NYC Marathon: Why runners start at different times

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1, bringing nearly 60,000 runners to one of the most recognizable courses in distance running. The NYC Marathon crosses all five boroughs — Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan — before finishing in Central Park. This is the second consecutive year the TCS New York City Marathon has broken the world record for the largest marathon.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon can be watched live on television and online on Sunday, November 1. Here are the viewing options.

Where to watch NYC Marathon 2026 live

Platform: ESPN2 (US) | Coverage (ET): 8 am–11:30 am Platform: ESPN App | Coverage (ET): 7 am–1 pm (ESPN Unlimited plan) Platform: ABC/WABC-TV (NYC area) | Coverage (ET): 8 am–1 pm Platform: ABC7NY.com | Coverage (ET): Finish-line livestream, 10:30 am–6 pm Platform: ABC Network | Coverage (ET): 3 pm–5 pm

However, not all participants will cross the starting line at the same time at the NYC Marathon. The race follows a staggered start schedule, dividing runners into different groups based on their category and assigned wave. This allows organizers to manage the massive number of participants and reduce congestion along the course.

Why do NYC Marathon runners have different start times?

The NYC Marathon will see the participation of athletes with different running abilities, experience levels and physical requirements. If everyone starts simultaneously, then it would create significant congestion at the starting area and along the course. To manage the large field, organizers divide recreational participants into five waves. Each wave is further divided into six corrals, with runners assigned a specific starting position.

The wave and corral assignments are based on the estimated finish time submitted by participants during registration. Their official race bibs indicate their assigned wave, colour and corral.

The staggered system also allows faster runners to start ahead of those expecting to take longer to complete the 26.2-mile course. It helps organizers manage the flow of participants while making the race safer and more manageable.

According to NYRR, runners can move to a later wave or corral if they wish to start alongside someone assigned to a slower group. However, they cannot move to an earlier wave or corral. Starting earlier than the assigned time could result in disqualification and suspension from future NYRR races.

How to track a runner in the 2026 NYC Marathon

Friends and family can follow participants throughout Sunday's race using the official New York Road Runners (NYRR) mobile app. Here's how to track an individual runner:

Download the app: Install the free New York Road Runners app on your iPhone or Android device. Open the marathon section: Launch the app and navigate to the TCS New York City Marathon race-day features. Select runner tracking: Look for the participant search or runner-tracking option. Search for your runner: Enter the participant's name or bib number to find the person you want to follow. Add them to your list: Save the runner or select the follow option, if available, to make tracking easier. Follow their progress: Check the app for race updates, timing information, progress along the course and finish-line details as the runner makes their way towards Central Park.

NYC Marathon start and end time

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon begins in Staten Island, near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and takes runners through all five boroughs.

Participants run through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan before reaching the finish line in Central Park. The 2026 edition also marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course, which was first introduced in 1976.

The marathon is expected to draw nearly 60,000 participants, continuing its record-breaking run. In 2025, 59,226 runners finished the race, making it the largest marathon in history at the time.

Although the first participants begin racing at 8 am, the event continues throughout the day. The final wave of recreational runners is scheduled to start at 11:30 am ET. The final finishers are expected to reach Central Park between 8 pm and 10 pm.

NYC Marathon 2026 start time: Full schedule

The marathon's first participants will begin at 8 am ET, with the professional wheelchair divisions leading the race. Other categories, including handcycle athletes, professional runners and recreational participants, will follow at intervals.

Here is the official start schedule for the 2026 NYC Marathon:

Category: Professional men's wheelchair | Start time (ET): 8:00 am Category: Professional women's wheelchair | Start time (ET): 8:02 am Category: Handcycle and select athletes with disabilities | Start time (ET): 8:22 am Category: Mastercard Priceless Start | Start time (ET): 8:25 am Category: Professional women's open division | Start time (ET): 8:35 am Category: Professional men's open division | Start time (ET): 9:05 am Category: Wave 1 | Start time (ET): 9:10 am Category: Wave 2 | Start time (ET): 9:45 am Category: Wave 3 | Start time (ET): 10:20 am Category: Wave 4 | Start time (ET): 10:55 am Category: Wave 5 | Start time (ET): 11:30 am