NYC Marathon 2025: The TCS New York City Marathon is back — a city-wide celebration on Sunday, November 2, 2025 that threads 50,000+ runners through all five boroughs.
Below you’ll find the official start timeline, the route map and must-see spectator spots, live-tracking and broadcast options, runner logistics, weather & time-zone tips.
Quick facts at a glance
- Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025.
- Official race-day coverage start: broadcast and pre-show around 8:00 a.m. ET with elite start coverage earlier and wave starts through late morning.
- Course: Starts at Fort Wadsworth (Staten Island) and finishes in Central Park, passing Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx along the way.
- Official runner tracking: available via the NYRR TCS NYC Marathon app and NYRR live pages.
When does the NYC Marathon 2025 start (race-day timeline)
The professional wheelchair and elite fields begin early (around 8:00 a.m. ET), followed by the pro women and men start times.
Mass participant waves begin later: Wave 1 typically starts around 9:10 a.m. with subsequent waves rolling every ~35–45 minutes and the final wave beginning late morning. Confirm your bib/wave on the NYRR dashboard before race day.
Practical note: daylight saving time ends the same weekend in 2025, so clocks “fall back” — that can affect travel plans and sleep schedules for out-of-town runners and spectators. Check your phone and transit timings.
The course — a borough-by-borough tour
The TCS NYC Marathon route is one of the world’s most scenic city marathons because it crosses all five boroughs:
- Staten Island (Start) — Fort Wadsworth: the festival atmosphere and the long Verrazzano stretch.
- Brooklyn — a long, spirited run down Fourth Avenue and through neighborhoods like Sunset Park and Bay Ridge.
- Queens — a quick dash across the Pulaski/Queensboro approach into Manhattan.
- Manhattan & The Bronx — a tough mid-race section including the Madison/Willis Avenue bridges and a short Bronx loop.
- Finish — Central Park, Manhattan — a rolling, picturesque final miles with a celebrated finish.
If you’re a spectator, high-energy neighborhoods in Brooklyn (near miles 5–12) and the Queensboro Bridge / First Avenue stretch (miles 15–19) are classic viewing spots.
How to track runners (live) — apps, tools & tips
The official NYRR mobile app is the primary, real-time way to follow runners; it includes bib lookup, GPS tracking for registered tracking-enabled entries, split updates and push alerts.
NYRR also offers a live results page and in-race updates for family & friends who don’t have the app. Bookmark the NYRR race-day mobile page before the event.
Pro tip: tracking updates can lag a few seconds or minutes at very crowded points (bridges, tunnels). For the most accurate final times, rely on the NYRR results page after the finish.
Where to watch on TV and online
Major local broadcasters and national partners provide marathon coverage and streaming:
- WABC / ABC7 (local pre-show and live segments) and other NYC stations provide local broadcast coverage.
- Major streaming partners often simulcast key moments (start, elite finish, and Central Park finish). Check NYRR’s official “Watch” page for the broadcaster lineup and live-stream links.
If you’re outside the U.S., check your country’s sports network or the NYRR site for international streaming partners. Cable and streaming schedules are often posted the day before the race.
Runner logistics — bib pickup, transportation to the start and rules
NYRR strongly encourages runners to pick up bibs during race week at the Expo. Transportation to the Staten Island start is organized via NYRR buses and requires advance reservation; follow the NYRR transportation instructions closely.
NYRR posts a strict list of race rules (no baggage, timed cut-offs, prohibited items) to keep things safe and fair — read them before you travel.
If you’re taking public transit on race day, expect major street closures and bus reroutes across boroughs — leave extra travel time and use official NY transit advisories.
Spectator strategy — best viewing, moveable spots and parking
- Brooklyn (Miles 5–12): lively neighborhoods, lots of spectator energy. Get there early for a good spot.
- Queensboro Bridge / First Avenue (Miles 15–19): iconic section with dense crowds and drama; be prepared for limited space.
- Central Park finish: the most emotional place to watch the final miles — but it fills up fast and has access control.
Avoid driving into the race footprint; public transit and walking are faster. If you need mobility access or assistance, check NYRR’s race-day accessibility resources on their site.
Weather & time-in-NYC basics for out-of-towners
New York in early November is often cool and can be wet or windy. Typical race-day temps range from the low 40s–mid 50s °F (4–12°C), but always check the forecast the day before. Dress in layers and have a lightweight throw-away layer for warm-up.
Remember the race follows Eastern Time (ET). If you’re watching from another zone, convert accordingly — the official coverage usually notes ET for start and broadcast times.
Accessibility & safety — official rules you should know
NYRR enforces rules (no unauthorized bags, no transferring bibs, medical checkpoints) to protect athletes and spectators. Runners who violate key rules risk disqualification. If you plan to volunteer, NYRR posts volunteer checklists and arrival windows on its site.
Public safety is coordinated with NYPD and city agencies; follow on-the-ground directions on race day for road-crossings, crowd control, and emergency instructions.
How to publish a live tracker widget on your site (quick guide)
If you run a site and want to show live tracking, use official NYRR embeddable widgets or link directly to the NYRR tracking page. Always credit NYRR and avoid republishing live GPS streams outside NYRR’s terms. For SEO-friendly posts, include short, regularly-updated race commentary and the official tracking link.
Post-race essentials — results, photos and how to find your runner
NYRR posts official results and downloadable certificates shortly after finishers are processed; photos from official photographers are typically available for purchase via NYRR’s partner galleries. Use the bib number and full name to search results.
If you’re volunteering to meet finishers, pick a pre-arranged meeting spot (outside the post-finish festival) — many finishing areas are busy and mobile reception can be spotty.
Final checklist — what to do the day before
- Confirm bib, wave and corral on the NYRR dashboard or app.
- Reserve transit/transportation to the Staten Island start if you’re running.
- Bookmark NYRR live results and the NYRR app; check TV/stream times for your region.
- Plan a spectator meeting spot outside Central Park if meeting a finisher.
Disclaimer: This guide uses official NYRR information and major local news outlets available as of October 31, 2025. It’s for general informational purposes only. For last-minute changes, safety alerts, or exact start/wave confirmations, always consult the official NYRR race-day pages and local transit advisories before you travel.
Verified external links
- NYRR — Official TCS New York City Marathon race page (race info, watch/live links). (nyrr.org)
https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon - NYRR — Start timeline & wave info (official). (nyrr.org)
https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/race-day/the-start - NYRR — The course (official route map & borough guide). (nyrr.org)
https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/race-day/the-course - NYRR — Mobile app & runner tracking info. (nyrr.org)
https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/race-day/mobile-app - ABC7 / WABC — Live coverage and local viewing instructions for NYC Marathon 2025. (ABC7 New York)
https://abc7ny.com/live-updates/nyc-marathon-2025-start-time-what-is-route-running-how-watch/18086612/ - CBS New York — Start times and how to track the race. (CBS News)
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-marathon-2025-start-times-how-to-track/ - NBC New York — Road closures, maps and spectator guidance. (NBC New York)
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-york-city/when-is-2025-nyc-marathon-date-start-time-road-closures-what-to-know/6412447/