NEW YORK CITYMARATHON
The World's Largest Marathon — Five boroughs, two million spectators, and one unforgettable finish in Central Park.
The History of NYC
From Central Park loops to five-borough epic
The New York City Marathon started humbly in 1970 when Fred Lebow organized a race around Central Park. Just 127 runners started, 55 finished, and the entry fee was one dollar. No one could have imagined what it would become.
In 1976, for America's bicentennial, the race expanded to all five boroughs. The new course started on Staten Island, crossed the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, wound through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and finished in Manhattan's Central Park.
The course is challenging—with five bridges and several significant hills, it's not a course for personal bests. But that's not why people run New York. They run for the experience.
Two million spectators line the course, creating a wall of sound that carries runners through the city. Each borough brings its own character—from the quiet start on Staten Island to the electric energy of First Avenue in Manhattan.
The finish in Central Park, with the New York skyline rising above the trees, is one of the most emotional moments in sport. For many runners, crossing that finish line is the achievement of a lifetime.
Legendary Moments
The races that made NYC the world's marathon
The First NYC Marathon
Fred Lebow organizes the first NYC Marathon—four loops around Central Park with 127 starters and 55 finishers. Entry fee: $1.
The Five Borough Course
The marathon expands to all five boroughs for America's bicentennial. Starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park, the iconic course is born.
Alberto Salazar's 2:08:13
Alberto Salazar wins in a world record 2:08:13, establishing NYC as a race for champions despite its challenging, hilly course.
Fred Lebow's Final Marathon
Race founder Fred Lebow, battling brain cancer, completes the marathon alongside Grete Waitz. He passes away two years later.
Superstorm Sandy Cancellation
For the first time, the marathon is cancelled due to Superstorm Sandy. Runners volunteer in recovery efforts instead of racing.
Shalane Flanagan Ends the Drought
Shalane Flanagan becomes the first American woman to win NYC since 1977. Her victory sparks a new era of American distance running.
NYC Champions
The legends who conquered the five boroughs
Grete Waitz
Norway • 1978-1988
Bill Rodgers
USA • 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
Meb Keflezighi
USA • 2009
Paula Radcliffe
UK • 2004, 2007, 2008
Geoffrey Mutai
Kenya • 2011, 2013
Own a Piece of NYC History
Create a stunning poster featuring the iconic NYC Marathon route through all five boroughs to Central Park.
Design Your NYC Poster