Race Preview
The New York City Marathon is a five-borough test that punishes early surges and rewards discipline. The Verrazzano climb sets the tone, Brooklyn supplies rhythm, Queensboro goes silent and steep, First Avenue tempts overreaching, and Central Park decides who managed the day. Expect a deeper mass field than ever and headline storylines at the sharp end, with stars slated to appear and over 200,000 hopefuls having chased a place through the drawing and other guaranteed paths.
| What to watch | Why it matters | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Elite headliners | Global stars are slated to light up a tactical course. | Reuters report |
| Route specifics | Five boroughs, five bridges, late hills in Central Park. | Official course |
| Spectator flow | Best viewing spots and transit guidance. | Spectator guide |
Key Facts About the Race
Course at a glance
- 26.2 miles through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan
- Signature segments: Verrazzano climb, Brooklyn rhythm, Queensboro Bridge, First Avenue surge, Central Park rollers
- Official map and turns: NYRR course page
How runners get in
| Path | Basics | Primary link |
|---|---|---|
| Non-guaranteed drawing | Application window each February; results announced in March | 2025 Entry hub |
| Time qualifier | Meet posted standards within the qualifying window | Time standards |
| Charity bibs | Fundraise with an NYRR charity partner; bib + training support | Charity program |
| 9+1 program | Complete 9 NYRR races + 1 volunteer credit for next year’s guaranteed entry | 9+1 details |
| International travel partner | Book packages with official operators that include bibs | Marathon Tours & Travel |
Headliners to watch
- Organizers announced Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan for 2025.
- Follow official updates as the full professional field is finalized.
Broadcast and spectators
- How to watch and international streaming will post on NYRR’s Watch the Race page.
- Spectator do’s and don’ts plus viewing zones: Spectator Guide.
- Transit plans and service changes: MTA race-day notes.
The Course
The New York City Marathon is not a flat, record-chasing track like Berlin or Chicago. It is a tactical course with five major bridge climbs, shifting road cambers, and a final grind through Central Park. Runners must balance patience with courage as the route moves through five distinct boroughs, each with its own crowd flavor and terrain challenges.
Staten Island – The Launch
The cannon fires, and the field immediately climbs the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. It is the steepest ascent of the day and notorious for punishing runners who go out too hard. Winds can be strong here, with temperatures colder than the rest of the course.
- Start staging in Fort Wadsworth
- Two-mile climb followed by a steep descent into Brooklyn
- Panoramic views of Lower Manhattan
Brooklyn – Rhythm and Energy
For 11 miles, Brooklyn delivers nonstop noise: church choirs, DJs, and family tables handing out oranges. The wide avenues help runners find rhythm, but the temptation to push early is strong.
- Flat to gently rolling terrain
- Fourth Avenue and Bedford Avenue lined with fans
- Key section for pacing and fuel intake
Queens – The Halfway Point
Runners hit the halfway mark near Pulaski Bridge. The crowds thin slightly, and attention turns to the upcoming Queensboro Bridge, a silent, steep climb with no spectators allowed on the span.
- Pulaski Bridge climb into Queens
- Half-marathon split zone
- Preparation for Queensboro Bridge challenge
Manhattan & The Bronx – Noise and Grind
The turn onto First Avenue in Manhattan unleashes a wall of sound. Runners surge here, often too aggressively. After 16 miles, the course heads north before a quick loop in the Bronx, a short but critical stretch.
- First Avenue crowd energy is legendary
- Rolling terrain wears down the legs
- The Bronx introduces late-race fatigue
Central Park – The Decider
The final 10 kilometers decide who managed the marathon correctly. Rolling hills through Central Park reward steady pacing and punish anyone who attacked too soon.
- Cat Hill and Central Park rollers
- Massive crowds on Central Park South
- Finish line at Tavern on the Green
| Mile Marker | Location | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | Steep climb & descent, wind exposure |
| 3–13 | Brooklyn | Crowd energy, pacing discipline |
| 14 | Pulaski Bridge into Queens | Halfway climb, tight turns |
| 15–16 | Queensboro Bridge | Silent, steep ascent, mental test |
| 17–20 | Manhattan, First Avenue | Noise temptation to surge |
| 21 | Bronx | Short but draining loop |
| 22–26.2 | Manhattan & Central Park | Rolling hills, fatigue, tactical finish |
Elite Field
The 2025 elite field brings a mix of legends, defending champions, and hungry challengers. This year’s headlines are dominated by Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan, two of the most decorated distance runners of all time. Both have confirmed their participation, setting up one of the most anticipated editions in marathon history.
Eliud Kipchoge’s NYC Debut
The two-time Olympic marathon champion and former world record holder will make his long-awaited debut in New York. Known for his dominance on the flat courses of Berlin and London, Kipchoge now faces the tactical challenge of the five bridges and Central Park’s late hills.
- Career wins: 10+ World Marathon Majors
- Personal best: 2:01:09 (Berlin 2022)
- Only missing major before completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors
Sifan Hassan’s Return
Hassan stunned the running world with her debut marathon win in London 2023 and followed up with a victory in New York later that year. Her blend of 1500m speed and marathon endurance makes her one of the most versatile athletes in history. A repeat in 2025 would cement her dominance.
