First Avenue
A wall of noise after the silent Queensboro Bridge.
New York City Marathon
The world's largest marathon, running through all five boroughs on the first Sunday in November.
Over 50,000 runners start on the Verrazzano Bridge and finish in Central Park, cheered by a million people and bands along the way.
It's a free show of the whole city, especially in Brooklyn and on First Avenue.
- Best Time
- November
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- First Sunday in November
- Getting There
- All New York airports connect to the city.
What to See
3 of 3 are freeFourth Avenue, Brooklyn
Neighborhood bands and crowds.
Central Park finish
Grandstands are ticketed, but the park's edges are good.
Know Before You Go
- Most entries come through a lottery or charity.
- Streets close, so use the subway.
- Book hotels early.
Where to Stay
Stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Where to Eat
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Go Next
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Northeast list.