On Sunday, November 1, runners from across the globe will descend on the five boroughs for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. However, for the first time in 15 years, the famous 26.2-mile course is getting an update.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the five-borough format—which first took to the streets on October 24, 1976—New York Road Runners (NYRR) has introduced minor adjustments to minimize the event’s impact on local communities in the Bronx.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new 2026 marathon route, whether you’re lacing up your sneakers or cheering from the sidelines.
What’s the new 2026 NYC Marathon route
The major changes this year take place entirely within the Bronx. As the borough has evolved significantly over the last five decades, organizers have slightly rerouted the path to ease congestion.
Here’s exactly how the new Bronx leg will flow:
- After crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge, runners will take a left onto East 135th Street
- Next, they will make a right onto Alexander Avenue, continuing straight
- Instead of the traditional left on East 138th Street, participants will go slightly further and turn left onto East 141st Street
- Finally, runners will take a left onto Third Avenue, followed by a right onto East 138th Street to head across the Madison Avenue Bridge and back into Manhattan
The classic course overview
Aside from the Bronx detour, the beloved marathon route remains mostly untouched.
The race kicks off at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island, offering sweeping, panoramic views before feeding runners into Brooklyn.
After weaving through Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods and making a quick jump into Queens, the pack crosses into Manhattan, heads up into the newly adjusted Bronx section, and sweeps back down into Manhattan.
The final stretch brings runners to a highly scenic finish line in Central Park, just north of the Central Park Zoo.
Course amenities and logistics to keep in mind:
- Hydration: Fluid stations are strategically placed at every mile marker from mile 3 to mile 25 (with the exception of miles 5, 7, and 9)
- Restrooms: Portable toilets will be available at every single mile starting at mile 3
- Street Closures: The entire course is strictly closed to vehicular traffic. If you’re driving in the city, expect sweeping closures and rolling reopenings throughout the weekend
How to watch the 2026 NYC Marathon
Public transit is the easiest way for both spectators and participants to navigate race day, with ferries and buses running early routes to the starting line.
Spectators are highly encouraged to line the streets and show their support anywhere along the course—with the exception of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which is closed to the public.
Check out NYRR’s interactive map below to pinpoint amenities, fluid stations, and the exact path.
Can’t make it to the pavement this year? You can catch the entire race broadcast live locally on WABC-TV, Channel 7, from 8 am to 11:30 am EST.