Record Field Takes on 50th Five-Borough Marathon
More than 60,000 runners are set to tackle the 26.2-mile course of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon today, marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough route. The race began at 8 a.m. ET on Staten Island, with the men's professional wheelchair division leading the first wave. The professional women's open division starts at 8:35 a.m., followed by the men's open at 9:05 a.m. and five waves of age-group runners through 11:30 a.m.
This year's edition is shaping up as one of the deepest and most competitive in history, featuring 40 Olympians and Paralympians, 25 Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medalists, and 22 national record holders. Defending champions Hellen Obiri of Kenya, Benson Kipruto of Kenya, and Marcel Hug of Switzerland headline the professional fields. Obiri, a two-time champion, returns after breaking the women's course record last year in 2:19:51.
Course Change and Weather Conditions
For the first time since 2011, the course has been slightly altered. Runners will take a different path in Mile 20 in the Bronx, reducing the number of turns from seven to five. Organizers say the change will ease street closures and allow residents better access to businesses that were previously cut off on race day. The rest of the route remains unchanged, taking runners from Staten Island over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park.
Weather conditions are expected to be relatively warm for November, with highs in the 60s and sunny skies. While cooler temperatures and light winds greeted early starters, the warmer forecast may pose a challenge for runners and organizers, who generally prefer colder conditions for distance racing.
How to Watch and Track the Race
Live coverage in New York is available on WABC-TV, Channel 7, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, with pre-race coverage beginning at 7 a.m. National viewers can watch on ESPN2 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET, and Spanish-language coverage is on ESPN3. ABC7NY.com will stream a live view of the finish line from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. International viewers can find details on the official marathon website.
Spectators can line most of the course between Miles 3 and 26, though there is no viewing at the start line or on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Organizers recommend Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, Pulaski Bridge in Queens, and First Avenue in Manhattan as prime spots. For those following runners remotely, the NYRR app and the live results website allow real-time tracking by name or bib number.
Elite Field and Stories to Watch
Obiri faces a formidable challenge from 2024 champion Sheila Chepkirui, three-time Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and a strong American contingent led by half marathon record holder Weini Kelati, who is making her marathon debut. In the men's race, Kipruto returns after winning last year by the slimmest margin in race history, with former champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye also in the field. Top American hopes rest with Conner Mantz, Zouhair Talbi, and Joe Klecker.
In the wheelchair divisions, seven-time New York champion Marcel Hug looks to extend his dominance against former winners Daniel Romanchuk and David Weir. Two-time defending women's wheelchair champion Susannah Scaroni aims for her third straight title, just three months after giving birth to her first child. Tatyana McFadden, Catherine Debrunner, and Madison de Rozario headline a deep women's field.
Context: A Half-Century of Five-Borough Racing
The New York City Marathon began in 1970 as a series of loops inside Central Park. In 1976, the race moved to all five boroughs, a one-time change that quickly became its signature feature and a model for big-city marathons worldwide. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that transformative decision, and the event has grown from a local road race into one of the world's premier sporting spectacles. Millions of spectators line the streets from Staten Island to Central Park, and the race consistently attracts the world's best distance runners.
Last year, a record 59,226 runners crossed the finish line, according to New York Road Runners. This year's expected field of 60,000 sets a new benchmark. The marathon also serves as a major fundraiser for charities, with many participants running for causes. Among them are Eyewitness News anchors Mike Marza and Liz Cho, who are running to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association in honor of colleague Bill Ritter, who stepped down from the anchor desk in June after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's.
For a deeper look at the 50th anniversary race and inspiring stories surrounding it, see our previous coverage.
Perspective: A Global Stage with Local Impact
The 2026 NYC Marathon underscores New York's status as a global sports capital, but its impact extends beyond the elite competition. The race generates significant economic activity for the city, draws international visitors, and showcases the five boroughs to a worldwide audience. The course change in the Bronx reflects ongoing efforts to balance the event's scale with the needs of local residents and businesses, a consideration that has become increasingly important as big-city marathons grow.
The marathon also highlights the growing depth of American distance running. With athletes like Kelati, Mantz, and Klecker, the U.S. contingent is stronger than ever, signaling a potential shift in the sport's power dynamics. Meanwhile, the wheelchair divisions continue to elevate Paralympic sport, with athletes like Scaroni and Hug pushing the boundaries of performance and inspiring new generations.
As the race unfolds today, all eyes will be on the finish line in Central Park, where records may fall and history will be made. For live updates and results, follow the NYRR tracker and official channels. Whether you're cheering in person or watching from home, the 50th five-borough marathon promises to be a memorable chapter in the race's storied history.
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