The TCS New York City Marathon stands as a global icon in road racing, bringing runners on a point-to-point journey through the city's five distinct boroughs. The race began in 1970 with several loops of Central Park but transformed in 1976 into the sprawling, five-borough event that has become the blueprint for major city marathons worldwide.

The course begins on Staten Island, immediately taking runners over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, then through Queens, across the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, briefly into the Bronx, and finally back down into Manhattan for a celebrated finish in Central Park.

This guide specifically details the Blue start route. The marathon uses three different starting corrals—Blue, Orange, and Pink—to manage the flow of runners across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The Blue and Orange routes start on the upper deck, while the Pink route uses the lower deck. All three courses merge by mile 8 in Brooklyn, after which every runner follows the same path to the finish line.

Weather in early November typically favors marathon running. Five-year averages show temperatures ranging from a cool 43°F to a moderate 55°F, with minimal precipitation. However, wind can play a significant role, especially on the exposed bridges and long avenues.

The course itself proves more challenging than its reputation might suggest. Runners face five major bridge crossings, which create significant climbs and descents—particularly the Verrazzano at the start and the demanding Queensboro Bridge past the halfway mark. The long, deceptively gradual incline of First Avenue tests pacing discipline, while the final miles present a true test through Central Park's rolling hills.

• Event Date: November 2nd, 2025
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.29 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 38.57
• Total Ascent: 944.85 ft
• Total Descent: 965.29 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 14.47, 0.92 mi at an average grade of 2.51%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 0.93, 1.14 mi at an average grade of -3.59%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 19.46, 0.1 mi at an average grade of 6.47%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 0.93, 1.14 mi at an average grade of -3.59%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 6 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 8 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 55.7%
  • Minor Incline: 17.3%
  • Minor Decline: 15.7%
  • Moderate Decline: 6.7%
  • Moderate Incline: 4.3%
  • Challenging Incline: 0.4%

The race begins at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island with a 9:10 AM start time for Wave 1, well after sunrise, providing clear views of the iconic starting scene.

The first and most significant challenge arrives immediately: the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This is the largest climb of the day, a sustained ascent of approximately 120 feet over about 0.6 miles, starting just after the first quarter-mile. The bridge is fully exposed to the elements, so prepare for potential crosswinds or headwinds blowing off the Atlantic.

After cresting near the one-mile mark, the course begins a long, pronounced descent into Brooklyn. This downhill stretch extends over a mile and drops more than 200 feet, naturally tempting runners to exceed their goal pace.

The key to navigating this section is controlled effort—conserve energy on the way up and protect your quads by avoiding over-striding on the way down. These early miles set the tone for the entire race, making patience and discipline essential from the very start.

• Conserve Your Energy: The Verrazzano Bridge is the largest climb of the day, right at the start. A conservative effort here is a deposit into your energy bank for the final 10K.
• Control the Descent: The mile-long downhill off the bridge encourages a fast pace. Focus on controlled, even strides to prevent early quad fatigue that you will pay for later.
• Wind Exposure: The bridge is completely exposed, making wind a likely factor. Be prepared to adjust your effort accordingly and consider drafting off other runners.

• Climb #1: Mile 0.21 to Mile 0.83, 0.62 mi, avg grade 3.69%, total gain 121.33 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 1.04 to Mile 2.08, 1.04 mi, avg grade -3.88%, total drop 212.3 ft

• None.

• Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (~Mile 0.93): The iconic bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, offering expansive views of the New York Harbor. This marks the first major climb and descent of the race.

As you come off the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, you land in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and make your way onto the long straightaway of Fourth Avenue. This section is famous for its massive, energetic crowds that create a festival-like atmosphere capable of carrying you for miles.

The terrain here is predominantly flat with only gentle, rolling undulations—an ideal place to settle into your race pace after navigating the bridge. The different starting waves (Blue, Orange, and Pink) fully merge around mile 8, so expect the course to remain crowded throughout this stretch.

