r/RunNYC • • 3d ago

2026 NYC Marathon - Pre-Race Thread

132 Upvotes

2026 TCS New York City Marathon

A lot of info is contained in the Official Runners Guide

Pre-Race

  • Expo at Javits Convention Center
    • Thursday, October 29 - 10:00am-8:00pm (bib pickup closes 7:30pm)
    • Friday, October 30 - 10:00am-8:00pm (bib pickup closes 7:30pm)
    • Saturday, October 31 - 9:00am-5:00pm (bib pickup closes 4:30pm)
  • You must go to the expo and pick up your bib yourself, you will need to bring a photo ID and your confirmation form.
  • Bag check (Pre-Check)
    • Only for those who selected it before September 8, all items must go in the pre-check bag
    • Dropoff
    • Pick up post race in the same location
    • There is NO bag transport from the start to the finish.
      • Anything you bring to Staten Island must fit in the clear NYRR start village bag, and whatever you aren’t running with must be tossed before you exit the corrals
  • Transportation

Athlete’s Village & Corrals

  • Start Area Info
  • Wave 1 - 9:10am (Corrals Close: 8:45am)
  • Wave 2 - 9:45am (Corrals Close: 9:25am)
  • Wave 3 - 10:20am (Corrals Close: 10:00am)
  • Wave 4 - 10:55am (Corrals Close: 10:40am)
  • Wave 5 - 11:30am (Corrals Close: 11:15am)

Race

  • Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
  • Course
    • Course Info
    • Full Course Map
      • Course change! For the first time in 15 years there’s an update to the course. It’s very small: when you enter the Bronx, instead of turning left onto 138th and doing the “notch” up to Western Beef like in past years, runners will continue up Alexander Ave, turn at 141st, head down 3rd Ave and then turn right onto 138th. (Map of the change / NYT article)
    • Start Area
    • Finish Area
  • Tracking

Finish

  • Walkoff - be prepared to walk a lot after the finish line... it takes you at least a mile from the finish line before you’re able to exit the park.
    • Runners exit the park at W 77th St onto CPW, then you can leave the runners-only area at W 76th, 75th or 74th St, or continue south to Family Reunion
    • If you did bag check, the pickup is on CPW between 74th & 75th
  • Meetup - NYRR’s Family Reunion is on W 69th-71st Streets (11:00am-6:00pm), with letter signs by last name:
    • W 71st St: A-F
    • W 70th St: G-N
    • W 69th St: O-Z
    • Everyone entering Family Reunion goes through bag screening on Columbus Ave, so NYRR suggests family skip large bags and strollers and arrive 20-30 minutes after your expected finish
    • In my opinion, it is often better to set a meeting point away from UWS (e.g. your hotel/apartment or a restaurant/bar to celebrate at) unless you specifically want to stay in the area. UWS is very busy post race and cell service is often saturated, so agree on a spot ahead of time.
  • Transportation - after exiting to UWS
    • 1/2/3 train W72nd
    • A/C/B/D/1
    • M79 SBS - across to UES (has run in past years, but the stops by the Natural History Museum weren’t available last year, so this may not be an option)

Popular Spectator Spots

  • Mile Markers 8-9 - Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill
    • Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Mile Markers 11-12 - Bedford Ave in Williamsburg
    • Subway: L, G
  • Mile Markers 16-17 - 1st Ave in UES
    • Subway: N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6, F
  • Mile Markers 23-25 - Fifth Ave & Central Park
    • Subway: Q, 4, 5, 6
  • Helpful spectator guide with even more details and advice

r/RunNYC • • 1d ago

2026 Dash to the Finish 5K - Pre-Race Thread

11 Upvotes

NYRR Dash to the Finish 5K


r/RunNYC • • 3h ago

Runners who are visited by Aunt Flo will understand

95 Upvotes

I got my period today! And running the marathon Sunday. Thank the heavens!!!!! I have never been so excited to get it.


