How to Track Your Favorite Runners During the New York City Marathon

The New York Road Runners app allows spectators to follow along the 26.2-mile race scheduled for Nov. 1.

As runners wind their way through the five boroughs on Nov. 1, they will rightfully be lauded for taking on a herculean feat. But so too will supporters who try to track them through the city streets to cheer them on — those who frantically rent Citi Bikes, race down closed side streets and tap their foot against the subway platform as their runner trucks toward the finish line.

For those waiting to see their favorite runners on the course or track their progress from home, the New York Road Runners app provides runners’ locations and paces in real time.

The free app, available for Apple and Android, uses names or bib numbers to give updates on runners from the road.…