NEW YORK CITY, October 24, 2026 — Nearly 60,000 runners are expected to take over New York City’s streets on Sunday, November 1, for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, marking 50 years of the iconic five-borough course. The anniversary race brings a major route adjustment in the Bronx, extensive traffic restrictions and live national television coverage.
Defending champions Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto and Marcel Hug lead a competitive international field. For runners, spectators and residents, the immediate priorities are start times, transportation, road closures and finding the best places to watch.
NYC Marathon 2026 Live TV and Streaming Schedule
ABC7 New York begins pre-race coverage at 7 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 1. Live racing airs on WABC-TV Channel 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 7 a.m.: ABC7 pre-race coverage.
- 8 a.m.–1 p.m.: Channel 7 live coverage.
- 8–11:30 a.m.: ESPN2 national broadcast.
- 8–11:30 a.m.: Spanish-language coverage on ESPN3.
- 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.: ABC7NY.com finish-line livestream.
- 3–5 p.m.: ABC and Channel 7 finish-line special.
ESPN3 coverage is accessible through the ESPN App and ESPN.com, subject to provider requirements. International broadcast partners include Eurosport in India, TSN in Canada and Fox Sports in Australia.
NYC Marathon Start Times and Five Running Waves
The professional wheelchair races begin at 8 a.m. and 8:02 a.m., followed by handcycles and select athletes with disabilities at 8:22 a.m.
The professional women’s race starts at 8:35 a.m., followed by the professional men’s race at 9:05 a.m.
- Wave 1: 9:10 a.m.
- Wave 2: 9:45 a.m.
- Wave 3: 10:20 a.m.
- Wave 4: 10:55 a.m.
- Wave 5: 11:30 a.m.
All times are Eastern Standard Time. Participants should follow their assigned bib color, wave and corral. Start times remain subject to change.
NYC Marathon Route Changes in the Bronx
The 26.2-mile course starts on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn and continues through Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park.
For the first time in 15 years, organizers have adjusted part of the Bronx route. After crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge, runners will use East 135th Street, Alexander Avenue, East 141st Street, Third Avenue and East 138th Street before crossing the Madison Avenue Bridge.
The change is intended to reduce disruption to neighborhood businesses and residents. Spectators accustomed to previous Bronx viewing locations should consult the updated official New York Road Runners course map.
Road Closures and Bridge Restrictions on November 1
Major traffic restrictions are expected along the marathon corridor, including the Verrazzano-Narrows, Queensboro, Willis Avenue and Madison Avenue bridges.
Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, First Avenue and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and streets around Central Park will also be affected.
Roads will reopen progressively as runners pass and authorities clear the route. Exact closure and reopening times vary, so drivers should check official traffic advisories before travelling.
Major marathons frequently create similar transportation challenges. Washington, DC, is also preparing for the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon road closures and route restrictions on October 25.
Best Spectator Locations and Central Park Finish Access
Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, around miles two through four, offers an early opportunity to watch runners. Williamsburg and Greenpoint provide additional viewing areas between miles 10 and 13.
First Avenue in Manhattan, particularly miles 16–18, is another popular location. Fifth Avenue between East 90th and East 105th streets offers views of runners approaching Central Park.
There is no spectator access at the Staten Island start, on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge or on the Pulaski Bridge.
The finish line is on West Drive near 67th Street in Central Park. Grandstand seating requires tickets, with entry at West 62nd Street and Broadway.
Free standing areas near Columbus Circle are subject to capacity restrictions and security screening. Chairs are not permitted, and access north of the grandstands is restricted.
Organizers recommend using the subway and checking MTA service updates before travelling.
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Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto and Elite Runners to Watch
Defending women’s champion Hellen Obiri returns after breaking the course record in 2025. Her challengers include Sifan Hassan, Sheila Chepkirui, Weini Kelati, Jess McClain and Fiona O’Keeffe.
Men’s defending champion Benson Kipruto faces Geoffrey Kamworor, Abdi Nageeye, Conner Mantz, Zouhair Talbi and Joe Klecker.
Seven-time wheelchair champion Marcel Hug returns alongside Daniel Romanchuk and David Weir. Tatyana McFadden, Catherine Debrunner and Madison de Rozario feature in the women’s wheelchair field.
The competition follows another significant North American distance-running event, with the 2026 Toronto Waterfront Marathon results providing recent context for the autumn marathon season.
Celebrity Runners, Charity Fundraising and Live Tracking
ABC7 anchors Liz Cho and Mike Marza will run in support of the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring longtime colleague Bill Ritter following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
New York Road Runners aims to raise $100 million for official charity partners during the anniversary celebration.
Supporters can follow individual runners through the official NYRR marathon app. Participants should confirm transportation assignments, allow additional travel time and prepare for security checks at the starting area.
With the new Bronx route and thousands of runners arriving in staggered waves, advance planning will be especially important for anyone travelling across the city on marathon Sunday.
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