The course for the New York City Marathon is a scenic and diverse route that takes runners through all five boroughs of New York City. Starting on Staten Island near the approach to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the race kicks off with a dramatic 2-mile crossing into Brooklyn. Runners then head north through neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.
After approximately 13 miles, the course crosses into Queens, and runners continue north to the Queensboro Bridge, marking the halfway point. The bridge presents a challenging incline but rewards runners with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline as they descend into the city.
Entering Manhattan, the route follows First Avenue northward, up to the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx. This short segment in the Bronx loops around and returns to Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge.
The final miles take runners south through Harlem along Fifth Avenue and into Central Park. The race concludes with a picturesque finish south of the 72nd Street Transverse in Central Park.
Each section of the course offers its own unique crowd support, scenery, and challenges, making it one of the most celebrated marathons in the world. For a detailed view of the course map, you can usually find it on the official New York City Marathon website or other running-focused outlets.