More Than 55,000 Runners Take to the Streets for the TCS New York City Marathon
More than 55,000 runners started the 54th TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday morning, traversing a 26.2-mile course across all five boroughs from Staten Island to Manhattan’s Central Park. Ideal weather conditions greeted participants, with mid-to-high 50-degree temperatures, clear skies, low wind, and sunshine.
Defending Champions Secure Victory as Course Records Fall
Kenya’s Benson Kipruto won the men’s race in a photo finish, while compatriot Hellen Obiri successfully defended her title in the women’s division by setting a new course record. Both runners returned to New York as reigning champions after winning their respective divisions in 2025. In the professional wheelchair divisions, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug and American Susannah Scaroni claimed the top finishes.
Elite Runners Make Anticipated Debuts Alongside International Crowds
Sweden’s Andreas Almgren, the World Half Marathon champion, made his highly anticipated full marathon debut alongside American marathon record-holder Conner Mantz, who previously set his record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 43 seconds. Spectators traveled from around the world to watch the event, including Jeff Lee, who flew in from Seattle to surprise his friend Daniel Kunkel, and Monika Foster, who traveled from Lugano, Switzerland, to watch the race.
Traffic Closures and Course Route Across Five Boroughs
The marathon route begins in Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, leads runners across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, and continues through Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx before looping back down through Manhattan to finish in Central Park. Numerous streets and bridges remain closed to traffic throughout race day to accommodate the participants and crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Marathon
When did the New York City Marathon host its inaugural race?
The New York City Marathon held its first race in 1970, when the entrance fee cost a single dollar and 55 runners completed the course, according to New York Road Runners.
How many total runners have finished the race in its history?
The marathon recorded its one millionth finisher in 2014, and organizers noted that last year’s event set the record for the largest marathon by total finishers at 55,646 people.
How can spectators track participants during the event?
Spectators can monitor real-time updates on runners’ progress using the New York Road Runners’ interactive tracker.
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