Celebrating 50 years of the 5-boro course, runners and their supporters can experience the best day of the year in the world’s greatest city with exclusive activations and special promotions throughout race week
New York, Oct. 22, 2026 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races, today announced an exciting lineup of events, exclusive offers, and one-of-a-kind experiences for runners, spectators, and visitors to enjoy throughout TCS New York City Marathon race week—a citywide celebration bringing together runners, visitors, and New Yorkers to celebrate the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.
From visiting the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance and enjoying special events and promotions from New York Road Runners partners to participating in race-day cheer zones and post-race celebrations, the city will come alive as runners and their supporters arrive for one of the world’s most iconic sporting events—driving nearly $700 million in incremental impact to the city’s economy. This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as New York Road Runners marks the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro New York City Marathon course by hosting an exciting Grand Central Terminal experience honoring the legacy and spirit of a race that has brought all five boroughs of New York City together since 1976.
“For 50 years, the 5-boro course has made the New York City Marathon a celebration of not just running, but the neighborhoods, communities, and people that make this city so special,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “Race week is an opportunity to bring that spirit to life across all five boroughs, with experiences that invite runners, their families and friends, and New Yorkers to connect with the city in new ways. We’re proud to celebrate alongside our returning sponsors and welcome new partners who help make this week so memorable. These experiences extend the impact of the marathon well beyond race day, supporting local businesses, bringing visitors into neighborhoods across the city, and giving New Yorkers even more ways to be part of this milestone celebration.”
GRAND CENTRAL ACTIVATION
For the first time, New York Road Runners will take over Vanderbilt Hall® in Grand Central Terminal for the free, four-day “50 Years Through the 5 Boroughs Experience,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon’s 5-boro course. From Oct. 27 to 30, visitors can explore the history, culture, and spirit of each borough through interactive experiences that bring to life the marathon route, plus enjoy a DJ spinning tunes, a projected race participant name wall, giveaways, and special guests, including past marathon champions.
Central to the experience will be an interactive track installation, with New York Road Runners setting a goal for visitors to reach 1,976,000 steps—in honor of the year of the first 5-boro New York City Marathon—inspiring people to get moving, complete their own marathon, and be part of something bigger.
Highlights of the experience include:
- Interactive Track: Visitors will work together to reach NYRR’s goal of 1,976,000 steps over four days, commemorating the first 5-boro course, run in 1976.
- Queens Presented by TCS: Explore the 2026 marathon course through a large-scale video projection. Around the bend, check out a stadium-inspired scoreboard tracking visitors’ collective steps, miles, and laps.
- Brooklyn Presented by Justworks: Celebrate Brooklyn’s vibrant small-business community and unmatched spectator spirit. In support of the local businesses that make the borough thrive, Justworks invites visitors to create personalized cheer signs to inspire marathon runners.
- The Bronx Presented by GetYourGuide: Discover all there is to explore in NYC beyond the course at the GetYourGuide booth and enjoy guest DJ sets celebrating the Bronx’s hip-hop heritage and vibrant music culture.
- Staten Island Presented by Volvo: Like the real TCS New York City Marathon course, the experience starts in Staten Island, with a Volvo pace car leading the way. Visitors will be able to pose for a photo moment under a replica of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before setting off on their 5-boro journey around the track.
- Manhattan: The journey will end in Manhattan with a TCS New York City Marathon finish line photo opportunity and giveaways from New York Road Runners, including race entries and branded gear, as well as Shake Shack vouchers.
The experience will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Wednesday, Oct. 28, through Friday, Oct. 30.
TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON EXPO PRESENTED BY NEW BALANCE
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31, will serve as the hub of marathon race week.
One of the country’s largest running expositions, with more than 160,000 visitors in 2025, the Expo will feature the official New Balance 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Collection—including the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Finisher Collection and limited-edition Five-Boroughs Collection commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro course—from New York Road Runners’ Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Partner.
The Expo, spanning more than 300,000 square feet, will also offer course amenities from event partners and a wide range of more than 114 exhibitors and vendors. While picking up their race bibs, runners can visit the iconic name wall showcasing the 60,000-plus registered athletes.
Additional Expo highlights include:
- TCS New York City Marathon Course Video: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the marathon’s iconic 5-boro course, premier partner and title sponsor Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will debut a new course video featuring updated graphics, licensed video footage, and voice-over that brings the route’s neighborhoods to life. The immersive video, offering runners and fans a fresh perspective on the course and its surrounding communities, will be on display at the TCS booth.
- Citizens Stage Programming:Citizens returns as the presenting sponsor of the Expo stage, featuring three days of panels and programming with New York Road Runners partners, elite athletes, and inspiring voices from across the running community. Highlights include a live episode of the NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peleton podcast featuring American marathoner Conner Mantz; a Maurten panel featuring Swedish distance runner Andreas Almgren; and a panel with former New York City Marathon champion Kathrine Switzer. The stage will also feature a “Wicked” panel with cast members, including Keri René Fuller, as well as a panel featuring former New York City Marathon champions Germán Silva and Paula Radcliffe. See the full Citizens Stage programming schedule HERE.
