On Sunday, November 1, nearly 60,000 runners taking on the New York City Marathon will get the rare privilege of having city traffic stop for them as they cover 26.2 miles through the five boroughs. This year also marks 50 years since the race moved beyond its original Central Park loops in 1976, expanding into the citywide event we know today.

There's a lot to keep up with, from the professional races and returning champions to a surprisingly large number of celebrities attempting 26.2 miles. And with coverage stretching from early morning into Sunday night, you don't necessarily have to be standing along First Avenue or waiting near Central Park to catch everyone in action.

Here's what you need to know about watching the race, including start times, broadcasts, and how to follow individual runners.

Jump to:

What Time Does the 2026 NYC Marathon Start?

How to Watch the 2026 NYC Marathon

How to Track Runners

Who to Watch at the 2026 NYC Marathon

What Time Does the 2026 NYC Marathon Start?

Things get…