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NYPD will take to the skies and the streets for NYC Marathon security, officials say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 29, 2025
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Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 29, 2025
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The NYPD says it will take to the seas, skies and sidewalks to make sure the 50,000 runners and roughly 1 million spectators at the New York City Marathon stay safe during one of the world's biggest and best-known races.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there are no specific or credible threats targeting this year’s race, which starts at 8 a.m. Sunday and will feature athletes from at least 150 countries. But she said the police department will be out in force across the city, deploying both discreet and obvious security measures.
“ New Yorkers will see an increased police presence with thousands of NYPD officers posted along the entire route, from Staten Island to the Bronx to Central Park,” Tisch said at a safety briefing Wednesday morning. “They'll be supported by specialized units across the department, including our emergency service unit, mounted unit, canine, harbor, aviation and our bomb squad.”
Police helicopters and drones will hover above the crowds, while strategic blocker cars and metal barriers will be positioned to protect runners and spectators, Tisch said. Intelligence teams will monitor social media in real time.
“ Cops will be out there to keep you safe, but we ask everyone to stay alert,” Tisch said. “If you see something, say something, let a police officer know or call 9-1-1.”
Security near the finish line in Central Park will be especially tight. Spectators hoping to enter the park should prepare to have their bags inspected, Tisch said. No weapons, coolers, oversized bags, chairs or umbrellas will be allowed in. Spectators are also not allowed to use their own drones.
Street closures will start early Sunday morning, and Tisch warned residents to respect “no parking” signs along the route.
Bridge closures will happen at the following times:
- The upper level of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge will close at 11 p.m. Saturday.
- The lower level of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge will close at 7 a.m. Sunday.
- The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge will close at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
- The Pulaski Bridge will close at 7:15 a.m. Sunday.
- The Willis and Madison Avenue Bridges will close at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
The bridges will reopen once the last runners have cleared each segment, Tisch said.
“ Drivers should expect rolling closures and heavy delays near the route. We encourage everyone to use mass transit whenever possible,” she added.
More than a million spectators are expected to line the 26.2 mile course to cheer on the runners this year, according to the NYPD.
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new york city
public safety
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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