On Sunday, November 1, 60,000 runners will cross the finish line of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon–and you can get a free front-row seat.
In partnership with New York Road Runners, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced the city is giving away 350 free grandstand tickets to the 26.2-mile run, offering spectators the chance to get in on the action right at the finish line.
Here’s how to score a free ticket.
A front-row seat along the final 200 meters of the course
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon starts in Staten Island and passes through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, before finishing in Central Park.
The free ticket grants you access to the grandstands that will be set up in Central Park, giving spectators and fans the absolute best seat in the house to cheer on runners as they cross the finish line.
Free ticket details: Key dates and how to enter the lottery
350 free tickets will be given away via a lottery to ensure everyone has a fair chance at scoring a ticket.
With the race expected to draw more than two million spectators, securing a ticket may not be so easy–but entering is.
- Lottery Opens: The lottery is now open
- Lottery Closes: Monday, October 26 at 11:59 pm
- Ticket Limit: Two tickets per person
You can enter the lottery now directly on the New York Road Runners website. Winners will be notified if they’ve won tickets shortly after the drawing closes.