The New York City Marathon is the world's largest and most iconic marathon. Running from Staten Island to Central Park through all five boroughs, it's a tour of the city that never sleeps, cheered on by nearly two million spectators. This is the marathon that changed marathon running forever.
The Course
Unlike flat majors like Berlin and Chicago, New York is a challenging course with significant elevation changes. The famous bridge crossings - Verrazzano-Narrows, Pulaski, Queensboro, Willis Avenue, and Madison Avenue - create hill-like efforts that accumulate over 26.2 miles.
Five Boroughs, One Race
The route tells the story of New York:
- Staten Island (Start) - Fort Wadsworth, beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- Brooklyn (miles 1-12) - Diverse neighborhoods, massive crowds
- Queens (miles 13-15) - Queens Boulevard and the Pulaski Bridge
- The Bronx (mile 20) - Brief but loud passage through Mott Haven
- Manhattan (miles 16-20, 21-26.2) - Fifth Avenue, Harlem, Central Park finish
The Queensboro Bridge
Mile 15's Queensboro Bridge crossing is the marathon's defining moment. The long, steady climb is made eerie by the total silence - no spectators allowed on the bridge. Then you emerge onto First Avenue to a wall of sound from screaming crowds. It's one of running's most emotional experiences.
First Avenue
The roar of First Avenue can carry you... or break you. The crowd noise is intoxicating, and many runners make their race-defining mistake here by surging too hard. The smart play is to absorb the energy while maintaining your pace.
Why New York?
New York isn't the fastest course or the easiest to enter. So why do runners dream of it? Because it's New York. Running through the world's most dynamic city, surrounded by millions of cheering strangers, you become part of something bigger than yourself.
The NYC Marathon democratized distance running. When it moved to a five-borough course in 1976, it proved that marathons could be city-wide celebrations, not just athletic events. Every major marathon that followed owes something to New York.
Getting In
New York uses a drawing (lottery) system, but with multiple paths to entry:
- Drawing - Non-guaranteed lottery with ~15% acceptance rate
- 9+1 Program - Run 9 NYRR qualifying races + volunteer at one, guaranteed entry next year
- Time Qualifier - Meet age-graded standards
- International - Through official tour operators (higher odds)
- Charity - Raise minimum amount for official charity partners
The drawing typically opens in January and closes in February, with results announced in March.
Race Day Realities
New York requires different preparation than flat courses:
- Train on hills - The bridges will find any weakness in your hill running
- Start conservatively - The first mile is downhill off the Verrazzano; don't get carried away
- Respect the Queensboro - Mile 15's bridge is where many races fall apart
- Control First Avenue - Enjoy the crowd but don't surge
- Save something for Central Park - The final miles have rolling hills
- Fifth Avenue is LONG - The slight uphill from 90th to 102nd Street feels endless on tired legs
Despite its difficulty, or perhaps because of it, finishing New York feels like an achievement unlike any other marathon.