While the wide avenue provides ample running space, it's crucial to maintain your own pace rather than getting swept up in the surrounding excitement. Draw energy from the spectators, but stick to your pacing plan.

This long, relatively straight segment offers the perfect opportunity to find your rhythm, check in with your body, and begin executing your fueling strategy. The first aid stations appear at mile 3, marking a good time to start your hydration routine.

• Pace Discipline Amidst the Roar: The energy from Brooklyn's crowds is intoxicating. Let it lift your spirits, not your pace. Stick to your plan to avoid burning out early.
• Course Congestion: Even with the wide avenue, the merging of different start waves means the course will be crowded. Be mindful of other runners and maintain your own space.
• Maintain Focus: The straight, flat nature of this section can feel monotonous. Break it down mile by mile and use the supportive crowds to stay engaged.

• None.

• None.

• 4th Ave - Bay Ridge (Mile 3)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• 4th Ave - Bay Ridge → Sunset Park (Mile 4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• 4th Ave - Sunset Park (Mile 6)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• 4th Ave into Park Slope (Mile 8)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes

• Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (~Mile 3) (Spectator Zone): The first major spectator viewing area in Brooklyn. Catch runners as they exit the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
• Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (~Mile 8) (Spectator Zone): A major intersection and popular viewing spot where all three starting waves have fully merged.

After turning off Fourth Avenue, the course winds through the diverse and historic neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Williamsburg. The route shifts from a wide-open avenue to more residential streets like Lafayette Avenue and Bedford Avenue. While the terrain remains mostly flat with minor rollers, the frequent turns break up the rhythm you established on Fourth Avenue. The crowds continue to provide incredible energy, lining the streets and cheering from brownstone stoops.

As you approach the 13-mile mark, you'll run through Greenpoint and prepare to cross the Pulaski Bridge, which marks both the halfway point of the marathon and your transition from Brooklyn to Queens. This section features the first Maurten Gel station at mile 12—a critical fueling opportunity before tackling the bridges in the second half of the race.

The final climb of this section is the gentle but noticeable incline onto the Pulaski Bridge itself.

• Navigating Turns: Unlike the long straight of Fourth Avenue, this section has more turns, requiring you to stay mentally engaged and maintain a smooth line.
• Critical Fueling Stop: The Maurten Gel Depot at mile 12 is a key point to refuel. Plan to take a gel here to prepare for the challenging miles ahead.
• Anticipate the Bridge: The gentle climb onto the Pulaski Bridge at mile 13 is the first bridge crossing since the start and signals the beginning of the race's second half.

• Climb #2: Mile 13.02 to Mile 13.23, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.5%, total gain 27.1 ft

• Descent #2: Mile 8.56 to Mile 8.88, 0.31 mi, avg grade -1.75%, total drop 28.87 ft

• Lafayette Ave - Fort Greene/Clinton Hill (Mile 10)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• Bedford Ave - Clinton Hill → Williamsburg (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• Bedford Ave - Williamsburg (Mile 12)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™ + Maurten Gel Depot
  • Toilet: Yes
• Long Island City, after Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes

• Williamsburg and Greenpoint (~Mile 11.5) (Spectator Zone): Vibrant neighborhoods with streets lined with shops, restaurants, and enthusiastic spectators.
• Pulaski Bridge (~Mile 13.1): The halfway point of the marathon, connecting Brooklyn to Queens. The bridge is closed to spectators, but fans cheer loudly from the Queens side.

After crossing the Pulaski Bridge, you'll spend a relatively short but important stretch in Queens. The route through Long Island City is flat, offering a brief recovery before you encounter one of the marathon's most defining challenges: the Queensboro Bridge.

This bridge marks your passage into Manhattan and presents a critical mental and physical test. The climb begins around mile 14.8—a sustained ascent of over 100 feet across approximately 0.6 miles.

What makes the Queensboro Bridge particularly challenging isn't just the grade, but the dramatic shift in atmosphere. After miles of roaring crowds, the bridge feels eerily quiet, with no spectators permitted. You'll find yourself accompanied only by fellow runners and the rhythmic sound of footfalls on steel grating. This sudden silence can be mentally taxing for many runners.

