2026 NYC Marathon Sees Thousands of Runners Take to the Streets
Tens of thousands of runners from around the world participated in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday morning, an iconic race that takes competitors through all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and culminating in Central Park, Manhattan.
The 26.2-mile course is a spectacle, with crowds lining the streets to cheer on both loved ones and strangers alike. Runners began the race in waves, starting with the men's and women's professional wheelchair divisions, which launched from Fort Wadsworth at around 8 a.m. ET. This was followed by handcyclists and select athletes with disabilities, and then the professional women's and men's open divisions. The remaining participants began in five separate waves, starting at staggered times between approximately 9 and 11:30 a.m.
Among the notable participants were Kenyan long-distance stars Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto, both returning as defending champions after their victories in the previous year's marathon. Obiri triumphed in the women's open division, while Kipruto claimed the men's title. Joining them was Swedish runner Andreas Almgren, the World Half Marathon champion, making his much-anticipated full marathon debut. American marathon record-holder Conner Mantz also participated, having set his record with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 43 seconds at the Chicago Marathon last year.
Real-Time Tracking Enhances Spectator Experience
Spectators were able to track the progress of their favorite runners in real-time through the New York Road Runners' interactive tracker, offering a way to stay connected to the race's developments.
The Home Straight
The marathon route is a unique journey through the city, beginning in Staten Island and crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. From there, it winds through Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx before looping back to finish in Central Park. On race day, many streets and bridges are closed to traffic to accommodate the event, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both runners and spectators alike.
As the race concluded, the winners and full results were made available for those eager to see how their favorite athletes performed. The NYC Marathon continues to be a significant event in the running calendar, drawing participants and fans from around the globe, celebrating the spirit of endurance and community that defines distance running.
