Time to lace up your running shoes!
The TCS New York City Marathon is officially back on Sunday, November 2, 2025, transforming all five boroughs into one massive block party of endurance, music, and pure NYC spirit.
More than 55,000 runners from over 130 countries will hit the streets for the world’s largest marathon — cheered on by more than two million spectators citywide.
Produced by the nonprofit New York Road Runners (NYRR), this five-borough spectacle is one of the most anticipated days of the year in New York — whether you’re running, cheering, or watching from your couch with a coffee in hand.
Here’s your complete guide to race day, from start times and route details to the best viewing spots, celeb sightings, and everything New Yorkers need to know before the city shuts down for 26.2 miles.
TLDR: Key details for the 2025 NYC Marathon
Race Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Start Location: Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island
Finish Line: Central Park, Manhattan
Participants: ~55,000 runners from 100+ countries
Spectators: 2+ million expected
Charity Impact: $520+ million raised for charity since 2006
Average Finish Time (2024): 4:31:31
The marathon’s starting gun fires at 8 am for the wheelchair division, followed by wave starts from 9:40 am – 11 am for the rest of the runners.
The 2025 NYC Marathon route
Covering 26.2 miles, the race begins on Staten Island and crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn — where crowds roar from Bay Ridge to Park Slope.
Runners then pass through Queens, cross the Pulaski Bridge, and take on the quiet, grueling climb over the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan.
From there, the course winds up First Avenue, into the Bronx, and finally back into Central Park for an unforgettable finish beneath the golden fall leaves.
Marathon weekend events
There’s a full weekend of festivities leading up to race day:
- Opening Ceremony & Parade of Nations — Kick off the weekend with fireworks, live music, and a global celebration featuring runners from 130+ countries.
- Central Park Finish Line, West 67th Street
- Friday, October 31 at 5 pm
- Marathon Expo & Bib Pickup — Pick up your race bib, shop exclusive gear, and feel the pre-race buzz.
- Jacob Javits Convention Center
- Thursday, October 30: 10 am – 8 pm (Bib pickup closes 7:30 pm)
- Friday, October 31: 10 am – 8 pm (Bib pickup closes 7:30 pm)
- Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm (Bib pickup closes 4:30 pm)
Best places to watch the NYC Marathon
Not running? No problem — the NYC Marathon is just as thrilling from the sidelines.
Here are this year’s most electric viewing spots for spectators:
- Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2–4): Early-race adrenaline and massive local crowds.
- Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg & Greenpoint (Miles 9–12): DJs, block parties, and peak Brooklyn energy.
- Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1): Halfway point magic as runners cross into Queens.
- First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16–18): One of the loudest stretches in the world of marathon running.
- Harlem & The Bronx (Miles 19–21): Live gospel, salsa, and Latin beats fill the streets.
- Central Park (Miles 24–26): The grand finale — a sea of color, emotion, and cheers.
🎟 Grandstand Tickets: Reserve finish-line seating through NYRR for the best views at West 67th Street.
How to watch from home
Can’t make it in person? Tune in to the live broadcast:
- WABC-TV, Channel 7: Live from 8:30 am – 1 pm
- ESPN2: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
- Streaming: ABC App, ESPN App, and ESPN3 (7 am – 4:30 pm with finish-line coverage).
2025 Grand Marshal & celebrity runners
Leading this year’s race is former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, serving as Grand Marshal!
Expect plenty of celebrity runners too — from actors and musicians to athletes and influencers — with the official list expected closer to race day.
Planning to run next year?
Entries for the 2026 NYC Marathon will open in January 2026, with three lottery pools:
- NYC Metro Area applicants
- National (U.S.) applicants
- International applicants (including Puerto Rico & territories)
Race-day reminders
- Cyclists are banned from the route again this year for safety — enforcement begins at the starting line in Bay Ridge.
- Expect cool, crisp fall weather: morning lows in the 40s, highs near mid-50s.
- Keep an eye out for NYC Marathon freebies and discounts — many local restaurants, coffee shops, and museums offer deals to runners! More to be announced soon.