The 50th TCS New York City Marathon, run through all five boroughs, takes place Sunday, Nov. 1. About 60,000 runners are expected to take part, and ABC7 New York (Channel 7) will begin its coverage at 7 a.m. Spectating is prohibited at the start area and on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and organizers are urging spectators to take the subway.
According to ABC7 New York, the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will take place Sunday, Nov. 1. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the marathon route running through New York's five boroughs, and about 60,000 runners are expected. Channel 7's pre-race coverage begins at 7 a.m., and the national broadcast airs on ESPN2 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Eastern time. Spanish-language coverage will be available during the same hours on ESPN3 (the ESPN app and ESPN.com). Live coverage of the finish line airs from 3 to 5 p.m. on Channel 7 and the ABC national network.
The subway is the recommended way for spectators to get around. Organizers advised checking mta.info before heading out and said questions can also be submitted through the chat feature in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) app. However, ABC7's report did not include road closure locations and times, or changes to bus and commuter rail service. Spectating is prohibited at the start area and on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Here are the viewing points along the course and the nearby subway lines. For Brooklyn's 4th Avenue (miles 2–4), take the R. At mile 8, where 4th Avenue meets Flatbush Avenue, take the B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4 or 5. For Williamsburg and Greenpoint (miles 10–13), take the G, L, M or J. The Pulaski Bridge (mile 13.1, about 21 kilometers), which leads into Queens, is closed to spectators, so many people cheer from the Queens side after the runners cross. Nearby lines for this spot are the 7, G and E.
In Manhattan, First Avenue (miles 16–18) is close to the N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 and F lines, and East Harlem (miles 18–20) is near the 6. The charity cheer zone (First Avenue and 120th Street, miles 19–20) is also reachable by the 6. Before runners enter Central Park, Fifth Avenue from East 90th Street to East 105th Street (miles 23–24) is served by the Q, 4, 5 and 6, and Columbus Circle is served by the A, C, D and 1. The finish line is at Central Park West Drive and 67th Street.
There are two ways to watch at the finish line. The paid grandstand requires a ticket, with entry at West 62nd Street and Broadway. The standing-room area is inside the park, from Columbus Circle to the south end of the grandstand (about 500 feet, or 150 meters, before the finish line), and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation may restrict access if it becomes crowded. Chairs are neither provided nor allowed. The area north of the grandstand is closed to spectators, and security screening is required at all entrances.