New York City Marathon
The world's largest marathon, running through all five boroughs of New York City.
New York City, New York
First Sunday of November
42.195 km
248 m
~53,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge start
- Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn
- Pulaski Bridge crossing into Queens
- First Avenue in Manhattan
- Fifth Avenue climb (miles 22-24)
- Central Park finish near Tavern on the Green
The Course
The New York City Marathon begins on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Runners surge across the bridge's upper and lower decks with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline in the distance. The first few miles wind through Brooklyn's Bay Ridge and Sunset Park before entering the electric atmosphere of Fourth Avenue, lined with cheering spectators for miles.
The course continues through diverse Brooklyn neighborhoods, crosses into Queens over the Pulaski Bridge at the halfway point, and briefly touches the Bronx via Willis Avenue Bridge around mile 20. Each borough brings a distinct atmosphere: the brownstones of Fort Greene, the cultural melting pot of Queens, and the grit of the Bronx.
Re-entering Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge, runners face the long grind up Fifth Avenue from mile 22 to 24 before making the right turn into Central Park. The final two miles roll through the park's gentle hills, and the finish line near Tavern on the Green provides one of the most emotional finishes in marathon running.
History
The first New York City Marathon was held in 1970 entirely within Central Park, with just 127 starters and 55 finishers. Race director Fred Lebow and the New York Road Runners transformed it into a five-borough citywide event in 1976, a format that ignited the modern running boom in America.
The race has since grown into the world's largest marathon, with over 50,000 finishers each year drawn from around the globe. It is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and a defining cultural event for New York City.
How to Train for NYC Marathon
Prepare for the bridges
The course crosses five bridges, each presenting a climb followed by a descent. Include bridge or overpass repeats in your training to simulate the constant undulations. The Verrazzano and Queensboro bridges are especially taxing.
Practice patience at the start
With over 50,000 runners, the early miles are crowded and the Verrazzano Bridge funnels everyone together. Accept a slower first mile and avoid weaving excessively, as this wastes energy you will need later.
Fuel for late-race hills
The Fifth Avenue climb from miles 22 to 24 comes at the worst possible time. Nail your nutrition strategy in training so your legs still have something left for this stretch. Taking a gel before mile 20 can make a huge difference.
Train in November conditions
Race day temperatures can range from near freezing to the mid-50s Fahrenheit, and wind on the bridges can be biting. Do some long runs in cooler weather to dial in your layering strategy and warmth plan for the start corral.
Free training plans
Half marathon to marathon
A free 16-week plan to step up from the half to the full marathon: five runs a week and a long run that builds from 1h 40m to 3 hours.
16 weeksMarathon (16 weeks)
A free 16-week marathon plan: six runs a week, a long run that builds to 2h 45m, a recovery week every fourth week, a peak in week 13 and a three-week taper.
16 weeksMarathon (20 weeks)
A free 20-week marathon plan with a gentle build: five runs a week, a long run that grows to 3 hours, a recovery week every fourth week and a three-week taper.
20 weeksSub-4 hour marathon
A free 16-week plan to break 4 hours in the marathon: six runs a week, goal-pace sessions at 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile) and long runs to 3h 10m.
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