- Olympic gold medalist (1500m, 5000m, 10,000m)
- 2023 NYC Marathon Champion
- Known for aggressive surges and fearless tactics
Other Contenders
The rest of the professional field is still being finalized, but several names are expected to compete based on past appearances and current form:
| Athlete | Country | Notable Results | Possible NYC Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoffrey Kamworor | Kenya | Two-time NYC Marathon champion | Knows the course, thrives on tactical races |
| Peres Jepchirchir | Kenya | Olympic champion, NYC 2021 winner | Strong finisher, suited for Central Park hills |
| Brigid Kosgei | Kenya | Former marathon world record holder | Will push the pace early if healthy |
| Des Linden | USA | 2018 Boston Marathon champion | Fan favorite, tactical experience |
“The bridges are not just physical barriers, they are mental ones. Whoever handles them best usually wins New York.”
Mass Participation
The heartbeat of New York is the mass field: club runners, charity teams, and first-timers who earned a bib through the drawing, time standards, NYRR programs, or travel partners. Demand is at an all-time high, so planning matters.
How to Get In
| Path | Key points | Primary link |
|---|---|---|
| General drawing | Application window typically mid-February with results in early March. | 2025 Entry hub |
| Time qualifier | Meet posted standards within Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025. Net time used. | Time standards |
| 9+1 program | Complete 9 NYRR races + 1 volunteer credit for next year’s guaranteed entry. | 9+1 details |
| Charity bibs | Fundraise with an Official Charity Partner; guaranteed entry once accepted. | Charity program |
| International travel partners | Packaged bib + hotel and logistics via approved operators. | International partners |
Fees and Fundraising Snapshot
| Category | Typical cost range | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYRR member entry | Varies | Exact pricing and policies on NYRR site. | NYRR entry hub |
| Charity fundraising | $2,500–$5,000+ | Minimums vary by partner; perks may include buses and tents. | Charity partners |
| Travel partner packages | Package pricing | Hotel + bib + logistics; check inventory. | Marathon Tours |
Checklist: Before You Apply
- Confirm passport and ESTA/visa timelines if traveling internationally.
- Verify qualifying race rules and eligible time windows.
- Pick a fundraising cause and check benefits on the charity page.
- Decide on travel partner vs. DIY bookings; compare total costs.
- Set up your NYRR account and membership status before the drawing.
Training and Community
Heat Map: How People Get Their Bibs
Race-Week Logistics
- Packet pickup at the TCS NYC Marathon Expo, Javits Center.
- Assign your Expo time slot and confirm bus or ferry on the Transportation to the Start page.
- Family and friends should review NYRR’s Spectator Guide for suggested viewing zones and transit tips.
Travel and Accommodation
New York fills fast for marathon week. Lock flights early, book refundable rooms, and plan your transit to the start well in advance. Use official information for transport, bib pickup, and race-day movements.
For International Runners
- Visa and entry: review your country’s ESTA/visa rules via your government portal.
- Packages with guaranteed entry and logistics: Marathon Tours & Travel.
- Official race hub for schedules and updates: NYRR marathon page.
Booking Timeline
| When | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 months out | Hold refundable hotel near finish or near subway to finish | Inventory tightens around Central Park and Midtown |
| 3–5 months out | Book flights to JFK/EWR/LGA and add airport transfer plan | Fares rise closer to race week |
| Race week | Confirm Expo slot and start transport option | Avoid lines and last-minute confusion |
Where to Stay
Airports and Transfers
Getting to the Start
- Official options: Buses and Staten Island Ferry. Choose and confirm your slot in your runner profile.
- Arrive early. Security and staging at Fort Wadsworth take time.
- Pack a throwaway layer. The bridge can be windy and cold.
Pre-Race Eating and Hydration
Packing Checklist
- Two kits with weather options
- Throwaway layer and gloves
- Gels and salt tabs you’ve trained with
- Clear bag and label per NYRR instructions
- Passport/ID and medical insurance
- Portable charger and US plug adapter
- Hotel confirmation and Expo QR code
- Slides or recovery shoes
- Electrolytes and snacks for finish
- Warm layer for post-race walk
Common Mistakes
- Booking a distant hotel without checking subway lines to the finish.
- Underestimating Expo time and Saturday crowds.
- Skipping a race-morning snack due to early transport.
- Wearing new shoes or kit on race day.
Spectator Guide
New York rewards prepared spectators. Pick a borough, plan your route, and time your moves around road closures and packed platforms. Use official sources for live service changes and course access notes.
Top Viewing Spots
| Location | Miles | Vibe | Nearest Subway | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Ave, Brooklyn | 3–8 | Wall of sound, wide roads | R, D, N lines | Great early look; easy to reposition later |
| Bedford Ave, Williamsburg | 11–12 | Neighborhood bands, cafes | L line | Arrive early for curb space |
| Queensboro Bridge Exit, 1st Ave | 16 | Iconic roar | N, W, R, 4/5/6 | Elite surge point; very crowded |
| Harlem, 125th St | 20 | Live music, decisive mile | 4/5/6, A/B/C/D | Good for tracking mid-packers |
| Central Park South | 25–26 | Final push drama | N/Q/R/W, 1 | Barricaded; plan entry points |
Transit Playbook
- Use the MTA for subways and race-day advisories. Expect station crowding near First Ave and Central Park South.
