NYC Marathon 2025 Route & Best Watch Spots: Your Ultimate Spectator Guide
The energy in New York City on Marathon Sunday is electric. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, over 50,000 runners will take on the challenge of a lifetime, starting at 8 a.m. Knowing the New York Marathon 2025 route is key to a great spectator experience.
The entire city turns into a party to cheer on the incredible runners. This guide will give you a full breakdown of the course and the best spots to see the action, so you can plan the perfect day.
The Starting Line: Staten Island
The NYC Marathon 2025 kicks off in Staten Island. Runners gather here for the start of their 26.2-mile journey. The first leg of the race takes them over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a truly iconic start.
It is important to know that the starting area and the bridge are closed to spectators for security reasons. The best way to see the incredible start is by watching the live broadcast.
All the Best Places to Watch This Year’s Race
You can cheer on the runners across all five boroughs. Here are some of the top spots with subway directions to help you get there.
- Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4): This is a fantastic place to catch runners as they exit the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and settle into their pace. The energy is high as they begin their journey through the city. Subway: R
- Fourth Ave & Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn (Mile 8): The crowds are massive here, offering a huge boost to the runners. Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Williamsburg & Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13): Find a spot along the streets lined with shops and restaurants to encourage runners as they approach the halfway point and the Pulaski Bridge. Subway: G, L, M, J
- First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18): This is where spectators create a legendary “wall of sound.” The avenue’s many bars and restaurants add to the festive atmosphere, giving runners a major lift. Subway: N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6, F
- East Harlem (Miles 18-20): This vibrant neighborhood is a perfect spot to cheer and help runners stay motivated as they push through the later stages of the race. Subway: 6
- Charity Cheer Zone (Miles 19-20): Head to First Avenue and 120th Street to celebrate the thousands of runners raising funds for one of over 500 official charity partners. Subway: 6
- Fifth Avenue (Miles 23-24): Catch runners along the edge of Central Park on Museum Mile. This is a crucial spot to cheer before they enter the park for the final push. Subway: Q, 4, 5, 6
Navigating the Finish Line in Central Park
The race finishes at 67th Street on West Drive. Access to this area is controlled, so here is what you need to know.
- Grandstand Seating: For a guaranteed seat with a clear view, you must purchase NYC Marathon grandstand tickets 2025 online in advance. Entry for ticket holders is at West 62nd Street and Broadway.
- Standing Spectator Area: A free standing area is located inside Central Park from Columbus Circle to just before the finish. Access may be limited by the NYPD based on capacity, and no chairs are allowed. You can enter at Broadway and West 61st Street or via the Central Park path by Heckscher Fields after screening.
How to Watch on TV or Online
Can’t make it in person? Watch the live broadcast on WABC-TV, Channel 7, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST. You can also stream the race on the ABC 7 New York App and ABC7NY.com from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. For national coverage, tune into ESPN2 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST.
Planning for the Future?
If all this excitement has you thinking about running next year, keep the New York Marathon 2026 on your radar. The race is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026.
For those who tried to get a spot this year, the NYC Marathon 2025 registration deadline for the lottery has already passed. However, you can often still secure a spot by running for an official charity partner.
Being a spectator at the NYC Marathon 2025 is an amazing experience. Pick your spot, make some signs, and get ready to cheer your heart out. What part of the city are you most excited to watch from?
Keep Exploring The Big Apple
After the marathon excitement, why not stick around and see more of what NYC has to offer? The city is magical during the holiday season. For ideas on what to do, check out our guide: A 4-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary For First-Timers In NYC.
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