NYC Marathon to change Bronx route for first time in 15 years

Organizers of the New York City Marathon have announced the first course changes in 15 years. For the race’s 50th anniversary in 2026, a section of the route through The Bronx will be rerouted to minimize community impact and improve access to local businesses.

The adjustments specifically affect mile 22 in the Mott Haven area. The new route will avoid certain locations, including the Western Beef Supermarket, a laundromat on Morris Avenue, and a major access point for the NYCHA Patterson Houses, which contains nearly 1,800 apartment units.

In addition to improving local access, the change will simplify the course for runners by reducing the number of turns in The Bronx from seven to five. The New York Road Runners stated that the adjustments aim to accommodate the neighborhood as it has evolved over the last 50 years.