TCS New York City Marathon Route

The New York Marathon route is the ultimate challenge for runners, taking them on a course that winds through all five boroughs and showcasing the city’s vibrant spirit. A must do marathon for any athlete who is passionate about travel and running.

The TCS New York City Marathon, by New York Road Runners is considered one of the tougher Abbott World Marathon Majors, thanks to its five challenging bridge crossings that add both elevation and endurance to the race.

Ellie Rose has conquered three majors, including the New York City Marathon course. This post will give insights into Ellie’s experience and provide a breakdown of the marathon route.

The New York Marathon Start Line Journey

The New York City Marathon journey starts way before you even get to the start line. There are three transport options to Staten Island: the Midtown bus, the Midtown ferry and the Staten Island ferry.

Each one offers its own experience. Ellie chose the Staten Island ferry, which was an adventure. Starting early in the morning, Ellie joined the Sports Tours International escort to the subway and boarded a train to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, joining hundreds of runners navigating a busy ferry port.

After a ferry ride across New York Harbor with views of the Statue of Liberty, there is usually a ride (in a school bus) from the Staten Island terminal to the start village. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge looms close by, with helicopters hovering over it and canons blasting as the earlier waves set off.

The New York City Marathon Course

The TCS New York Marathon is a special experience. Running through all five boroughs and feeling how each one has its own character is a real eye-opener. Brooklyn’s streets, Manhattan’s skyline, the energy and scenes are a must to experience.

Below is a breakdown of all five boroughs that make the New York Marathon so iconic, highlighting the unique character, energy, and atmosphere runners experience as they race through each part of the city.

Staten Island (Miles 1-2)

The TCS New York City Marathon begins at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, side of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Once you begin your marathon journey you will either cross the upper or lower level of the bridge.

The first mile will be an inclined elevation as you climb up the bridge, but the second mile will decline in elevation as you head towards Brooklyn.

This quiet beginning allows you to gather your thoughts, find your rhythm and prepare for what’s ahead. With only runners around, it’s a quiet start. Make sure to pace yourself during this first climb as you are only at the start of your journey and will encounter other bridges.

Brooklyn (Miles 3-12)

The new stretch brings welcome relief with mostly flat elevation as you enter Brooklyn. The energy in Brooklyn is insane. It is a 7-mile street party filled with music, colour and crowds offering beers and shots. It is a celebration that pushes you through the challenging inclines.

Take this opportunity to take in the borough’s character from the buzzing restaurants and tree-lined streets. Soak up the unmistakable New York City vibe.

It is important to take it easy during this part, as it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the crowds, but you will want to save your legs for the climbs ahead.

Queens (Miles 13-15)

In Queens the avenues can feel long, and you will present your next challenge. At mile 14 you will find yourself at Queensboro Bridge. While you will experience some spectacular views, the uphill run and lack of crowd support will be testing.

Manhattan (Miles 16-18)

After you have completed the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, the crowd will pick back up and the elevation will level out. The next 3-miles are a great opportunity to pick up the pace if you are chasing a PB but also a good spot for friends and family who are expecting to get a glimpse of you in action.

Bronx (Miles 19-20)

This borough feels like a block party, complete with dancing and DJ beats filling the streets. The Bronx is energetic, helping to counter any fatigue from the earlier miles. If you haven’t hit the wall already, this is a good opportunity to focus on fueling and hydration to get you through the final few miles.

If you would like more information on how to avoid hitting the wall during a marathon, read our blog.

Manhattan and Central Park (Miles 21-26.2)

At this point you will reach the final stretch in your journey to conquering the New York Marathon.

Along 5th Avenue and as you approach Central Park, it feels like a magical yet grueling experience. The hills are tough on tired legs and the long gradual slopes, which many runners refer to as the “quad killers”, are demanding especially so late in the race.

There are five to ten people deep here, cheering every step of the way. As you turn into the final stretch, remember to look up, take in the surroundings and let the support from thousands of New Yorkers carry you to the finish.

For anyone running New York for the first time, Ellie’s top tip is: soak up the atmosphere, but pace yourself on the bridges and the long stretches along the avenues, they can feel endless if you go off too fast.

New York Marathon Bridge’s Elevation

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge can test runners and the long straight stretches along Manhattan’s avenues can be mentally challenging. Here are some of the noticeable inclines and declines along the New York Marathon route.

• Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (mile 1): This is the first bridge, and you’ll barely feel it thanks to the adrenaline at the starting line. The Verrazzano is the longest and steepest of the bridges, but excitement will carry you across with ease, just don’t set off too fast!
• Queensboro Bridge (mile 13): By far the most challenging mentally. Queensboro is long, with a steady incline and a sense of isolation away from cheering crowds. I saw an NYPD car parked at the top of the bridge – an ideal mental marker to aim for. Once I reached the car, I knew it would be downhill into Manhattan.
• Willis Avenue Bridge (mile 19): As you enter the Bronx, Willis Avenue Bridge is short, and the inclination is steep. It’s manageable though, especially with the atmosphere awaiting you in the Bronx.
• Madison Avenue Bridge (mile 21): The final bridge, bringing you back to Manhattan, it felt like an important landmark. By now, you’re deep into the race and the thought of Central Park just ahead is incredibly motivating.

New York Marathon Crowd & Atmosphere

The New York Marathon’s crown and atmosphere are like nothing else in the world. From start to finish the energy is electric. A true reflection of the city’s diversity, culture and spirit.

Queens borough’s atmosphere is incredible, the energy from the crowds is infectious.

The finish through central park is one of a kind. Hearing the crowds as you round the corner towards the final stretch gives you a massive boost.

Every borough brings its own soundtrack of cheering voices, music and traditions. Supporting runners and carrying them forward. In the toughest moments, when miles are long, this atmosphere will lift you up and make you feel like a celebrity.

The crowds and atmosphere at the TCS New York Marathon is truly one you need to experience for yourself.

Collecting Your TCS New York City Marathon Medal

Crossing the New York Marathon finish line is a moment to be proud of. The culmination of months of training, determination and grit. But the experience doesn’t end when you stop running; what comes next is just as memorable.

After collecting your well-deserved finisher’s medal and poncho, the volunteers from New York Road Runners encourage you to keep moving, stay warm and prevent muscle cramps.

The long walk to reach the exit of Central Park feels like “mile 27”, but it’s the perfect time to take a bite into the red apple they give you and reflect on your achievement!

If you are feeling inspired to take on the TCS New York Marathon, check out our marathon travel packages.