New York City Marathon

Course and features

The race begins on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, offering a dramatic starting point for thousands of runners, and follows a route that passes through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, finishing near Columbus Circle in Central Park. The course is notable for its succession of bridges and changing cityscapes, and for the energetic spectators who line the streets in every borough. Official route maps and descriptions highlight how the elevation and wind on the bridge can affect early race dynamics.

History and organization

Organized annually since 1970, the marathon has been sponsored by several major corporations; it was long associated with ING Group and related sponsorship material is often linked from event pages (sponsorship information). The race has become part of the international marathon circuit, drawing elite competitors and mass participation alike. One notable interruption occurred in 2012, when the event was cancelled in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, prompting reviews of emergency policies and logistics.

Participation and significance

Fields include elite, open, wheelchair and handcycle divisions, charity entrants and recreational runners. Entry is managed through a combination of qualifying standards, charity programs and a large public lottery; the race attracts tens of thousands of finishers—50,304 completed the 2013 race. The event is an important cultural and economic fixture for the city, supported by volunteers, medical staff and race officials; detailed rules and registration details are available from the official pages (race information).

Notable aspects

• Course passes all five boroughs (five-borough route).
• Iconic start on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and dramatic views for early miles.
• Finish at or near Columbus Circle and Central Park, surrounded by large spectator crowds.
• Combination of elite competition, charity fundraising and community celebration makes the race globally prominent.

For newcomers, the marathon offers both a competitive platform and a communal celebration of running. Spectators, runners and volunteers can find schedules, course maps and opportunities through official channels and partner pages.