By Tracy Zwick

“It will move you.”

That’s the tagline for the TCS NYC Marathon and it’s the truth. Do not miss the chance to be part of the world’s largest, loudest, grittiest race, with its finish line in the Upper West Side’s own backyard – the west side of Central Park.

Whether you’ve watched the Marathon every year since its founding in 1970 or this is your first time, whether you have a loved one in the race or just want to feel the excitement that courses through the entire route, whether you’re spectating for five hours or five minutes, here’s the information you’ll need. 

The race is Sunday morning beginning at 8:00 a.m., but festivities start Thursday with the Marathon Expo.

The NYC Marathon Expo: One of the country’s largest running expos, it’s free and open to the public at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on 11th Avenue and West 36th Street, from Thursday, October 31 through Saturday November 2, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with earlier hours on Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Registered runners must attend the expo to pick up their official bibs, but anyone can visit. There will be photo opportunities, a course preview, shopping for every kind of running gear, and panels with professional athletes and coaches. Among them will be five-time Olympic medalist and 2024 NYC Marathon Grand Marshall Gabby Thomas. Full schedule here. 

Opening Ceremony: The Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 1, at 4:30 p.m., near the finish line in Central Park, around West 67th Street (across from Tavern on the Green). An international celebration, expect to see flags waving, dancers, performers, speeches, and, at 6:30 p.m., fireworks. It is free and open to all. 

Abbott Dash to the Finish 5k: Saturday, November 2, starting at 8:45 a.m. Registration is closed to participate, but you can watch runners zip through the streets of midtown from the UN to the Marathon finish line. This was once called the “International Friendship Run,” and served to highlight international athletes who were coming to NYC to run.

There are many ways to watch the Marathon: The majority of the course, from mile three to mile 26, is open to spectators. You can also watch it on TV, computer, tablet, or phone. The race begins with the professional wheelchair division at 8:00 a.m. The professional women in the open division start at 8:35 and the professional men start at 9:05. The first group of non-professional athletes takes off at 9:10, with more runners following every half hour, through the final starters at 11:30 a.m. Runners are expected to be on the course from 8:00 a.m. until well after dark. The pros should finish by around 11:00 a.m. 

Be sure to download the official NYC Marathon app. It lets you track any runner in the race using their name or bib number, and while that runner’s on the course, it should tell you exactly where they are. From the UWS, the closest place to watch the Marathon is in Central Park, between 59th Street and the finish line. But you can also line 59th Street between Central Park West and Fifth Avenue, walk across the park to catch runners on East Drive, or cheer along Fifth Avenue north of 90th Street. Grandstand seating is available for advance purchase here.  

What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes because I predict you aren’t going to want to leave. You might bring some water — cheering is thirsty work — and consider making a sign. Having run the marathon twice, I’m ever grateful to the creative sign-makers whose handiworks kept me smiling through the toughest miles of the course. Peloton is a NYC Marathon sponsor and they’ve got some sign ideas to get you started.

What streets and areas will be closed: On the UWS, every street from West 59th to West 81st will be closed between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Central Park South will be closed between 59th Street and 5th Ave. Expect closures throughout the city, all of which are listed here.  

When does it end: The official ending time is 10:00 p.m. Sunday, but last year’s final finisher crossed the line at around 8:15 p.m. NYRR makes a big deal about celebrating its final finishers. The finish line is all lit up in neon colors, with the midtown skyline illuminated in the background.

Who are the athletes to watch? If you’ve got a family member, friend or neighbor in the race, they’re the star of your day. But there’s also a professional field from which the men’s and women’s winners will emerge and earn a cool $100,000 each. The reigning champs, Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola, will be racing again.

How to get into next year’s race: If you become inspired to join next year’s NYC Marathon, there are few ways to secure a spot on the 2025 start line. First, you can earn it by running a qualifying marathon or half-marathon in a dauntingly fast qualifying time, which depends on your age and gender. Second, you can raise money for one of the race’s charity partners. NYRR allots bibs to select nonprofits in an effort to help support these worthy causes. Third, you can get lucky and win the NYC Marathon Lottery! Finally, NYRR offers a 9+1 Program through which you gain entry to the following year’s Marathon after running 9 smaller NYRR races and volunteering at one within the same calendar year. 

Check out WSR’s complete coverage of the 2024 TCS Marathon, including an interview with UWS Pacer Barbara Mann and a Guide to UWS Running Clubs.

Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here.