On Sunday, November 1, the Big Apple will be taken over by running enthusiasts.

The TCS New York City Marathon is back for the 50th anniversary of its expanded course. Here’s everything you need to know, from the history of the race to road closures, as well as how to tune in and cheer from the comfort of your couch.

One hundred and twenty-seven runners began the first New York City Marathon on September 13, 1970. Fifty-five finished the race located in Manhattan’s Central Park, which was put on by the New York Road Runners (NYRR). It cost just a dollar to enter and $1,000 to execute.

Beginning in 1976, the course expanded to include all five New York City boroughs. This change was made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday and was so popular that it stuck.

The race continued even in times of adversity, showing the strength and resilience of the city. For instance, runners gave their all just two months after the September 11 attacks in 2001. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the marathon went virtual.

In 2024, it became the largest marathon in history with 55,646 finishers, according to NYRR. The New York City Marathon broke its own record the following year with more than 59,000 finishers.

This year, there are nearly 60,000 hopefuls ready to take their mark.

The race begins at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. Runners head immediately to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

From there, they head to Brooklyn. Miles 13 to 15 are spent in Queens, crossing the Pulaski Bridge.

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