The New York City Marathon 2026 takes over the five boroughs on Sunday, November 1, 2026. It is the 55th running of the race and the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course. More than 55,000 runners will cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and chase the finish line in Central Park.
This guide covers everything for the TCS New York City Marathon: the date, NYC Marathon start times, TV and streaming, the route, prize money, course records, and the defending champions.
When Is the New York City Marathon 2026?
The New York City Marathon 2026 is on Sunday, November 1, 2026, on the first Sunday of November as always. Clocks go back one hour overnight, so you get an extra hour of sleep, and race-day times are Eastern.
NYC Marathon Start Times
The first athletes leave at 8:00 a.m. ET with the professional wheelchair divisions. Wave starts then run through the late morning.
The professional women start at 8:35 a.m. and the professional men at 9:05 a.m. Start times can shift by a few minutes, so confirm on race week.
Expected Finish Times
These estimates show when the front of each division should reach Central Park.
You can live-track any runner in the free TCS New York City Marathon App.
How to Watch the NYC Marathon 2026 Live
- New York tri-state area: WABC-TV, Channel 7. The pre-race show starts at 7:00 a.m.
- Rest of the U.S.: ESPN2
- International viewers: live stream through the New York City Marathon App
Coverage is also available on the ABC7 stream and the ESPN app. Check your local listings for exact streaming details.
New York City Marathon 2026 Route Map
The 26.2-mile NYC Marathon route starts on Staten Island and crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. It then runs through Queens, over the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, and into the Bronx. It returns to Manhattan and finishes in Central Park at 67th Street on West Drive.
Best places to watch in person: Brooklyn, First Avenue in Manhattan, and near the finish in Central Park are the busiest spectator areas. Expect large crowds and road closures along the course.
Defending Champions at the New York City Marathon 2026
- Women’s open: Hellen Obiri (Kenya), 2:19:51 in 2025, a course record
- Men’s open: Benson Kipruto (Kenya), 2:08:09 in a photo-finish win in 2025
- Wheelchair: Marcel Hug (men) and Susannah Scaroni (women)
New York City Marathon 2026 Prize Money
Prize money is equal for men and women. To qualify, runners must finish in 3 hours, 10 minutes or less. A course record earns an extra $50,000, and the top American finishers in the men’s and women’s races each receive $25,000.
NYC Marathon Course Records
New York City Marathon 2026 Weather
Early November in New York is usually cool and dry, with starts in the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit. Wind can be a factor on the bridges. Check the forecast on race week.
Celebrity Runners
New York Road Runners usually announces celebrity participants closer to race day. Check the official NYRR channels for the latest names.
How to Run the 2027 New York City Marathon
The common routes in are:
- The 9+1 Program: run nine NYRR races and volunteer once
- Charity running: raise money for an official charity partner
- Time qualifying: meet the standard for your age group
- The ballot: a lottery drawn from three pools: NYC metro area, national, and international
Ballot details for 2027 aren’t out yet. It will likely open in February or March.
FAQs
What date is the New York City Marathon 2026?
It is on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
What time does the New York City Marathon 2026 start?
The first start is 8:00 a.m. ET with the men’s professional wheelchair division. The professional women start at 8:35 a.m. and the professional men at 9:05 a.m.
What channel is the New York City Marathon on?
WABC-TV (Channel 7) covers it in the New York area, and ESPN2 covers the rest of the U.S.
How long is the New York City Marathon route?
It is 26.2 miles through all five boroughs, from Staten Island to Central Park.
How much do winners get at the New York City Marathon 2026?
The champion in each open race receives $100,000. A course record adds $50,000.
Who won the 2025 New York City Marathon?
Hellen Obiri won the women’s race in 2:19:51, a course record, and Benson Kipruto won the men’s race in 2:08:09.
What are the NYC Marathon course records?
The open records are 2:04:58 for men (Tamirat Tola, 2023) and 2:19:51 for women (Hellen Obiri, 2025).
