The New York City Marathon 2026 is here and the final World Marathon Major of the year offers a fascinating battle across the iconic five boroughts.

Unlike London, where Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break the two-hour barrier in a sanctioned race , New York City offers generally slower times with the challenge of greater elevation from the bridges.

This wildcard could offer up a more unpredictable outcome, with reigning men’s champion Benson Kipruto (2:08:09) and women’s champion Hellen Obiri , off the back of a course record in 2:19:51, returning to defend their titles.

Benson Kipruto beat Alexander Mutiso to a narrow victory in last year's elite men's race at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon (Getty)

There is British interest in the shape of Patrick Dever, who secured a brilliant third to climb onto the podium last year, and Puma teammate Jack Rowe, fresh from a breakthrough at London Marathon this year (2:07:47) will also hope to box off the Olympic standard on the road to LA28.

Starting…