The streets are ready. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, more than 50,000 runners will lace up their shoes to tackle the ultimate five-borough block party. The TCS New York City Marathon is back. The energy is always electric. From the windy climb of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the roaring crowds in Central Park, millions of eyes will be on New York.
You do not have to stand on the curb to be part of the excitement. Whether you are supporting a family member from across the country or tuning in to watch elite athletes chase history, we have you covered. Here is exactly how to watch the race live, how to track individual runners, and when each wave starts.
How to Watch the Marathon Live on TV and Online
If you live in the New York tristate area, catching the action is easy. Local coverage airs on ABC7 (WABC-TV). Their broadcast begins with pre-race coverage at 7:00 AM EST, giving you a look at the starting lines before the first horn blows. The main race broadcast runs from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM EST. You can also stream it live on the ABC7NY App or through their website.
For those living elsewhere in the United States, ESPN2 is your home for the race. The national broadcast runs from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST. If you prefer to stream, you can log in to the ESPN App on your smart TV or mobile device. Spanish speakers can also tune into a live Spanish-language broadcast on ESPN3 during the same morning hours.
Are you watching from abroad? Do not worry. International viewers have plenty of options. Eurosport will broadcast the race across Europe, while SuperSport covers viewers in Africa. In total, the race will be beamed to more than 150 countries, so check your local sports networks for exact listings.
Complete Wave Start Times for 2026
With tens of thousands of participants, organizers cannot let everyone start at once. Instead, runners are grouped into staggered waves. This prevents massive bottlenecks at the start line and along the narrower parts of the course. Here is the official schedule of start times for Sunday morning:
- 8:00 AM: Professional Wheelchair Division
- 8:22 AM: Handcycle Category and select athletes with disabilities
- 8:35 AM: Professional Women’s Division
- 9:05 AM: Professional Men’s Division
- 9:10 AM: Wave 1 (including local competitive runners)
- 9:45 AM: Wave 2
- 10:20 AM: Wave 3
- 10:55 AM: Wave 4
- 11:30 AM: Wave 5
Keep in mind that the start line on Staten Island can be cold and windy. Runners in the later waves are always advised to bring warm, discardable layers to wear while waiting in the start villages.
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How to Track Your Favorite Runners
Waiting for a friend or relative to pass by can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, technology makes it simple. The free TCS New York City Marathon App is your best tool for the day. It is available on both iOS and Android devices.
The app uses timing chips embedded in each runner’s bib. As they cross timing mats laid out at every 5-kilometer mark, the app updates their position in real-time. You can track up to 20 runners simultaneously. The app even estimates their arrival times at future milestones based on their current pace, letting you know exactly when to start scanning the crowd.
Spectators can also use the app to find key course maps, medical stations, and family reunion zones. It is an essential download for anyone navigating the city on race day.
Top Spectator Hotspots
Planning to cheer in person? Some spots are legendary for their crowd energy. Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, around mile 3 to 8, offers wide streets and massive local support. It is loud. Really loud.
Another famous spot is First Avenue in Manhattan, right after runners exit the Queensboro Bridge at mile 16. The sudden wall of sound as athletes enter Manhattan is unforgettable. Finally, the closing miles in Central Park offer classic autumn views, though you will want to arrive early to secure a spot near the grandstands.
Subway travel is highly recommended. Driving in the city on marathon Sunday is nearly impossible due to rolling street closures. Plan your route ahead of time, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy one of the greatest sporting events in the world.