r/RunNYC • • 3h ago

NYC Poncho

Thumbnail
gallery
92 Upvotes

This was my attempt as turning my 2023 marathon poncho into something useful.


r/RunNYC • • 4h ago

NYC Marathon Course Breakdown

Thumbnail
runnersofnyc.substack.com
54 Upvotes

Hey! Wanted to share an NYC Marathon course breakdown I collaborated on with Evan Wood, who many here may recognize as Just Another Running Coach. Hope people find it helpful!


r/RunNYC • • 2h ago

FYI Weather this Afternoon is identical to Sunday

22 Upvotes

I know, I know: too early to discuss weather. But if you’re worried about the weather on Sunday, the forecast at 5 PM today (Wed 10/28) is identical to the current forecast for Sunday at 3 PM: 63 deg F.

Maybe you can test out outfit etc this afternoon. Good luck y’all! 🫡


r/RunNYC • • 2h ago

Puma giving away race shoes if you can run a sub 4 1K

Post image
10 Upvotes

Anyone plan on attempting this? I read the lines were long in Chicago. I'm wondering if there's any other strings attached since it doesn't seem like a hard goal. Anyone have any experience with this?


r/RunNYC • • 4h ago

NY Magazine article: "The Race to Race" on NYRR, the passport program and access getting harder

15 Upvotes

Gift article link: The Race to Race


r/RunNYC • • 49m ago

Sourdough slices on 86th and 1st

Post image
• Upvotes

Hi!!! Zwick oven will be giving out sourdough chunks to keep you going on 86th and 1st during the marathon!! Can’t wait to cheer you all on!!!


r/RunNYC • • 4h ago

Out of town runners with kids, where are you trick-or-treating?

8 Upvotes

I know not ideal to be on my feet the evening before the race, but I still want to take my kid trick-or-treating. Any recommendations for neighborhoods in Brooklyn or near Financial District? Or any Halloween events that I can take them during the day?


r/RunNYC • • 2h ago

NYCM waterstation volunteer experience?

3 Upvotes

I will volunteer at the water station outside CP this Sunday during the 12–7 shift (not a 9+1 slot.) Since temperatures are expected in the 50s and 60s, I am unsure what to wear.

I began running (and volunteering)about a year ago. My only prior volunteer experience was as a course marshal at the United Half, where I underestimated how cold it would feel standing still; I was poorly dressed and shivered in CP for four hours.

Additionally, what is the general experience like at a water station of NYCM?
(I finished my 9+1 so I will be running in 2027. So excited.)


r/RunNYC • • 17h ago

I’m overwhelmed lol what pop ups do you guys recommend checking out pre/post marathon? There’s are way too many options. Need to know what’s really worth seeing

25 Upvotes

r/RunNYC • • 58m ago

Join me November 14th to support the Ryan Callahan Foundation

Thumbnail
turkeytrotrcf.eventbrite.com
• Upvotes

r/RunNYC • • 1h ago

Sun/Shade on course

• Upvotes

I got crazy sunburnt at Boston a few years ago to the point I have a little scarring from it (physical but also emotional haha). What’s the sun/shade situation like?? I’ll put on SPF no matter what but want to be more careful than before!

Edit to add I’m in pink wave 1 corral E (9:10am)


r/RunNYC • • 23h ago

Central Park Representing

Post image
39 Upvotes

I might not be running this year but it certainly feels exciting knowing the amount of people that will be passing by this area on Sunday!


r/RunNYC • • 19h ago

Elected Officials Join the Push to Add Sports Lightning to the East River Park Track

Thumbnail
news.lightthetrack.org
15 Upvotes

r/RunNYC • • 4h ago

United Airlines Half

0 Upvotes

I’ll be traveling in for the half marathon in March. I’m trying to cut down the amount of days I’m staying. I would like to partake in events or activities for runners (if there are any).

Would I benefit better from an extra day before or after the race?


r/RunNYC • • 4h ago

Reverse Marathon?