After reaching the crest around mile 15.5, a steady downhill provides welcome relief as you descend toward the wall of sound that awaits on First Avenue.

• The Queensboro Climb: A long, grinding climb that comes when fatigue is beginning to set in. Focus on maintaining a steady effort, not a specific pace.
• Embrace the Silence: The sudden lack of spectator noise is a significant mental shift. Use this time for an internal check-in on your body and mindset, preparing for the final 10 miles.
• Pacing the Descent: Control your speed coming off the bridge to avoid jarring your legs before hitting the hard pavement of Manhattan.

• Climb #3: Mile 14.78 to Mile 15.4, 0.62 mi, avg grade 3.28%, total gain 106.5 ft

• Descent #5: Mile 15.71 to Mile 16.22, 0.51 mi, avg grade -3.15%, total drop 85.76 ft

• Long Island City (Mile 14)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• Approaching Queensboro Bridge (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - Upper East Side, 60s (Mile 16)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes

• Queensboro Bridge (~Mile 15.6): A pivotal and challenging section of the course connecting Queens to Manhattan, known for its sustained climb and lack of spectators.

Coming off the Queensboro Bridge, you are greeted by an incredible roar from the massive crowds lining First Avenue. This is one of the most electric parts of the course, and the energy can provide a significant boost.

The route heads north on a long, straight, and wide avenue for nearly three miles. While it appears flat, this section is actually a subtle, gradual incline that can slowly sap your energy. The road rises and falls with gentle rollers, but the overall trend is slightly uphill.

The key here is to use the crowd's energy wisely. It's tempting to let the excitement push your pace, but remember—this is where the marathon truly begins. Maintain a steady effort and focus on your form. The second Maurten Gel station is located at mile 18, providing a crucial opportunity to take in significant calories before the final push.

As you run through the Upper East Side and into East Harlem, the avenue remains arrow-straight, presenting a true test of mental fortitude. Stay disciplined through this deceptively challenging stretch, and let the crowd carry you forward without overdoing it.

• First Avenue's 'False Flat': This section is a subtle, net-uphill grind. Focus on maintaining consistent effort rather than pace to avoid overexerting yourself.
• Harness Crowd Energy Wisely: Use the incredible spectator support for motivation, but don't let the adrenaline dictate your pace. Stick to your plan.
• The Long Straightaway: The seemingly endless stretch of First Avenue can be mentally taxing. Break it into smaller segments from one aid station to the next.

• None.

• None.

• 1st Ave - 70s–80s (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - 90s–100s / East Harlem (Mile 18)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™ + Maurten Gel Depot
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - East Harlem, toward Willis Ave Bridge (Mile 19)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes

• First Avenue, Manhattan (~Mile 17) (Spectator Zone): One of the most exciting and densely packed spectator areas on the course. The festive atmosphere is a major highlight for runners.
• East Harlem (Spanish Harlem) (~Mile 18.5) (Spectator Zone): A vibrant neighborhood with strong community support, providing a crucial boost as runners approach the 20-mile mark.
• Charity Cheer Zone (~Mile 19.5) (Spectator Zone): Located at First Avenue and 120th Street, this zone celebrates the thousands of runners fundraising for charity partners.

This section marks the marathon's northernmost point and is often considered the toughest part of the race. Just before mile 20, you'll cross the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx. This bridge features the steepest climb on the entire course, though thankfully it's also the shortest.

The brief journey through the Bronx pulses with loud, energetic crowds that help carry you forward before you cross back into Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge. These back-to-back bridges can feel punishing on tired legs, testing your resolve at a critical point in the race.

Once back in Manhattan, you'll run south through Harlem and onto Fifth Avenue. The stretch of Fifth Avenue from mile 22 to 23 presents a long, gradual incline that feels deceptively steep after covering so many miles. This climb becomes a significant mental and physical hurdle just when your body is crying out for relief, right before you enter the final stage of the race in Central Park.

