New York City Marathon 2024: What You Need to Know

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The New York Metropolis Marathon is greater than only a race. It’s an iconic occasion that brings runners, spectators, and metropolis dwellers collectively. It’s three components operating and one half occasion. And it’s a grind, boasting a race course that many marathoners love, and others like to hate. There isn’t a different operating occasion fairly prefer it.

This 12 months, the race falls on Sunday, November 3. That morning, greater than 50,000 runners will pour into the beginning corrals. They may come from all 50 states and greater than 150 international locations. For those who’re one among these runners, you most likely already know that it is a powerful race—some may argue the toughest of the World Marathon Majors. One factor is for positive although, contributors who courageous the bridges, deal with the elevation beneficial properties, and embrace the large crowds can brag about that Central Park end for a lifetime.

On this final New York Metropolis Marathon information, we undergo every thing you must learn about marathon weekend, together with who to look at, how one can navigate the race expo, marathon begin and end occasions, a preview of the course, the place to spectate, and probably the most up-to-date climate forecast.

Desk of Contents

Who to Watch

The 2024 New York Metropolis Marathon guarantees to serve up thrilling races, with Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia defending the boys’s title and Kenya’s Hellen Obiri defending the ladies’s. Final 12 months, Tola, 33, broke a 12-year-old course report with a time of two hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds. He adopted that effort up by profitable the Paris Olympics marathon with yet one more course report of two:06:26, notably as an alternative choice to injured teammate Sisay Lemma. The 33-year-old Obiri, a three-time Olympic medalist and seven-time world championship winner who trains in Boulder, Colorado, has had a busy previous couple of years. In 2023, she grew to become the primary girl in 34 years to win each the Boston and New York Metropolis Marathons in the identical calendar 12 months. This 12 months, she received the Boston Marathon once more in April after which took the bronze medal within the marathon on the Paris Olympics. Each defending champs might want to face some critical adversity to be dethroned from their first-place slots.

The challengers are considerable, beginning with Somali-born Belgian runner Bashir Abdi, who took silver in final 12 months’s New York Metropolis Marathon behind Tola. 2022 New York Metropolis Marathon champ Evans Chebet, of Kenya, suffered an achilles damage final 12 months and withdrew from the 2023 race. This 12 months, he’s wholesome and coming off of a third-place end within the 2024 Boston Marathon. America will showcase its top-tier expertise with Conner Mantz and Clayton Younger, who’re each making their New York Metropolis marathon debut after inserting eighth and ninth within the Paris Olympic marathon, and CJ Albertson, who simply set a brand new private finest of two:08:17 within the Chicago Marathon on October 13.

Obiri faces a number of key opponents vying for the crown, like Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi, who received the 2022 New York Metropolis Marathon and positioned fourth on the Paris Olympics marathon. Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba will likely be returning to the marathon distance after 4 years, most lately ending the 2018 Berlin Marathon with a time of two:18:55. However the quickest private finest within the girls’s elite subject is held by Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui, who completed second on the 2023 Berlin Marathon with a time of two:17:49, about six seconds behind Tigist Assefa’s world report.

American Dakotah Popehn (nee Lindwurm) can even toe the road, having most lately positioned twelfth within the Paris Olympic marathon in 2:26:44, together with different prime Individuals Des Linden, Kellyn Taylor, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and Jessica McClain.

How one can Choose Up Your Bib on the New York Metropolis Marathon Expo

As quickly as you get into New York Metropolis, choose up your bib on the New York Metropolis Marathon Expo on the next dates and at this location:

Dates: October 31 – November 2

Location: Jacob Ok. Javits Conference Heart, Halls 3B, 3D, and 3E, at eleventh Avenue at West thirty sixth Avenue

The NYRR web site says you should reserve a time slot by logging into your NYRR account, navigating to the dashboard, after which deciding on “My Registered Occasions.” You may schedule your bib pickup as much as November 2 at 4 P.M. EST. Once you go to seize your bib, be sure to carry photograph ID.

For those who’re going to gear examine objects to choose up on the finish of the race (extremely beneficial), that is once you’ll get the bag you want.

How one can Get to the Expo

The easiest way to get to the expo is through public transportation. The subway is the best solution to get there. The closest station is thirty fourth Avenue–Hudson Yards on the 7 prepare line. It’s a couple of half-mile stroll to the Javits Heart from the station. Or you possibly can stroll a couple of mile from thirty fourth Avenue–Penn Station, which is served by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway strains.