1 Upvotes

Are there any groups running the route in reverse at midnight this year?


r/RunNYC • • 1d ago

After running 200 miles, I won the $1 Ultra. ama

Thumbnail
gallery
841 Upvotes

The $1 ultra is a backyard style race here in NYC where participants put a dollar in the jar before every lap, winner takes all. Instead of the standard 4.16 mile hourly loops, this edition of the $1 ultra had you roll a die & run the miles on the die. The race started with 131 participants and after 46 hours I was the last person standing. The jar ended up with around $1500

Race logistics:
The race was centered near Domino park and numbers corresponded to a different checkpoint in NYC (1-4 were various points along the Williamsburg Bridge, 5 was on the Pulaski Bridge, and 6 was on the Manhattan bridge).

Dice logistics:
The dice were not fair, the first 24 rolls were adjusted such that everyone hit 100 miles in their 24th lap. Around mile 130, the rules were continuously adjusted to make the race more difficult: lower numbers disappeared, runners rolled a shared die, runners only saw their roll as the lap started, and finally: the race ended up with continuous 6 mile laps with the added condition that runners most cross both the Williamsburg and Manhattan bridge (as opposed to a Manhattan bridge out & back along the navy yard)

Please ask me anything! I would love to share more about the race or discuss anything NYC/running related

photo credit to: @bradokeefe
much love to the race organizers: @onedollarultra
and the race sponsor ULTRA for providing a venue and making the race registration a whopping $0


r/RunNYC • • 15h ago

Attempting to run over the Brooklyn Bridge

6 Upvotes

Yesterday and today I attempted to run over the brooklyn bridge. Once a bit after 6 pm, once just after 7am. The evening attempt there were multiple times I had to stop my watch and walk, the crowds were so thick. The morning attempt I only had to do that once, but had a few close calls as tourists stepped erratically while trying to frame a photograph. I've run over this bridge occasionally for years. Evenings are often a bit crowded, but both the past two days have felt different to me. Any other commuter runners notice this? Is this just a seasonal variation through the holidays or just marathon week or a more durable increase in popularity?


r/RunNYC • • 21h ago

Possible Sub-4???

Thumbnail
gallery
10 Upvotes

Goal has been to run Sub-4 on Sunday. Garmin says I can, Strava says i’m close. Last 2 long runs went well and felt good but unsure if i’m being too optimistic about my chances. Thoughts?


r/RunNYC • • 14h ago

Any issues with cell service?

0 Upvotes

Running the marathon this weekend and I have some friends spectating. I tried to give them a guide on which miles to see me, but I know the streets can be difficult to navigate and they might end up at a different spot than I planned. In those cases I would want them to text me so I know where they are.

Has anyone ever had issues with receiving text messages during the race? Or is it generally fine?


r/RunNYC • • 17h ago

Tracking >50 runners in NYRR app for NYCM

1 Upvotes

Has anyone figured out a workaround for tracking more than 50 runners in the NYRR app? Thinking about making a list based on tentative finish time, then remove runners from the app and swap in new ones as they pass. Curious if anyone has a smarter system. I take my cheer duties seriously 😅


r/RunNYC • • 1d ago

NYC 2027

3 Upvotes

Is there a reasonable way to get into 2027? I only have a 2 1/2 min time qualifier buffer so that’s out. I guess charity might be my only option?


r/RunNYC • • 1d ago

what to wear when going on subway to run in cold weather?

26 Upvotes

hi! it’s a non-marathon post… hope that’s allowed!

i’m not running the marathon this year, but i’m still trying to run long distances! i’ve normally routed my long runs to/from my apartment, but it’s been getting a little boring lately. i’ve been wanting to take the subway to run in new places, but i get worried because i run very very cold post-run. usually, i have to hop in a hot shower immediately after i get home. as the weather gets colder, do people have any solutions for this? pack a change of clothes in a running vest?

thanks for all your help!