- Avoid driving along the route. Cross-town buses are rerouted or delayed.
- For two-spot plans, pair an early Brooklyn location with a Midtown or Central Park finish vantage.
- Bring a contact plan. Cellular networks slow near peak zones.
Timing Estimator
Use these splits to time your moves for a 3:00, 3:30, or 4:00 finish. Add 5–10 minutes for corrals and wave offsets.
| Mile | 3:00 pace | 3:30 pace | 4:00 pace | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0:34 | 0:39 | 0:46 | Brooklyn rhythm |
| 10 | 1:08 | 1:19 | 1:31 | Crowds build |
| Half | 1:30 | 1:45 | 2:00 | Pulaski Bridge split |
| 16 | 1:50 | 2:09 | 2:27 | Queensboro exit roar |
| 20 | 2:16 | 2:38 | 3:00 | Harlem grind |
| Finish | 3:00 | 3:30 | 4:00 | Central Park South drama |
Meet-Up Strategy
- Pick a fixed landmark rather than a moving target. For the finish, use streets off Central Park West.
- Share a simple plan with a backup time window. Networks slow during peak finish waves.
- Use tracking if available via NYRR’s app or broadcast partners.
Spectator Etiquette
Economic and Cultural Impact
The New York City Marathon is one of the city’s largest annual sports events, driving tourism, media attention, and fundraising across all five boroughs. Hotels fill, restaurants surge, and millions follow along in person and on broadcast.
Why It Matters to New York
- Visitor demand concentrates around Midtown, the Upper West Side, and transit hubs near Central Park.
- City agencies coordinate staffing, transport, medical coverage, and road closures across five boroughs.
- Local businesses benefit from race-week footfall, especially in Brooklyn and Manhattan corridors on the route.
Fundraising and Community
The marathon is a major engine for charity. Thousands of runners secure bibs through nonprofits and convert miles into donations.
| Channel | Typical mechanism | Example links |
|---|---|---|
| Official Charity Partner Program | Guaranteed entry with minimum fundraising commitment | Program overview |
| Large health charities | Team kits, buses to start, training plans | Partner list |
| Local initiatives | Neighborhood-based causes and community groups | NYRR community |
Media Reach and Broadcast
- Domestic and international rights are announced closer to race week. Check NYRR’s Watch the Race page.
- Digital streams and mobile apps typically include leader tracking and course cameras.
- Local stations provide morning coverage from Staten Island through the Central Park finish.
Illustrative Impact Bars
Cultural Signature
The marathon doubles as a citywide festival. Neighborhood bands, school groups, and volunteer crews line the streets. For many New Yorkers, cheering has become an annual tradition that stitches boroughs together for one day.
“New York’s marathon is the one day the whole city runs in the same direction.”
Updates and Live News
This section tracks official announcements: elite fields, wave times, expo details, transport notes, and broadcast information. Verify time-sensitive items on NYRR channels before acting.
Official Feeds
Media & Headlines
Live Update Board
Change Log
| Date | Item | Summary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-10 | Headline athletes | Kipchoge and Hassan reported for NYC 2025 | Reuters |
| 2025-03-05 | Applications | Record 200,000+ drawing applications reported | Reuters |
| TBD | Wave times | Exact start schedule posted on NYRR | NYRR |
| TBD | Broadcast | Domestic and international rights confirmed | Watch the Race |
FAQ
When is the 2025 New York City Marathon and what time does it start?
How can I enter if I missed the drawing?
Where is bib pickup and what do I need to bring?
How do I get to the start on Staten Island?
Is the course flat? What are the hardest parts?
How can friends and family watch or track me?
What weather should I expect and how should I dress?
What are typical charity fundraising minimums?
Can I bring my own bottles or use on-course nutrition only?
Final Thoughts
The New York City Marathon is more than a race — it is a citywide celebration that blends elite competition with grassroots participation. The course is tactical, the crowds are relentless, and the logistics are complex. Runners, spectators, and planners alike should treat preparation with respect. Whether you line up on Staten Island, cheer from First Avenue, or follow online, November 2, 2025 will deliver a showcase of endurance and community at scale.
“If you are lucky enough to run New York once, you will want to run it forever.”
For Runners
- Respect the bridges — they decide outcomes.
- Plan race-week logistics early: Expo, transport, meals, recovery.
- Use NYRR tools for tracking, wave info, and transport bookings.
For Spectators
- Pick one or two viewing spots — transit is limited between boroughs during the race.
- Pack layers, snacks, and a portable charger for long waits.
- Use official guides for safe access points and subway updates.
For the City
- The marathon showcases New York’s diversity and resilience.
- Economic impact spreads across hotels, restaurants, and transit.
- Volunteer and charity networks mobilize on an unmatched scale.
