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Watch for the 52nd New York City Marathon to kick off on Sunday morning, November 3, 2024 beginning at 9AM with an expected field of 50,000 runners.

For complete TV coverage. tune in to local ABC television on Channel 7 in New York City, and nationwide on ESPN2.


All about the New York City Marathon

What began in Central Park with a 127 runners in 1970 has grown to become an international event, which includes almost 50,000 runners from around the world in one of the largest and most famous running competitions.

Where else? In New York City, where an estimated 2 million spectators pack the sidewalks each year to cheer on a friend, a relative, or famous celebrity in a marathon truly energized by a carnival party atmosphere, stretching from Staten Island to midtown Manhattan.

New York Marathon official route

The New York City Marathon starts on the Staten Island side of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, then proceeds through Brooklyn and Queens.

Crossing into Manhattan, via the Queensborough Bridge, the race next makes its way up to the Bronx and then south again to Manhattan ... where the finish line awaits at Central Park.

Best New York Marathon viewing

In Manhattan, First Avenue and 59th Street traditionally provides the most dramatic views as runners spill down the ramp of the Queensborough Bridge (at the 16-mile mark) for a sharp turn on First Avenue to speed their way uptown. Otherwise, the best spectator viewing - and most elbow room - can be found on First Avenue between 65th and 96th Streets.

In Brooklyn, any spot along Fourth Avenue, the longest NYC Marathon stretch, comes highly recommended. In Queens, the best spots lie along 51st Street and 44th Drive from Vernon to Crescent Street. Meanwhile, up north in the Bronx, 138th Street from Alexander Avenue to Third Avenue provides that borough's prime viewing.

DID YOU KNOW? New York City Marathon trivia & fun facts

AND THE CROWD ROARS: 2 million onlookers strong.

• More than 2 million New Yorkers come out to line the 26.2 mile course to cheer on participants every year.

• In its inaugural year, a total of 127 runners ran the entire 26.2 miles around Central Park.

• Today, with a total purse of more than $800,000, the New York City Marathon first prize winners get to take home a cool $100,000.

• Oprah ran her first New York City Marathon race in 1994, and finished in a remarkable time (for a beginner) of 4:29.20. Although she was one of the first celebrities to run a marathon, she inspired a host of other famous names to enter the race including Katie Holmes, Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Pamela Anderson, Alicia Keys, Kevin Hart, Mario Lopez, and many more.

• Insider Tip: the borough of Brooklyn is the flattest and therefore easiest stretch of the entire course.

More about the New York City Marathon around the Web:

Around the Web, check out more detailed course descriptions with related maps, pictures, stories, history and trivia, stats and running times plus lots more on the world's biggest block party that is the New York City Marathon...

2024 New York City Marathon - Here's the official site with info on this year's race, entry details, participant list, race week events, feature stories, athlete bios, complete results from every marathon, or get your official New York City Marathon T-shirt at the online store...

New York Road Runners - The club that started it all, with the latest news, results, marathon entry information, training, strategy and fitness guides.

TCS New York City Marathon - Race Details - Check out the complete skinny on marathon stats dating back to 2000, with visitor reviews and course descriptions from marathoners.

also see -> Running & Jogging Guides | London Marathon | Boston Marathon | Chicago Marathon

also see in Gift Ideas -> Gift ideas for joggers