History
The race that changed marathoning
The first New York City Marathon was held in 1970 — 127 runners looping Central Park. In 1976, Fred Lebow and the New York Road Runners expanded it to a five-borough route, and the modern city marathon was born. That decision inspired every major city marathon that followed.
Today, roughly 50,000 runners finish the NYC Marathon each year, making it the largest marathon in the world. Over two million spectators line the streets, creating a wall of sound that carries runners from start to finish.
The Route
Five boroughs, one unforgettable run
The course starts on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and finishes in Central Park in Manhattan. Each borough has its own character:
- Staten Island to Brooklyn — crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in a crowd of 50,000 runners is one of the great moments in sport.
- Brooklyn — the longest stretch, through neighbourhoods like Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, and Williamsburg. The crowd support is relentless.
- Queens — a brief stretch through Long Island City before crossing the Queensboro Bridge.
- Manhattan and the Bronx — First Avenue in Manhattan is deafening. A quick detour through the Bronx before returning south.
- Central Park — the final 4 km through the park to the finish line.
The Queensboro Bridge at kilometre 25 is famously silent — no spectators allowed. After kilometres of noise, the sudden quiet is jarring. Stay focused. First Avenue is waiting on the other side.
Entry
How to get in
New York offers several entry methods:
- Lottery — the main entry method. Apply in January for that year's November race. The acceptance rate is roughly 15%.
- 9+1 programme — run 9 qualifying NYRR races and volunteer at 1 in the year before, and earn a guaranteed entry.
- Qualifying time — fast recent marathon times earn guaranteed entry.
- Charity programme — guaranteed entry for fundraising (typically $2,500+).
- International tour operators — travel packages with guaranteed entries.
Beginner Advice
Tips for first-timers
- This is not a PB course. The bridges, the hills in Central Park, and the November weather make New York slower than Berlin or Chicago. Run it for the experience.
- Prepare for the start. You will be on Staten Island for hours before the race. Bring warm throwaway clothes, food, and something to sit on.
- Do not chase First Avenue. The crowd noise on First Avenue after the quiet of the Queensboro Bridge will tempt you to surge. Hold your pace.
- Take in the boroughs. Each one has a different energy. Let the crowd carry you when it gets tough.
- Finish strong through Central Park. The final stretch through the park, with the New York skyline in the background, is the most iconic finish in marathon running.
Your next step
Dream big, start small
Running New York is a life goal for many runners. Start building the habit now and the Major will come.