Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
The 2024 NYC Marathon is on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know.
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Oct 31, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Angela Cranford for NYRR via Getty Images
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Oct 31, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Mere hours after setting their clocks back for the end of daylight saving time, tens of thousands of runners – and no bicycles – will hit the pavement on Sunday for the New York City Marathon.
Whether you’re planning to cheer from the sidelines, watch from home, or just want to avoid getting stuck in traffic, here’s what you need to know.
How’s the weather?
The forecast looks promising for race day conditions, with little wind, mostly sunny skies and temperatures rising from the low 50s to the high 60s throughout the day.
Morning temperatures are set to hover around 50 degrees, and will climb into the low 60s by the afternoon — a sweet spot for both runners and spectators. If you're cheering along, bring layers as well as water, sunscreen and some snacks.
When and where does it start?
The professional divisions kick off the marathon, with wheelchair athletes at 8 a.m., handcycles and select athletes with disabilities at 8:22 a.m., women at 8:35 a.m. and men at 9:05 a.m. Five subsequent waves roll out through 11:30 a.m.
Runners will start on Staten Island and cross the Verrazzano Bridge into Brooklyn. From there, they'll run up to Long Island City, traverse the Queensboro Bridge and move north along First Avenue, with a brief dip into the Bronx before they double back into Manhattan and make for the finish line in Central Park.
There are course maps available here. If you’re planning to watch from the beginning, note that access to the Staten Island starting area is restricted to runners and race personnel.
What roads are closed?
All of them. Just kidding, but seriously – a lot of roads are closed. You can find a list at the bottom of the page here and MTA service changes here.
What are some fun spots to watch from?
If you don’t have access to a friend’s roof, balcony or fire escape on the route, or if you just prefer to be at street level, here are some favorite spots:
- Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn coming up through Bay Ridge and into Park Slope is known for live music and large crowds early in the day, when runners are feeling good.
- First Avenue in Manhattan is often packed with loud, boisterous crowds cheering runners on after the surprisingly tough elevation of the Queensboro Bridge.
- The finish line is inside Central Park at 67th Street on the West Side. Paid tickets are required for the bleacher seating, but you can snag standing spots stretching from Columbus Circle up to the bleachers if you get there early.
How can I watch from home?
If you’re looking to cozy up on the couch, the marathon will be broadcast live. In New York, you can tune in to ABC7 starting at 8 a.m., or stream online here. ESPN2 also carries the race on cable and streaming.
This year's marathon has a new two-hour live show from the finish line that will feature stories of celebrities, athletes and regular runners crossing the finish line. It starts at 3 p.m.
Tagged
new york city
marathon
Ryan Kailath
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Published Oct 8, 2026
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
What happens when NYC kids take lessons in rock music? Really good bands.
By
Jayson Greene
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
By
Sonia Rao
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
By
Alec Hamilton
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .