Published on
November 2, 2025
One of the most recognisable races in the world, the New York City Marathon brings together both professional and amateur runners to compete across all five of New York City’s boroughs. The marathon, which attracts thousands of runners from all over the world, will take place on Sunday this year. Even though the event is an exciting celebration of human achievement and athleticism, it also causes major disruptions to daily life in the city, especially for residents and commuters.
The New York City Marathon, one of the biggest marathons in the world, begins on Staten Island and travels 26.2 miles through urban streets, passing through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx before coming to a close in Central Park. Road closures, detours, and delays occur throughout the day because the course passes through some of the city’s most crowded and congested areas. Careful preparation is necessary to prevent the unavoidable travel disruptions, whether you are a spectator, runner, or just someone attempting to get around the city.
Street Closures Across the Five Boroughs
The New York City Marathon’s route will lead to various street closures and traffic restrictions across New York City. The NYPD has issued a detailed advisory to ensure that residents and travelers are prepared for the significant disruptions the race will cause.
Staten Island
The marathon will start on the Staten Island side of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This bridge will close to vehicles several hours before the race begins, which means that access to Staten Island from Brooklyn will be restricted. Locally, streets around the starting area will be closed, and detours will be put in place. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge itself will remain closed until the conclusion of the race, making Staten Island difficult to access by car. Travelers who need to cross the bridge should expect substantial delays.
Brooklyn
As the marathon heads into Brooklyn, key streets will be closed to traffic. Major thoroughfares like Fourth Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and sections of Flatbush Avenue will all be blocked off for the race. This will result in heavy traffic disruptions, especially for drivers trying to access the borough from other parts of the city. Bridges connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan, such as the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, may also experience delays or temporary closures as runners make their way through. Commuters trying to cross into Manhattan from Brooklyn should expect longer travel times and consider alternative routes.
Queens
In Queens, the marathon’s route will intersect several major streets, including parts of Queens Boulevard, and areas near Astoria and Long Island City will also be closed. This means that commuters in these areas will face traffic restrictions, and several roads will be temporarily inaccessible. As runners make their way through Queens, significant roadblocks will limit vehicle movement, creating detours and delays along these busy corridors.
Manhattan
Manhattan, as one of the busiest parts of the marathon course, will experience some of the most extensive closures. Streets along Fifth Avenue, Central Park South, and the West Side Highway will be closed for most of the day. These areas are not only key to the marathon route, but they also serve as major thoroughfares for commuters, residents, and tourists. Business owners and local residents who live along the marathon’s route will need to make special arrangements to ensure access to their properties. Many businesses will likely face disrupted operations, and parking in the area will be extremely limited.
Bronx
In the Bronx, traffic restrictions will affect streets along the Grand Concourse, particularly near Yankee Stadium. Drivers in the Bronx should plan for delays and be prepared to take detours. Since this section of the marathon includes popular landmarks, like Yankee Stadium, large crowds of spectators are expected, further complicating traffic management in the area.
Central Park
The marathon ends in Central Park, and during the race, the park will be entirely closed to non-marathon traffic. This restriction includes vehicles attempting to drive through or park in Central Park. Visitors who are planning to visit the park for recreational purposes will need to find alternative areas to explore until the race has concluded.
Public Transit: The Best Alternative
Given the widespread road closures, public transportation is the best way to get around the city on race day. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will continue to operate its subway and bus services throughout the day, though some routes may be adjusted or detoured in response to the closures.
Riders are encouraged to check MTA service updates before setting out to account for any potential delays or rerouting. Public transit can often be more reliable than driving, especially when it comes to navigating around crowded areas or trying to access locations near the marathon course. However, passengers should still be prepared for the fact that buses and trains travelling near the race route could be delayed due to increased foot traffic and the sheer volume of spectators.
For those planning to use the subway, it is particularly important to check the status of stations located near key marathon points, such as the start in Staten Island and the finish line in Central Park. These stations may be temporarily closed or rerouted to ensure the safety of the runners and spectators. Riders should allow for extra travel time to avoid being caught in last-minute rushes or delays.
Impact on Local Residents and Businesses
For residents living along the marathon route, the event will cause disruptions in daily life. Access to homes and local businesses will be restricted during the race, and parking will be limited. For many, this means that special arrangements will need to be made to ensure they can get in and out of their homes throughout the day.
Local businesses along the route, especially those located near key points of the race, may experience significant foot traffic. As crowds gather to cheer on the runners, some businesses may implement temporary measures to accommodate customers, such as adjusting store hours or organising delivery schedules to ensure uninterrupted service. However, the marathon’s presence can also provide a boost to these businesses, especially those in tourist-heavy areas such as Central Park and Brooklyn.
Safety Measures and Spectator Tips
The NYPD will deploy officers throughout the race route to ensure both the safety of the runners and the spectators. Officers will be stationed at key points to direct traffic, manage crowds, and assist anyone who needs help. Spectators are encouraged to watch the race from designated viewing areas and to follow the NYPD’s safety instructions, as large crowds will gather around popular race points.
For those planning to cheer on the runners, it is important to stay vigilant and keep personal belongings secure. Parents with young children should ensure they are always supervised, as the crowds can become dense and chaotic in certain areas. The NYPD recommends that spectators avoid crowding near intersections or areas where runners are passing through, to allow for easier movement and emergency access if necessary.
Planning for Race Day
The first wave of runners is scheduled to start the race early in the morning. Street closures will be gradually lifted as runners pass through during the several hours that the race will last. But it’s possible that some important roads and bridges won’t open until the afternoon.
Planning ahead and being ready for travel delays are crucial for both New Yorkers and tourists. Anticipate large crowds, restricted access to some streets, and lengthy detours. Finding alternate routes ahead of time and planning for possible delays are crucial for those who must drive, particularly during the marathon’s busiest times.
In conclusion, even though the New York City Marathon is an exciting celebration of willpower and athleticism, participants must carefully plan their route through the city on race day. Residents and visitors can lessen the event’s impact on their daily routines by planning their routes, taking public transportation, and keeping up with street closures. Notwithstanding the short-term annoyances, the NYC Marathon is a celebration of human achievement and spirit that unites people from all over the world.
