New York City Marathon celebrates 50th anniversary of five-borough course

The 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The event marks a significant milestone, celebrating five decades since the race expanded to include all five boroughs, from Staten Island to the Bronx.

Approximately 60,000 runners from 160 countries are expected to participate, with over 2 million spectators anticipated along the route. The elite field features defending champions Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri, alongside notable competitors such as Andreas Almgren making his marathon debut and Yeman Crippa seeking an Olympic qualifying performance.

The marathon serves as a major economic driver for the city, with the New York Road Runners organization noting that similar events generated nearly $1 billion in economic impact last year. Security measures are in place, with the NYPD deploying thousands of officers and specialized units to ensure safety, though officials report no credible specific threats at this time.