The 2026 NYC Marathon returned to the streets of New York on Sunday morning, drawing tens of thousands of participants from around the globe to the world’s most famous 26.2-mile course. This iconic athletic event serves as a tour of the city's diverse landscape, beginning at the southern tip of the city in Staten Island and concluding in the heart of Manhattan at Central Park.
Exploring the 26.2-Mile NYC Marathon Route
The NYC Marathon route is celebrated for its challenging and scenic path that connects all five of the city’s boroughs. The journey starts at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, where runners immediately face the incline of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
After crossing the bridge, the course leads the field through the following areas:
* Brooklyn: Runners head through various neighborhoods after exiting the Verrazzano.
* Queens: The route continues north into the borough of Queens.
* Manhattan: Athletes make their first entry into Manhattan before heading further north.
* The Bronx: The course loops through the Bronx before the final stretch.
* Manhattan Finish: Runners head back down into Manhattan for the final miles, finishing in front of massive crowds in Central Park.
Due to the scale of the event, city officials have implemented extensive NYC Marathon street closures and bridge restrictions throughout the day to ensure the safety of both runners and spectators.
Defending Champions and Elite Runners to Watch
This year’s professional field features the return of the 2025 victors. Kenyan long-distance stars Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto are back on the course to defend their titles. Obiri entered the race as the reigning women’s open division champion, while Kipruto sought to repeat his success in the men’s open division.
International attention is also focused on Andreas Almgren. The Swedish runner, who holds the title of World Half Marathon champion, is making his highly anticipated debut in the full marathon distance today.
Representing the United States, Conner Mantz is a major contender in the professional men's field. Mantz currently holds the American marathon record, a feat he achieved by finishing the Chicago Marathon in a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes and 43 seconds.
2026 New York City Marathon Start Times and Waves
To manage the massive volume of participants, the New York City Marathon 2026 utilizes a staggered start system. The race day began early Sunday morning at Fort Wadsworth with specific divisions leading the way:
- 8:00 a.m. ET: The professional wheelchair division for both men and women kicked off the event.
- Following 8:00 a.m.: Handcyclists and select athletes with disabilities began their journey.
- Professional Open Divisions: The elite women's and men's fields started following the specialized categories.
- General Waves: Five distinct waves of runners were scheduled to depart between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ET.
This wave system allows the tens of thousands of amateur runners to navigate the course safely while maintaining a steady flow through the five boroughs.
Live Tracking and NYC Marathon Results
Spectators and fans worldwide can follow the progress of specific athletes using the interactive tracker provided by the New York Road Runners. This tool offers real-time updates as participants hit various milestones across the 26.2-mile course. Official NYC Marathon results and the crowning of the 2026 winners will be available immediately following the conclusion of the professional and amateur races.
According to organizers, the event remains a massive draw for the city, as "crowds of people who flock annually to the marathon" line the streets to support both professional athletes and those running for personal milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the NYC Marathon start and finish?
The race begins at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island and travels through all five boroughs before ending in Central Park in Manhattan.
What are the start times for the different divisions?
The professional wheelchair division starts at approximately 8 a.m. ET, while the general field of runners departs in five separate waves between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ET.
Who are the defending champions for the 2026 race?
Hellen Obiri is the defending champion in the women's open division, and Benson Kipruto is the defending champion in the men's open division, both having won in 2025.