Runners react on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge during the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 2, 2025.
REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid
For the first time in 15 years, the New York City Marathon’s route is changing to ensure runners take a couple fewer turns while navigating through the Bronx portion of the 26.2-mile race.
The tweak is coming in the Mott Haven neighborhood between miles 20 and 21 of the race, reducing the number of turns over the mile stretch from seven to five. It also allows access for people to get to a Western Beef supermarket and a 24-hour laundromat on E. 140th St., businesses that had been cut off by the old course.
Now, after crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge, runners will make a left onto E 135th St., turn right on Alexander Ave., and continue straight rather than make a left on E. 138th St. Instead, they will turn left on E. 141st St., then turn left on Third Ave., then turn right on E. 138th St. to continue onto the Madison Avenue Bridge.
This year’s race, which will take place on Nov. 1, will mark the 50th anniversary of the New York City marathon, which was first run on Oct. 24, 1976. It has become one of the most popular road races in the world, expanding from 2,090 participants and 1,549 finishers 50 years ago to a remarkable 59,226 finishers last year.
For more on the New York City Marathon, visit AMNYcom