The New York City Marathon is upon us again, and 60,000 runners are gearing up to dash through the Big Apple on Sunday, Nov. 1.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course — before that, the marathon was run entirely in Central Park — and while each borough is important, nearly half the race takes place right here in Brooklyn, between Bay Ridge and Greenpoint.
Whether you’re planning to join the crowds cheering the runners on or aiming to avoid the race altogether, here’s everything you need to know about who’s running, which roads will be closed, and where to watch.
Brooklynites to watch
While there are hundreds of Brooklynites taking part in Sunday’s race, there are a few to watch out for.
Two locals are part of New York Road Runners’ Team Inspire, a group of 26 participants with particularly moving stories.
Giovanni Kyle Sabio was born in the Philippines and grew up unhoused. He moved to New York City five years ago, and found a sense of home and peace here in Brooklyn. Sabio now lives in Bushwick, and said running has given him confidence, comfort and a community he loves.
Giovanni Kyle Sabio found comfort and community in running. Photo courtesy of Team Inspire
Carroll Gardens mom Sherie Buell is running her first marathon along with two friends — Sheena Lawrick and Laura Lang — in support of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where their children were successfully treated for a rare pediatric eye cancer.
Meanwhile, Crown Heights resident Miraj Mehta, is running his 26.2 miles with Team Citizens to support local nonprofit Beginning with Children.
Two local celebs will take part, too. Brooklyn lawyer-turned-”Survivor” winner Kyle Fraser is running to raise money for the Chelsea Piers Foundation; “Summer House” star Carl Radke, who also runs Soft Bar in Greenpoint, is racing in support of Release Recovery.
To keep track of a friend or loved one running Sunday’s race, download the official NYRR app and punch in your runner’s name or bib number to follow along on their journey!
The best places to spectate
About 11 miles of the marathon route are in Brooklyn, so there’s plenty of space to spectate without going too far from home. Here are some of the best viewing spots and a few watch parties along the route! Signs and cowbells are encouraged, but be sure to stay behind caution tape and barricades to leave the course open and safe for marathoners.
Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge, Miles 2-4: There are no spectators on Staten Island or along the Verrazzano, so this is the earliest you can see the runners as they begin their 26.2 mile journeys! Catch the R train and get off anywhere between Bay Ridge Avenue and 95th Street and it’s a short walk to 4th Avenue.
Just note that there are three routes runners might take, and they diverge slightly in the early miles of the race. If you’re looking for a special someone, be sure you know what color group they’re in — pink, blue or orange — or watch closer to Mile 4, near the Bay Ridge Avenue stop, where the routes come together again.
Roughly 11 miles of the NYC marathon route run through Brooklyn.Image courtesy of NYC Road Runners
Irish Haven in Bay Ridge: Irish Haven and Sole Cafe NYC are hosting a joint marathon watch party in front of Irish Haven at 5721 4th Ave., just past 57th Street. The celebration starts at 8 a.m. and will include coffee, snacks and live music.
Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, Mile 8: This is one of the most popular cheer spots in Brooklyn, and a great spot to catch a glimpse of a loved one if they’re running! Take the B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center and brace yourself for a big crowd. Runners will come up 4th Avenue and curve onto Flabush Avenue briefly before heading right on Lafayette Avenue.
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Cheer Zone: Join the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership at The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place to cheer with coffee, music and cowbells from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
NYRR Member Cheer Zone: New York Road Runners are inviting NYRR members, family, friends and supporters to join their cheer zone at 30 Lafayette Ave. RSVP on Eventbrite to join the group and enjoy signs, snacks and exclusive promotional items. This zone is for hard core supporters, and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to support all 60,000 runners!
Thousands of marathon runners will make their way through Brooklyn on Nov. 1. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Miles 10-13: Catch the runners before they hit the Pulaski Bridge and the halfway point of the race! Portions of this stretch can be a little quiet, and it’s easily accessible by the G or L train.
Only NY Watch Party: Join beloved local clothing brand OnlyNY for a marathon celebration at their 76 Nassau Ave. shop. The store sits right next to the marathon route, and the event will include sign-making, a live DJ, and free water and bananas.
Sprint & Sip Cheer Zone: Run club Sprint & Sip’s cheer zone is great for runners and spectators alike. Join in at the corner of Kent Avenue and McGuinness Boulevard, right around Mile 13, for a high-energy celebration with a DJ, pickle shots for runners, and on-course photography. When the runners have passed through, the celebration will move to Threes Brewing in Greenpoint, where marathoners can show their medals for free beers.
Marathon road closures, pedestrian crossings, and transit impacts
A number of local streets will be closed for portions of the day, and some bus routes will be impacted, too.
This year, there are two designated pedestrian crossing zones if your path is interrupted by the route, one at Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street; another at Bedford Avenue and Broadway. Before you get on the bus, check your route on the MTA website, as some routes are skipping stops or taking a detour.
The marathon route will impact some bus routes as well as dozens of Brooklyn streets. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Here’s a list of street closures with approximate times, check the DOT website for more information and keep an eye out for “No Parking” signs on Saturday night to ensure your vehicle isn’t in a prohibited zone!
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Upper Level, both directions — closed 11 p.m. on Oct. 31 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 1.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Lower Level, both directions — closed Nov. 1, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from the Verrazzano Bridge to 79th Street — 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Dalgren Place from the Verrazzano Bridge to 92nd Street — 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
92nd Street from Dahlgren Place to Fourth Avenue – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
92nd Street from Gatling Place to Fort Hamilton Parkway – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Fort Hamilton Parkway from 92nd Street to 94th Street — 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
94th Street from Fort Hamilton Parkway to Fourth Avenue – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
7th Avenue – 79th Street to 74th Street/Bay Ridge Parkway – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
74th Street, 6th Avenue to 7th Avenue, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
6th Avenue, 74th Street to 75th Street/Bay Ridge Parkway – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Bay Ridge Parkway, 7th Avenue to 4th Avenue – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
4th Avenue, 94th Street to Flatbush Avenue, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Flatbush Avenue, 4th Avenue to Lafayette Avenue, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Lafayette Avenue, Flatbush Avenue to Bedford Avenue – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Bedford Avenue, Lafayette Avenue to Nassau Avenue, 7 a..m.-6:30 p.m.
Nassau Avenue, Bedford Avenue/Lorimer Street to Manhattan Avenue, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Manhattan Avenue, Nassau Avenue to Greenpoint Avenue, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Greenpoint Avenue, Manhattan Avenue to McGuinness Boulevard, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
McGuinness Boulevard, Greenpoint Avenue to 48th Avenue – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Pulaski Bridge – Closed to car traffic – 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.