- Citizens Miles That Matter: As the Official Bank of New York Road Runners, Citizens continues its partnership through the second annual Miles That Matter program, recognizing inspirational runners participating in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the marathon’s 5-boro course, this year’s program honors one recipient from each borough, each of whom will direct a $20,000 grant to an NYRR Official Charity Partner. The 2026 honorees are Hailey Caruso (Staten Island, Tunnel to Towers), Miraj Mehta (Brooklyn, Beginning with Children), Dan Paparelli (Queens, The Floating Hospital), Alliyah Logan (The Bronx, Girls Inc. of New York City), and Ann Duong (Manhattan, City Harvest).
- Mastercard: Mastercard will celebrate the small businesses and communities that make New York City unique with an Expo booth featuring Loveless Coffees, GLOP by Alexi Pappas, and Bronx Native. Visitors can enjoy coffee, samples of GLOP’s sweatproof face glitter, and commemorative tote bags.
- United Airlines: United Airlinesinvites runners to its immersive Expo experience, featuring the debut of the new United Polaris Studio seat. Guests can step into a world of elevated comfort, capture a memorable photo with a larger-than-life TCS New York City Marathon replica medal, and enter daily sweepstakes for a chance to win flights and start planning their next adventure.
- NYRR 360: Visitors can learn more about New York Road Runners’ year-round programming and impact across the five boroughs, as well as check out a historical retrospective highlighting 50 years of the 5-boro New York City Marathon featuring “The Trailblazers” who helped bring the first 5-boro marathon to life; a timeline of New York City Marathon medals, participant shirts, and milestones; and 20 years of the Official Charity Partner Program, as New York Road Runners aims to raise $100 million for charities this year.
- The NYRR Running Lab: Offering expert coaching, mile-by-mile course strategies, and tips for navigating the 26.2-mile journey through the five boroughs, sessions will take place every hour on the hour at the NYRR Running Lab stage during the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. A Spanish-language presentation will also be offered each day.
- Experts from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) will give tips for getting to the start line healthy and for properly recovering after the race on the NYRR Running Lab stage from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
- 50th Anniversary Limited-Edition Merchandise: Runners and fans visiting the Expo can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the marathon’s iconic 5-boro course with limited-edition apparel, gear, and commemorative items from official sponsors and partners.
- Highlights include collections from New Balance, New York or Nowhere, Erica Sara, Literie, MarathonFoto, and Stran, offering unique ways to mark this milestone year.
RACE-WEEK OFFERS
NYRR Beyond the Finish Line returns to give runners and their friends and family opportunities to experience quintessential New York City attractions, including museums, performing arts centers, and sporting events, while in town for the race. The program encourages runners to explore cultural institutions across the five boroughs through exclusive offers for athletes and New York Road Runners members.
Offers runners can take advantage of include:
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: From Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, runners can buy a ticket and receive a second ticket free of charge when purchasing online.
- American Museum of Natural History: Runners receive free general admission to the museum from Nov. 1 to 8, 2026, by showing their medal at the ticket desks upon entry.
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: Runners enjoy 20 percent off Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, where they can trade race-day miles for a festive stroll through a magical, forested wonderland filled with stunning animal lanterns, enchanting moments, and festive delights.
- New York Rangers: The race-day excitement continues at Madison Square Garden, with a special Rangers ticket offer for the Nov. 1 home game versus the Edmonton Oilers.
- Rosa Mexicano: Runners can celebrate their accomplishment with authentic Mexican cuisine, freshly prepared tableside guacamole, and the restaurant’s iconic Frozen Pomegranate Margarita. Those who show their TCS New York City Marathon medal on Nov. 1 will receive a complimentary Frozen Pomegranate Margarita or Cucumber Mint Refresco with the purchase of an entrée at any Rosa Mexicano location in NYC.
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Runners and their family and friends receive a 30 percent discount on SUMMIT Ascent tickets from Oct. 26 to Nov. 8.
The complete list of NYRR Beyond the Finish Line offerings and ticketing information can be found HERE.
Additional race-week perks that TCS New York City Marathon partners are offering runners and spectators include:
- 1-800-Flowers: Celebrate the race with the limited-edition TCS New York City Marathon 26.2 Bouquet, created in collaboration with New York Road Runners. Available on 1800flowers.com through Nov. 6 for $79.99, the bouquet offers a meaningful way to recognize the runners in your life and includes a free limited-edition TCS New York City Marathon tote bag, while supplies last.
- Dunkin’: Young runners can enjoy a sweet treat at the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff in Central Park on Sunday, Oct. 25, where Dunkin’ will offer Munchkins and lemonade from a dedicated sampling truck.
- Shake Shack: Shake Shack’s Bibs for Burgers program returns, giving marathon runners the opportunity to use their bib number as a unique promo code for a free burger. This year, the offer expands nationwide, allowing runners to redeem it at any Shake Shack location across the country for one week after the race.