The crowds here are crucial, providing encouragement exactly when you need it most. Their energy can make the difference between pushing through or hitting the wall.

• The Willis Avenue Bridge Wall: The steepest climb of the race occurs around mile 19.5. Shorten your stride, use your arms, and focus on getting over it efficiently.
• Back-to-Back Bridges: The quick succession of the Willis Avenue and Madison Avenue bridges provides little recovery and demands resilience as fatigue mounts.
• Conquer Fifth Avenue: This long, exposed, gradual climb from mile 22 to 23 will test your resolve. Break it into smaller sections and draw energy from the crowds as you earn your entry into Central Park.

• Climb #4: Mile 19.46 to Mile 19.57, 0.1 mi, avg grade 6.47%, total gain 35.47 ft

• Descent #6: Mile 19.97 to Mile 20.07, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.72%, total drop 20.08 ft

• Mott Haven, after Willis Ave Bridge (Mile 20)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• Harlem, after Madison Ave Bridge (Mile 21)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™, Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• 5th Ave alongside Central Park - Uptown (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• 5th Ave into Central Park (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes

• Willis Avenue Bridge (~Mile 19.5): The bridge crossing from Manhattan to the Bronx, featuring the steepest climb on the course.
• Madison Avenue Bridge (~Mile 20.9): The bridge returning runners from the Bronx to Manhattan for the final stretch of the race.

Entering Central Park at Engineers' Gate brings a wave of relief, but don't celebrate just yet—you still have 2.5 miles to go. The final stretch winds along the park's East and West Drives through a series of rolling hills that will test every bit of strength left in your tired legs.

While these aren't massive climbs, they feel significant when your muscles are already exhausted from the previous 23-plus miles. You'll face two notable short climbs with corresponding descents as you navigate around the southern end of the park. Each roller demands respect and careful pacing.

The course briefly exits the park onto Central Park South before re-entering at Columbus Circle for your final approach. Here, the crowd noise becomes absolutely deafening—their energy is palpable and infectious. A last gentle incline leads you toward the iconic finish line near Tavern on the Green.

This final section is pure grit and determination. Let the roar of the spectators fuel you through these last challenging rollers. Every step brings you closer to joining the ranks of New York City Marathon finishers.

• Stay Strong Through the Rollers: Do not underestimate the series of short, sharp hills in the final miles. Focus on maintaining your form and effort, as these small climbs will feel significant on fatigued legs.
• Navigate the Crowds: The area around Columbus Circle and the finish line is heavily congested with spectators. Stay focused on the finish line and the path ahead.
• The Final Uphill Push: The last quarter-mile to the finish line is on a slight incline. Prepare for one last powerful push to the end.

• Climb #5: Mile 23.46 to Mile 23.66, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.45%, total gain 25.85 ft
• Climb #6: Mile 24.69 to Mile 24.79, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.2%, total gain 17.68 ft

• Descent #7: Mile 24.38 to Mile 24.58, 0.21 mi, avg grade -3.49%, total drop 38.02 ft
• Descent #8: Mile 25.1 to Mile 25.3, 0.2 mi, avg grade -2.34%, total drop 24.97 ft

• Central Park - East & South Drives (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes
• Central Park South - 59th St (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade® Endurance Formula™
  • Toilet: Yes

• Fifth Avenue, East 90th-105th Street (~Mile 23.5) (Spectator Zone): This stretch of Fifth Avenue is a cultural hub as well as a crucial spot for spectators to cheer on runners before they enter Central Park.
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (~Mile 23.8): An iconic architectural landmark on Fifth Avenue, signaling the entrance to Central Park.
• United Airlines Zone: Columbus Circle (~Mile 25.9) (Spectator Zone): A major spectator zone where runners re-enter Central Park for the final approach to the finish line.
• Finish Line (~Mile 26.2) (Spectator Zone): The iconic finish line near Tavern on the Green. Spectator access is available via ticketed grandstands or a standing area.