By Gus Saltonstall
The New York City Marathon is one of the busiest days on the Upper West Side of the year, and the race is taking place this Sunday.
The neighborhood will be flooded with runners, families, and crowds.
The race begins at 8 a.m. with the wheelchair division, and there are dozens of road closures across the five boroughs to make sure the runners have a smooth route through the city.
Since the marathon ends in Central Park, the Upper West Side is also where the “Family Reunion” areas get set up, which help runners find their loved ones after the race is over. This means our neighborhood has a few more street closures than most.
Here are the local road closures to know about this Sunday, including those within Central Park.
Race Closures
- Columbus Circle between West 59th Street and Central Park Driveway
- Central Park Driveway/8th Avenue Approach to West Drive
- West Drive between 8th Avenue Approach and 85th Street Approach to West Drive
- Terrace Drive between West Drive and East Drive
- Center Drive between West Drive and East Drive
- West 85th Street Approach to West Drive
- West 81st Street Approach to West Drive
- West 77th Street Approach to West Drive
- West 67th Street Approach to West Drive
Family Reunion Closures
- Central Park West between Columbus Circle and West 76th Street
- West 61st Street between Central Park West and Broadway
- West 62nd Street between Central Park West and Broadway
- West 63rd Street between Central Park West and Broadway
- West 64th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
- West 65th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
- West 66th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
- West 67th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 68th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 69th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 70th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 71st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 73rd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- West 74th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
- Columbus Avenue between West 74th Street and Broadway
- Broadway between West 66th Street and Columbus Circle
The streets will remain closed at the “discretion of the New York Police Department.”
Marathon Sunday is one of the most challenging days of the year to travel around the city, so plan accordingly.
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The worst day!!! Sorry not sorry.
I’m SO glad I don’t live on W. 69th. St. anymore! I always dreaded this particular weekend. My car sits securely parked in my house’s garage as I type right now.
I have lived on the UWS since the late 70s & have run three NYC Marathons. As both a participant & a spectator, I’ve found it to be a very moving event that brings people together in a good way. Including the many runners from other nations & their friends & families. For one day a year, IMHO it’s presents a minor inconvenience for some.
The minor inconvenience caused by the one-day-per-year NYC Marathon is so clearly and overwhelmingly a great reason to uproot and relocate!
The marathon brings significant disruptions to residents across the city, especially those of us on the Upper West Side, where the finish line amplifies noise, road closures, and congestion. Unlike essential city functions, the marathon is a choice event, making its impact feel particularly intrusive for those who must navigate around it. So, it’s hardly a minor inconvenience…
Bicyclists need to be mindful.
Can walk bikes for a block or teo
NY is a world-class city and the marathon is a world-class event, attracting participants and spectators from all over. The city and its many businesses (restaurants, hotels, etc) make a lot of money from this event as well. But, if you don’t enjoy living in an exciting environment that hosts major events and draws millions of people each year, there’s no end to the small towns across the country that can provide a quiet life with one’s own garage. To each their own.
Susan,
Lifelong New Yorker here.
Family and friends in the marathon.
But let’s not tell folks to move because they have a different opinion about the marathon.
Agree, Marathon Sunday is one of the best days of the year, some people evidently don’t want to live in a major city.
It will require a circuitous route for me to go vote tomorrow.
What a bunch of negative comments. It’s one day it’s an iconic event for the city. I like when NY gets to shine.
One of the few signature events — for both the public and runners/participants — that lives up the hype! Can’t wait to return the favor and cheer on the runners at Mile 24.
I can’t believe all the grouches in my neighborhood. What a beautiful day for a fantastic, international event. I love it!
Though I enjoy the marathon I completely understand it is a difficult day for many others.
And there is no question it has grown in size over the years thus the disruptions have grown too.
But if you enjoy the marathon, why not leave it at that?
Why suggest to others that they “move” if they are unhappy with the marathon impact?
MST:
Yes always dismaying to see the “just move” commentary.
Especially in reaction to a mundane opinion-comment.
Perhaps WSR can give some tips to readers on how to comment – without denigrating another.