- TAG Heuer: Runners can celebrate the marathon with the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 Running Edition, featuring a new TCS New York City Marathon–branded watch face and running-focused metrics to track pace, laps, stride, and recovery. The special edition offers a unique way to commemorate race week while supporting runners in their training and performance.
RACE-WEEK EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS
To celebrate the start of TCS New York City Marathon race weekend, thousands of runners from around the world—including participants from New York Road Runners’ community programs and local run clubs—will parade across the TCS New York City Marathon finish line during the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines. Free and open to the public, the event, taking place on Friday, Oct. 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., also features the 2026 NYRR Hall of Fame inductees and will conclude with a grand finale at the finish line.
For the first time, as part of NYRR Beyond the Finish Line, runners can carb-load with aPre-Race Pasta Party at the American Museum of Natural Historyon Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring a night of fuel and inspiration with an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner and access to select halls and exhibits. Tickets are available for $70 per person.
As part of its race week celebration, New Balance will host a Run House (9 W 8th Street, New York, NY 10011), serving as a gathering space for runners and fans alike. During open house hours on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1, and Monday, Nov. 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Run House will feature product customization, test-and-trial opportunities for select footwear, and a variety of community experiences, including post-race massages and a recovery fuel bar (sign up required). Following race day, the space will transform into a celebration hub where runners and fans can connect, recover, and reflect on marathon weekend, with on-site offering pieces from the 50th Borough Collection for purchase and additional opportunities for the community to come together.
RACE-DAY ENGAGEMENT
Along the 26.2-mile TCS New York City Marathon course, brands and partners will energize runners and spectators with branded cheer zones, entertainment, giveaways, and interactive experiences across the five boroughs on Nov. 1. Participating brands include Peloton, Mastercard, Citizens, GetYourGuide, Maurten,New Balance, Dunkin’, GEICO, Justworks, Maybelline, Michelob ULTRA, and more.
In a first for the race, five Culligan water refill stations will be introduced along the course to encourage the use of reusable bottles and help reduce the event’s carbon footprint, with additional Culligan sustainability signage at the finish area and Marathon Pavilion. Further supporting these efforts, new licensee HydraPak will offer TCS New York City Marathon–branded water bottles for purchase, giving runners and fans another way to embrace more sustainable race-day habits.
As the first-ever presenting partner of the Final Finishers program,Volvo Carswill help celebrate the determination and perseverance of back-of-the-pack runners as they complete the 26.2-mile journey. As part of the partnership, Volvo will elevate the celebration with branded cheer materials and an inspiring video featuring Joan Benoit Samuelson and Germán Silva driving the course and reflecting on their race experiences. The video will also be featured in the Final Finishers livestream presented by Volvo Cars, helping shine a spotlight on the runners whose achievements embody the spirit of the marathon. The Final Finishers livestream will air from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 1, on ABC7NY.com and the New York Road Runners YouTube channel.
VICTORY LAP AFTER-PARTY
The Official After-Party of the TCS New York City Marathon returns to Terminal 5 on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hosted by New York Road Runners, the 21-and-over celebration for runners, family, and friends will feature music, photo opportunities, special appearances by the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon champions, partner giveaways, and more. Attendees can also refuel after 26.2 miles with offerings from NYC food trucks El Asado Mexicano and STUF’D.
MARATHON MONDAY
To celebrate their accomplishment, marathoners can return to the finish line area on Marathon Monday, Nov. 2, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion Presented by Mastercard in Central Park at West 67th Street. Runners can commemorate their race by getting their medals engraved with their names and race times by Fond Memories, shop the official New Balance finisher collection, purchase copies of The New York Timesspecial results section, and visit the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Runner Recovery Zone for foam rolling, guided stretching, and Normatec boots. Stretching sessions and Normatec boot recovery are available by appointment.
As part of the NYRR Beyond the Finish line programming, runners can enjoy a special sunrise experience atSUMMIT One VanderbiltonMonday, Nov. 2, from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., featuring immersive art and technology and sweeping 360-degree views of New York City. Runners can bring their medal and bib for photo opportunities with specially designed artwork. Disney on Broadway will also offer special performances of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” on Broadway with Marathon Monday–exclusive signature events on Nov. 2.
Runners can also celebrate their accomplishments at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub on Marathon Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to look up their race results and snap a commemorative photo at the digital screen, while a live DJ keeps the celebration going. The festivities continue Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with medal engraving available both days. Dunkin’ will also offer complimentary donuts to the first 500 visitors each day.
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About the History of the New York City Marathon (1970–2026)
Initially run in 1970 as four-plus laps of Central Park with 55 finishers, the New York City Marathon left the park and was run through the five boroughs for the first time on Oct. 24, 1976, to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial and uplift the city. The landmark move set the standard for the modern marathon event. This year, New York Road Runners is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro marathon course and setting a goal of raising $100 million for its Official Charity Partner Program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Produced by the world’s premier running organization, today the TCS New York City Marathon is consistently one of the largest marathons in the world, bringing together nearly 60,000 participants and more than 2 million spectators for the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.
About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
A New York City–based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running—serving more than half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features nearly 60,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.