For those who’re already in Midtown, the Javits Heart is shut sufficient to stroll to. If the subway appears overwhelming, you possibly can stroll from Penn Station or, to be trustworthy, virtually anyplace in Manhattan. In fact, don’t spend an excessive amount of time in your ft earlier than race day. Cabs and rideshares are good choices as nicely, however visitors may be very heavy in Midtown, and it would take you a very long time to journey a brief distance.

What to Count on on the Expo

After you have your bib and race swag in hand, make your solution to the expo. Right here, you should buy extra New York Metropolis Marathon branded gear, seize final minute requirements, and discover the newest and best operating merchandise available on the market from all of your favourite manufacturers.

NYRR additionally offers course technique classes in English, Spanish, and ASL beginning at 11 A.M. on October 31 by means of Saturday, November 2 at 4 P.M. Test right here to see which session you possibly can attend. On the Citizen’s Stage, there are attention-grabbing panels and discussions along with your favourite operating influencers, journalists, and elite runners each previous and current.

How one can Gear Test a Bag

For those who select to gear examine heat clothes and cozy sneakers to vary into after you cross the end line, you’re going to get the gear examine bag on the race expo once you choose up your race bib. When you pack your bag, you possibly can drop it at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. on November 1-2.

What Will the Climate Be for the Race?

For the early waves, the climate forecast seems like marathon perfection with cloudy skies and temperatures hovering simply above 50 levels at 8 A.M. By 10 A.M, the temps will begin rising into the higher 50s. Nonetheless, not too unhealthy. By 11 A.M., will probably be slightly hotter and attain 60 levels with a day by day excessive of 63 levels. The humidity is anticipated to hover round 70 p.c, which is typical for New York this time of 12 months. Proper now, there isn’t a likelihood of precipitation and calm winds as much as 10 miles per hour.

Grand Marshal Vitality

Who’s kicking off the race this 12 months? 5-time Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas will function this 12 months’s New York Metropolis Marathon grand marshal and can make appearances at each the beginning and end strains. You too can be part of or tune in to listen to her at 3 P.M on October 31 on the Residents Stage on the New York Metropolis Marathon Expo for a reside recording of NYRR’s Set the Tempo podcast.

What Time Does the New York Metropolis Marathon Begin?

The race begins in waves, with the primary athletes hitting the course at 8 A.M. Right here’s the rundown:

8A.M. – Skilled wheelchair division

8:22 A.M. – Handcycle athletes and choose athletes with disabilities

8:40 A.M. – Skilled girls

9:05 A.M. – Skilled males

9:10 A.M. – Wave 1

9:45 A.M. – Wave 2

10:20 A.M. – Wave 3

10:55 A.M. – Wave 4

11:30 A.M. – Wave 5

The New York Metropolis Marathon Course

The New York Metropolis Marathon is an epic journey by means of all 5 boroughs. It’s a battle thanks partially to its complete elevation acquire being about 900 ft. (Examine that to Chicago’s 310 ft!)

Miles 1-2: Staten Island

This marathon is unforgiving proper from the beginning as you’ll face the infamous Verrazzano Bridge within the first mile.

“The Verrazzano-Narrows bridge on marathon day is greater than an emblem. It’s a hill,” writes Roger Robinson on this tribute to the primary mile of the marathon. “The very best level on the course lies on the finish of an extended uphill drag of virtually a mile, and down once more.”

Miles 3-8: Brooklyn Half 1

Get by means of a little bit of drudgery on the lengthy stretch that’s Fourth Avenue. It’s about 4 miles of flat operating and alternative to sit back in cruise management. The course will slim in locations right here, so watch your footing.

Miles 8-12: Downtown Brooklyn

When you hit Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the occasion begins. Plenty of spectators, a lot of power, a lot of NYC love. You may end up wrapped up within the vibe and dashing alongside, particularly by means of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Attempt to soak it in with out choosing up your tempo and mentally put together for the eleventh mile in Williamsburg, which will likely be comparatively quiet.

Miles 13-15: Queens

Cross the Pulaski Bridge into Queens, the place it’s flat and quick. Oh, and midway throughout that bridge means you might be midway into the race! The Queensboro Bridge is forward, which will likely be a quiet ascent that some runners dread. Others, although, thrive on this second as you head into Manhattan.

