The TCS New York City Marathon is the world's largest marathon, drawing over 50,000 runners through all five boroughs of New York City each November. From the starting line on Staten Island to the iconic finish in Central Park, the course delivers an unforgettable tour of the city's diverse neighborhoods with over two million spectators lining the streets.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | New York City Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, November 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Start: Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island / Finish: Central Park |
| Address | Central Park West & 67th Street, New York, NY 10023 |
| Airport | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) |
Expect cool fall weather in early November. Average highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Conditions can range from crisp and sunny to cold and rainy, so pack layers. Race morning temperatures are typically around 7-10°C (45-50°F).
The Venue: Central Park
Central Park serves as the dramatic finish for the New York City Marathon, with runners entering the park at Columbus Circle and completing the final stretch along the park's West Drive. The finish area near Tavern on the Green is surrounded by towering trees and the Manhattan skyline, making it one of the most iconic finish lines in distance running.
What's nearby:
- Columbus Circle — major transit hub and gateway to Central Park, with shops and restaurants at The Shops at Columbus Circle
- Lincoln Center — world-renowned performing arts center just two blocks south of the finish area
- The American Museum of Natural History — located on Central Park West at 79th Street, a short walk from the finish
- Times Square — about a 15-minute walk south, the heart of Midtown Manhattan with endless dining and entertainment
Important: The finish area gets extremely crowded. Arrange a specific meetup point with family and friends well in advance, and be prepared for road closures and limited cell service near the finish line.
Where to Stay
Midtown Manhattan offers the best balance of transit access and proximity to the finish line and expo at the Javits Center. The Upper West Side puts you within walking distance of the Central Park finish. If you are on a budget, Long Island City in Queens offers lower rates with easy subway access.
The New Yorker Hotel — Best for Expo Access
Located directly across from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, The New Yorker Hotel puts you steps from the marathon expo at the Javits Center. The Art Deco landmark offers comfortable rooms and easy access to subway lines that connect to the entire city. A popular choice among marathon runners for its unbeatable Midtown location.
Hotel Beacon — Best for Finish Line Access
Situated on the Upper West Side at Broadway and 75th Street, the Hotel Beacon is a short walk to the Central Park finish area. Rooms feature kitchenettes, which are perfect for pre-race meal prep. The surrounding neighborhood has excellent restaurants and a relaxed feel compared to Midtown.
Pod 51 — Best Budget Option
Pod 51 on East 51st Street offers compact but smartly designed rooms at a fraction of typical Midtown prices. The hotel is close to multiple subway lines and within reasonable distance of both the expo and Central Park. Ideal for runners who plan to spend most of their time out exploring the city.
Getting There
From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is located approximately 24 km (15 miles) southeast of Midtown Manhattan in Queens.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + Subway | ~75 min | $10.75 | AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then E train to Midtown |
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~60 min | $70-90 (flat fare to Manhattan) | Flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip for taxis |
| NYC Airporter Bus | ~90 min | $19 | Stops at Grand Central, Port Authority, Penn Station |
The AirTrain to subway combination is the most reliable option, as it avoids traffic on the expressways. If arriving at LaGuardia (LGA), which is closer to Manhattan, the M60 bus connects to subway lines for about $2.90.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (subway or bus) | $2.90 |
| 7-day unlimited MetroCard | $34.00 |
| OMNY single tap | $2.90 |
Purchase an OMNY-compatible contactless card or use Apple Pay/Google Pay for seamless subway and bus travel. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard is excellent value if you are staying several days for race weekend.
Where to Eat
Hell's Kitchen (9th and 10th Avenues, 40s-50s Streets) — the go-to neighborhood for pre-race carb loading, packed with Italian restaurants, Thai spots, and affordable eateries within walking distance of the Javits Center expo. Upper West Side (Columbus Avenue, Amsterdam Avenue) — quieter neighborhood dining near the finish line, with plenty of pasta spots and brunch places for your post-race celebration.
New York City Food to Try
- New York-style pizza — grab a massive foldable slice from Joe's Pizza or Prince Street Pizza for the quintessential NYC experience
- Bagels — get a fresh everything bagel with cream cheese from Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters for a perfect pre-race breakfast
- Pastrami sandwich — the towering pastrami on rye at Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side is a must-try NYC institution
- Dollar dumplings — Chinatown's Vanessa's Dumpling House serves incredible pork and chive dumplings at unbeatable prices
- Chopped cheese — a Harlem-born bodega sandwich of ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a hero roll
Budget eating: NYC bodegas and halal carts offer filling meals for $5-10. The Halal Guys cart at 53rd and 6th is legendary. Chinatown and the East Village are goldmines for affordable, high-quality food.
Essential New York City Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Card is accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for bodegas, food carts, and small shops. Tipping. Standard 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20% for taxi rides. Language. English is the primary language, though you will hear dozens of languages spoken across the city's diverse neighborhoods. Weather in November. Highs around 13°C (55°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F). Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket. Safety. New York City is generally safe for tourists. Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, keep belongings secure on the subway, and stick to well-lit streets at night.
What to See
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island — take the ferry from Battery Park for an up-close look at America's most iconic landmark
- Brooklyn Bridge — walk across this historic suspension bridge for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River
- The High Line — an elevated linear park built on a former rail line running through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District
- Top of the Rock — observation deck atop Rockefeller Center offering panoramic views of Central Park and the Empire State Building
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum — the deeply moving memorial and museum at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — one of the world's greatest art museums, located on the eastern edge of Central Park at 82nd Street
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | John F. Kennedy International (JFK), ~60 min to Midtown |
| Venue | Start: Staten Island / Finish: Central Park |
| Nearest station | 72nd Street (B/C) or Columbus Circle (1/A/B/C/D) |
| Transport to venue | Subway to Upper West Side; official buses to start |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely, but useful for food carts and bodegas |
| Language | English |
| Weather | 6-13°C (43-55°F), cool and variable |
| Tipping | 18-20% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 911 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.