The NYC Marathon costs more than $300 to enter. Here's what it's like to run it.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon took place on November 1, with nearly 60,000 participants starting from Staten Island and finishing 26.2 miles later in Central Park. Gaining entry through the general drawing is nearly impossible, with only a 1% chance. Those residing in New York can secure a spot through the 9+1 program, which requires completing nine New York Road Runners races and volunteering at one.

Charity bibs are another option, often requiring significant fundraising. A select few can earn a spot through a qualifying time. Registration costs around $333.11 in 2026. Preparing for the race involves months of training and dedication. The marathon begins in Staten Island, with the race day falling on the first Sunday of November to coincide with the end of daylight saving time.

Runners have an early start, typically around 5 a.m., and can arrive by bus or ferry. The cold weather at the start requires runners to bundle up in layers, including blankets and gloves if needed. The first mile includes crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which is the steepest part of the course. The race then proceeds through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, with several notable landmarks along the way, such as Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, and the Queensboro Bridge.

The final stretch through Manhattan features the challenging 5th Avenue hill, often described as the meanest part of the course.