New York City Marathon 2026 – Course Changes After 15 Years

In 2026, the organizers of the TCS New York City Marathon are introducing the first course update in 15 years. The adjustments affect a section of the race in the Bronx and coincide with the event’s milestone year, as NYRR celebrates the marathon’s 50th anniversary.

The start remains the same: runners begin on Staten Island, move through Brooklyn, Queens and Roosevelt Island, then enter Manhattan from the East Side. The route continues through the Upper East Side, heads into the Bronx and returns to Manhattan, where the finish line is traditionally located in Central Park.

The updated Bronx section includes a left turn onto East 135th Street followed by a right turn onto Alexander Avenue. Instead of the previous turn at East 138th Street, the course now extends to East 141st Street. From there, runners turn left onto Third Avenue and right onto East 138th Street before heading toward the Madison Avenue Bridge.

The marathon takes place every year on the first Sunday of November. For 2026, the race is scheduled for November 1.

Source: New York City Marathon