New York Marathon: an analysis of a dream-inspiring course

It's one of those races that inspires tens of thousands of runners (and maybe you): The New York City Marathon, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in November. 

In 2024, the event is scheduled for November 3. With its extraordinary atmosphere, its status as a World Marathon Major, and its route traversing the five famous boroughs of New York City. Many aspire to cover the prestigious distance in the streets of the Big Apple! 

But before seeing your dream come true and crossing the finish line, it's better to know what to expect from this renowned marathon, known to be one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most challenging. 

Who will be the winners of the 2024 edition? 👀

🥤Info ravito: there are water and energy drink stations every mile.  

For many years, the start of the New York City Marathon has always been at the same place: on Staten Island, which can be reached by buses chartered specifically for the event. You will have the chance to see the world's most famous statue before crossing the starting line! A few minutes after pistol shot, is located on the crossing of the Verrazano Bridge before reaching the famous Brooklyn district via Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge. 

Regarding elevation, the tone is quickly set: climbs and descents follow one another, starting with those of the bridge. After a few relatively flat meters, the elevation becomes positive again until the eighth kilometer, before a nice downhill. However, the unique and exceptional atmosphere of the New York City Marathon and the 2 million spectators will most likely make you forget these first few challenges.

Upon arriving in Brooklyn and then in the charming Williamsburg neighborhood, the scenery changes but the course profile does not! The elevation remains relatively present, especially around the fifteenth kilometer. The half-marathon mark is on one of the flattest parts of the course. It's an opportunity to regain some strength before the demanding second half of the marathon. 

After crossing the East River via the Queensboro Bridge (offering a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline), the real challenge begins: a big climb is planned at the twenty-fifth kilometer. The next descent is at the thirtieth, in the Bronx, after passing through the famous and exclusive Manhattan neighborhood. Movie and TV show enthusiasts might even recognize some locations! In between, a long stretch awaits the runners. Then a left turn for what is certainly the most demanding part of the New York City Marathon route.

At the thirty-fifth kilometer, in the heart of Harlem, you've got to have strong legs and nerves. Just two kilometers further, the very famous Fifth Avenue presents one of the major challenges of the course with a huge climb (more than thirty meters of elevation gain). Entering Central Park is the penultimate event before the much-anticipated finish line for the runners. Enjoy the beautiful November colors and the idyllic setting of this park, which contrary to popular belief, is far from flat! 

One thing's for sure: the New York City Marathon is not the easiest, and a training plan including elevation is recommended. But the pleasure and pride of crossing the finish line are even greater! 

And as tradition has it, if you finish the New York City Marathon, your name will be in the legendary New York Times newspaper the next day!

Running the prestigious distance on the streets of New York is a dream of yours? Know that several ways exist to register for this iconic event. Firstly, due to the increasing number of participation requests, the TCS New York City Marathon organization, New York Road Runners, has established a lottery system. This system is used in several organizations like the Berlin and London marathons. 

Another way to participate is to register via one of the agencies that offer a package, including travel and marathon participation (budget estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 euros). To get a race bib, it's also possible to run for a charity, with the aim of collecting donations. 

Finally, marathon experience is another way to secure your ticket to the New York City Marathon: either by achieving the qualifying minimums or by participating in the NYRR Virtual Racing.

If, for 2024, all the bibs have already been assigned, but the New York Marathon still inspires you, don't miss the appointment in 2025. Registration for the following year is expected to open in June. 

Do you have a bib for November? Congratulations, you're going to participate in an extraordinary event! Not all your friends and family will be able to travel with you and follow you along the main avenues and all the neighborhoods of New York. 

The organization has obviously thought of everything, offering your supporters two main solutions: 

Generally, the first starts begin at 8 a.m. local time, so it will be 2 p.m. in France. 

The times currently communicated are: (note, they are subject to change).