Miles 16-19: Manhattan

Go off the Queensboro Bridge onto First Avenue. There’s a three-mile stretch of spectators simply going nuts supporting runners.

RELATED: Preview the New York Metropolis Marathon Course

Miles 20-21: The Bronx

Hit mile 20 within the Bronx, the place you’ll jet throughout some quick bridges. Native run golf equipment will cheer as you make a couple of fast turns. Then, you’ll cross your closing bridge again into Manhattan.

Miles 22-24: Manhattan, Once more

This stretch on Fifth Avenue is a grind, however once you enter Central Park at mile 24, the roar of the group will carry you.

Miles 25-26: The End

You’re virtually there, however most runners say Central Park will doubtless really feel like ceaselessly. Oh, and there’s a hill right here to be careful for. Simply recover from it (haha) and also you’ll be crossing the end line.

The place Are the Finest Locations to Watch the Marathon?

The New York Metropolis Marathon is a wonderful race for spectators. There are a lot of spots which might be extra like a celebration than a race. Listed below are the fan favorites:

In Brooklyn, Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue close to Barclays Heart provide a enjoyable ambiance.

The Bronx is an efficient place to assist runners who’re nearing the 20-mile mark. That’s at one hundred and thirty fifth Avenue and Alexander Avenue.

You may’t beat Manhattan. To get the quintessential spectator expertise, go to First Avenue from 59th to 96th Avenue. Bars open early if that’s your factor.

East Harlem at miles 18-20 is one other nice space to occasion and cheer at a pivotal second of the race.

If you wish to see your runner(s) thrice, you might do some little bit of touring your self. Do this technique:

Begin between miles 6-8 in Brooklyn. Then sprint to a subway cease and get on a prepare (N, Q, R, 5, 6, F) to the Higher East Facet in Manhattan the place you possibly can see them between miles 18-19. Then stroll from First Avenue to Fifth Avenue to assist them at mile 22. (Additionally, anyplace north of a hundred and twenty fifth on Fifth Avenue in mile 21 is a good place as many runners say there aren’t too many spectators and it’s an actual slog.)

For those who’re on the lookout for an underrated spectating spot, strive the 90s on First Avenue. From there, stroll a couple of blocks to Central Park East—at this level, the crowds are thinner and so they may use the additional assist earlier than they head into the roar of Central Park South.

RRCA-certified operating coach Meghan Kita gives a professional tip on the subject of the NYCM. “Wherever you select, be sure any runners you wish to see and who wish to see the precise cross streets you’ll be on and which facet of the road you’ll be on,” she says. “It’s inconceivable to see anybody with out that stage of planning.”

Don’t overlook to obtain the marathon app to trace your runner in actual time.

Lastly, to look at runners on the end head towards 67th Avenue on West Drive.

If you are going to buy tickets prematurely, you possibly can acquire entry to Grandstand Seating. You may entry this spot at West 62nd Avenue and Broadway along with your Grandstand tickets, which you should buy for $60 right here. 

There’s additionally standing spectator viewing areas inside Central Park from Columbus Circle to the south finish of the grandstands that result in the end line. No chairs are allowed on this space. Notice that the NYRR and NYPD may restrict entrance to this space at occasions all through the day based mostly on how crowded it will get.

When Do Runners End?

The elites will end by 11:15 A.M., however for some leisure runners, that is an all-day into the darkness of evening affair. Right here’s an estimate of when the races will finish:

9:30 A.M. – Skilled wheelchair athletes

11:05 A.M. – Skilled girls

11:15 A.M. – Skilled males

11:55 A.M. and on – Remaining runners

Official finishers will likely be acknowledged till the course formally closes at 10 P.M.

How one can Watch the New York Metropolis Marathon

Nationwide protection of the New York Metropolis Marathon begins at 8 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. EST on ESPN2. You too can watch it on the ESPN App or and ESPN.com with video subscriptions from affiliated pay-TV suppliers.

Pre- and post-race protection and protection in addition to a Spanish-language broadcast will likely be on ESPN3 (accessible on the ESPN App and ESPN.com). There can even be a two-hour particular on ABC from 3:00 P.M.to five:00 P.M. EST from the end line airing race finishers together with our favourite operating celebrities.

Native protection for the New York-metro space may be seen on WABC-TV Channel 7 starting at 7:00 A.M. EST. You will get the livestream of this station right here. For extra details about the protection together with who will likely be calling the race, go right here.