If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have 55,000 people run through all five boroughs in one day, imagine New York City throwing its biggest, loudest, and surprisingly emotional block party.
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon takes place Sunday, November 2, 2025, with the starting gun firing around 8AM on Staten Island. Even if you’re not running, you can still feel like part of it. More than a million spectators come out every year to cheer, wave witty homemade signs, and lose their voices cheering on complete strangers.
As a two-time NYC Marathon finisher, I can confirm: where you watch completely changes your experience. Every neighborhood has a different vibe—some are pure chaos, others are emotionally inspiring.
Here’s where to go, what to expect, and how to find your spot on the route…
Staten Island: the start line
Vibe: Nerves and goosebumps.
The marathon starts near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, but unless you’re running, you’ll be watching this one from home—spectators aren’t allowed on-site. Still, the TV broadcast from the bridge is iconic: the national anthem, helicopters overhead, and a sea of runners taking their first step toward Central Park.
Pro Tip: Watch the start live on ABC7 or stream it through the TCS New York City Marathon app.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)Brooklyn (miles 2–12): the party begins
Vibe: Block-party chaos in the best way.
Once runners hit Brooklyn, the city wakes up. This is where the marathon feels like a festival—bands, church choirs, kids handing out orange slices, and music blasting from brownstone windows. The energy doesn’t dip for miles. Runners–you’ll want to take your headphones out for this.
Pro Tip: Head to Fourth Avenue in Park Slope for prime viewing and great brunch options afterward. Williamsburg is another fan favorite with bars that open early for marathon Sunday.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)Queens (miles 13–15): leaving Brooklyn and the real race has begun
Vibe: Diverse and quick, but powerful.
Runners hit the halfway mark here—and you can feel the mix of pride and pain. Queens is small but mighty on the course: think families, flags, and food trucks.
Pro Tip: Stand near the Pulaski Bridge, where runners cross into Queens. It’s got skyline views and major crowd energy before the silence of what’s coming next—the Queensboro Bridge.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)Queensboro Bridge (miles 15–16): the quiet before the roar
Vibe: Total silence.
There are no spectators allowed on the bridge, which makes this stretch eerie and emotional. The city disappears, and it’s just footsteps echoing on the steel. For many runners, it’s where they start to really lock in for the final 10 miles.
Pro Tip: Station yourself just beyond the bridge at First Avenue—where the real heart of the race happens.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)Manhattan (miles 16–20): First Avenue mayhem
Vibe: Absolute chaos—in the best way.
First Avenue is nicknamed “the wall” from the screaming roars as runners exit the quiet of the Queensboro Bridge. When runners hit Manhattan, it’s like walking into a stadium. Thousands of people scream, music blares, and the adrenaline spike is what every runner needs at mile 16.
Pro Tip: The 90th Street and First Avenue area offers a perfect mix of energy and breathing room. If you’re watching friends, this is where they’ll need a mental boost before the long push north.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)The Bronx (miles 20–21): the comeback borough
Vibe: Underrated and full of heart.
The Bronx doesn’t get the same crowds as Brooklyn or Manhattan, but the love here is fierce. Dance crews, DJs, and community groups. This section of the race is arguably the hardest for participants so every cheer counts.
Pro Tip: Head to 138th Street and Alexander Avenue for easy access from the subway and great local food once the runners pass.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)Central Park (miles 23–26.2): whatever’s left in the tank
Vibe: Pure goosebumps.
By the time runners re-enter Manhattan and turn into Central Park, everything hurts—but the crowds make it worth it. Spectators pack every inch of the park, waving flags and cowbells, crying with total strangers.
Pro Tip: 59th Street and 5th Avenue is an unbeatable spot for atmosphere, but get there early—it fills fast. Inside the park near Tavern on the Green, the final stretch feels cinematic.
Where to watch the New York City Marathon
(James Barrett @jimmyrox)The finish line
The finish area in Central Park is closed to the public. But if you know a runner, meet them between 60th and 66th streets. Runners can walk about two miles to exit the finish line area where no spectators are allowed.
The NYC Marathon is one of those rare days where the entire city moves with the same heartbeat. Whether you’re standing on a curb in Brooklyn or tearing up in Central Park, you’ll leave feeling a little more connected—to the runners, to the city, maybe it’ll even inspire you to run next year.