How to Watch the New York City Marathon From the Best Spots

The New York City Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious races. It's held each year in the fall.

The race begins in Staten Island on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and makes its way through Brooklyn, Queens and into Manhattan before finishing in Central Park.

You can watch the race live in the United States on ESPN2 and ESPN App from 8:30 am ET. International viewers can also watch the race via a variety of global broadcast partners.

1. Uptown on 1st Avenue

Tens of thousands of runners will line the streets this Sunday for the annual TCS New York City Marathon, a marathon that started in Central Park with just 127 people and has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious running events in the world. If you’re planning to attend the race, it’s important to know how to watch the marathon from the best spots.

Runners start their run from Staten Island, and they’ll pass through Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx on their way to victory in Central Park. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the race from different perspectives, especially from Brooklyn and Queens where you can take in some great views along the course.

In Manhattan, First Avenue, from 59th Street to 96th, traditionally offers the best spectator viewing, as runners spill down the ramp of the Queensborough Bridge and turn on First Avenue for a quick uptown jog. But this spot can be packed so it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and know where to stand.

It’s also a great spot to cheer on your favorite runner, especially when they’re nearing the finish line. Be sure to tell them where you’ll be so they can get in touch with you should they need anything.

If you’re looking to catch a great view of the marathon, consider staying in a hotel that’s located along 1st Avenue. While there are plenty of hotels that will provide you with a great view of the race, it’s important to note that these locations are very popular and can fill up quickly. So be sure to book a room in advance, especially during marathon weekend.

2. Uptown on 2nd Avenue

The New York City Marathon is an incredible sporting event that draws tens of thousands of runners each year. On the first Sunday in November, the race starts in Staten Island and jogs through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park.

The marathon is the city's biggest annual sporting event, drawing a million spectators to line the streets. While the race is not for everyone, a front-row seat to it can be an incredibly gratifying experience.

In terms of where to watch, you can expect the best viewing spots in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. In Manhattan, 59th Street and First Avenue provide a fantastic view of the marathon as it spills down the ramp to the Queensborough Bridge, while any spot along Fourth Avenue is highly recommended in Brooklyn. In Queens, any spot on 51st Street and 44th Drive from Vernon to Crescent Street is also highly rated.

It's easy to see why these neighborhoods are so popular. They're all incredibly walkable, with plenty of great restaurants, bars and shopping.

If you're looking for a place to stay, there are lots of options here as well, including reasonable apartments and expansive townhouses. And with karaoke lounges, Irish pubs and great bars on the strip, you're sure to find something to suit your needs.

And if you're not up for walking, the subway is a great option. But be aware that buses will be suspended or detoured as runners pass through, so check our Planned Service Changes lookup tool before heading out on the roads to avoid any headaches.

3. South Bronx

The New York City marathon is a huge event, but it can be difficult to find a good spot to watch the race. With over a million spectators on hand, there are few places on the course that aren't jammed with people.

Luckily, you don't have to leave the city to get a front-row seat. We've rounded up some of the best spots to cheer on your favorite runners.

One of the boroughs where you can be sure to see plenty of runners is the South Bronx. It's also home to some of the shortest stretches in the marathon, including the 20-mile mark around 135th Street and Alexander Avenue.

This is a notoriously challenging section of the race where runners may hit the proverbial wall, so it's important to get there early to make sure you can support your runners as they cross the finish line. Many local running clubs set up here, and you'll hear a lot of cowbells ringing!

From here, the route heads west across the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan. This stretch is filled with good-sized crowds, and it's a perfect place to watch the marathoners finish their last few miles before heading back into Manhattan and finishing at Central Park.

The marathon is an exciting way to see the city, but it's also a fantastic opportunity for residents in New York City to come together to support one another. That's why Nydia Nieves, who has been a marathon regular for 15 years and has been standing outside of the Mitchel Housing Projects to cheer on runners, says she enjoys watching the event. It's a great opportunity to bring the community together and put the spotlight on the neighborhood, she said.

4. Uptown on 100th Street

If you're a runner or just want to see the action of one of the biggest sports events in the world, the New York City marathon is the place to be. Almost 50,000 runners will race from Central Park to Hell's Kitchen, and they'll get a wall of support from people who are there to cheer them on.

The NYC Marathon is the most popular running event in the world, and it attracts runners from all over the globe. Professional athletes, local celebrities, and everyone in between are out on the course to race their best.

Spectators are encouraged to download the TCS New York City Marathon App, which can track a runner's progress in real time and help you find a good spot to watch them along their journey. Some of the top spots for spectators include the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Bishop Foley High School, and Flatbush Avenue.

You can also get up close to your runner if you bring a Citi Bike, which can be rented from a station near Boerum Hill. Biking is a great way to move around the course when crowds are dense, and it can be especially helpful in Brooklyn, where the race is the longest in a single borough.

In Manhattan, the most crowded section of the course is in the first half of mile 18, when runners spill out from the Queensborough Bridge into First Avenue. There are many bars and restaurants along this stretch, so it's an excellent place to watch the race.

In the Bronx, 138th Street from Alexander Avenue to Third Avenue is another great place for spectators to see the race. This section of the course is a difficult part of the course, so it's important to be there to give the runners extra encouragement.

5. Brooklyn

When it comes to watching the New York City Marathon, Brooklyn is the place to be. Not only is it home to the largest portion of the race (half of the 26.2 miles), but the crowds here are legendary.

The streets in the borough are lined with cheering throngs all the way through the course. There’s loud music, high fives from little kids, and encouraging (and sarcastic) signs. The police-tape barricades are also often a thing of the past as the crowds spread out along the sidewalks and into the streets.

One of the best spots to watch is on Atlantic Avenue, near Mile 8. Runners come in from three different starts before finally combining into a single group. This is a great spot to take photos of the runners as they merge together and make their way into Manhattan.

Another good place to watch is right before the Queensboro Bridge at Long Island City. This area is easy to access and offers the best views of the runners as they approach Manhattan.

It’s also a good place to bring snacks and drinks. If you’re looking for a big mug of beer, Greenpoint Tavern in Williamsburg is open early on Marathon Sunday.

If you’re not looking for a traditional view of the race, MoMA PS1 in Long Island City has a special "Fan Fuel Station" where you can get snacks and make your own signs to support your favorite runners. The borough also has plenty of other viewing spots, so it's important to do your research ahead of time.