Before 26.2 Miles: The Marathoners’ Guide to New York City

Updated on September 30th, 2025

It’s that exciting time of the year again, the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) New York City (NYC) Marathon is right around the corner! The annual marathon attracts over 55,500 athletes and more than two million spectators worldwide to the greatest city in the world. This year, the marathon will be held on November 3rd, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Of all the marathons held in New York, none compare to the city’s largest, which spans through all five boroughs and had 55,646 finishers in 2024.  Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or you’re a seasoned marathon veteran, this guide is here to help you get the most out of your experience before the race begins.

Prepare Running Gear and Equipment

All marathoners preparing for the event must visit the TCS New York City Expo taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Halls 3B and 3E, from October 31st to November 2nd. Here you pick up your race materials and shop for equipment, clothing, running shoes and technical devices. This year’s Expo is presented by New Balance, which will host a dedicated store offering exclusive marathon footwear. Admission is free, so even non-runners can browse a variety of vendors for gear and accessories.

In addition to shopping, runners can explore interactive booths designed to enhance their race preparation. Visit the NYRR Running Lab during the Expo for tips and expert advice on how to run your best during the marathon. The lab utilizes the best technology offering a race predictor, course strategy, pace team consultation and virtual training. Marathonners should definitely stop by and prepare for the race by gaining some valuable insights on their running patterns.

Stay close to the Expo by renting this vacation rental in Midtown West, 0.6 miles (around 1 km) away from the convention center. Located in a 32-floor high-rise with elevator access, a gym, and laundry facilities, this studio includes a living area with a queen-sized bed and an open kitchen. Enjoy your trip to New York and live in a contemporary studio near Hudson River Park, where runners and walkers alike can take in stunning views along Hudson River Greenway.

If the Expo doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we recommend trying out these stores around the city that sell quality running gear. Stop by Dick’s Sporting Goods outlet in Queens to stock up on essentials, such as compression tights, water bottles and anti-chafe balm. If you stay in Manhattan, visit the Nike Run and New Balance stores in the Flatiron District or head down to Soho and shop in the Adidas flagship store.

Stay Off Your Feet with These Activities

Runners know it’s essential to rest their legs in the days leading up to the big race.

New York City is famous for its popular Broadway shows, many of which are proud winners of Tony Awards. During your stay, we highly recommend getting tickets for one of Broadway’s biggest hits, Hamilton. For more affordable options, check out the two of the longest running shows, The Lion King or Wicked. Watching a live Broadway show is an unforgettable experience not to be missed when you visit New York City.

Want to stay close to the stage lights? Rent this two-bedroom furnished apartment in the heart of Manhattan for easy access to a host of Broadway shows. This apartment is located in a high-rise building with an elevator, security system, on-site gym, laundry facilities, private balcony, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. In Midtown Manhattan, you’ll be surrounded by entertainment, dining, and nightlife. For those extending their trip after the marathon, consider renting this fully furnished Midtown West apartment.

If theater isn’t your thing, New York offers plenty of excitement on the court. You can catch a basketball game at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan or head over to Barclays Center in Brooklyn to support your favorite team. Whether you are an avid basketball fan or just want to enjoy the competitive atmosphere, watching a live game in these stadiums is an unforgettable experience for any visitor. For sports lovers planning on staying longer in the City, check out our guide to finding the best apartments for sports enthusiasts in New York City.

For first-timers in New York City, a sightseeing cruise is a relaxing and scenic way to explore the skyline. Admire NYC’s iconic skyline without lifting a foot by hopping on a sightseeing cruise from Pier 78 or Pier 16 near the Pier 9. From Circle Line to Hornblower, these boat tours drift you past landmarks in comfort. Want a thrill? Head near Pier 16 for helicopter rides that offer jaw-dropping aerial views. It’s the ultimate NYC experience especially perfect for runners resting up before race day.

Get to Know all 5 Boroughs in NYC as you Watch the Race

The New York City Marathon kicks off in Staten Island and goes through all five boroughs, offering countless spots to catch the action. This lively, high-energy event draws enthusiastic crowds of locals and tourists, making it one of the most celebrated marathons in the U.S. If you’re cheering on family or friends, plan ahead by finding out their start time and pace per mile. This will help you decide where along the course to watch. Choose from one of the five
boroughs pictured above and let your runner know in advance where you will be waiting to cheer them on. Make sure to bundle up and be prepared for walking and standing in the cold on race day. Most importantly, secure your accommodation early by renting a furnished apartment or vacation rental in New York City for the Marathon.

Whether you’re running the race or supporting a loved one, New York Habitat offers apartments along the marathon route. As the course passes through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, you’ll not only follow the runners but also experience the uniqueness of each borough. If the charms of New York City grow on you and you plan on returning for a longer trip, you can browse furnished apartments by location on our website or explore some of the suggested apartments below.

First Leg

Starting in State Island the marathon begins in Fort Wadsworth on the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the U.S. Often overlooked, the southernmost borough of New York City is home to the Staten Island Zoo and the Staten Island Children’s Museum. If you enjoy a quieter neighborhood with plenty of green space, this borough might be for you. To watch the start of the race, we recommend taking the Staten Island Ferry
in Manhattan, a free service provided by New York City.

Second Leg

Brooklyn hosts the largest section of the race route, with nearly half of the 26.2 miles passing through this vibrant borough. This makes it one of the best places to watch and cheer for the runners. From 60th street to 90th street on Fourth Avenue you can find the best views to watch athletes race by. Travelers coming to New York City to watch the marathon will find Brooklyn an ideal place to stay.

We recommend staying close to the marathon route. Not only is it extremely convenient, but it also saves you the hassle of navigating the MTA on race day. This studio vacation rental in Williamsburg is just two blocks away from where runners pass. This accommodation features a queen-sized bed, one bathroom, and stunning views of Manhattan, while the hotel offers amenities such as a rooftop pool, gym, elevator access, and a doorman.

Once the runners pass, make the most of your trip by exploring Brooklyn itself. As the city’s most populous borough, It offers endless attractions, from the famous Coney Island to the natural beauties of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Between cheering and sightseeing, you’ll never run out of things to do. If you’re planning a longer stay, Brooklyn’s furnished apartments make it easy to settle in and feel at home. Consider this well-rated furnished studio apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn located near Prospect Park. You’ll be close to outdoor concerts, markets, and community events that bring the neighborhood to life year-round.

Third Leg

For a more scenic view, either end of the Pulaski Bridge on Vernon Boulevard in Queens give spectators an unforgettable view and a chance to watch runners cross over the water as they begin the second half of the race. Queens is easy to reach by subway, with the 7, E, F, G, N and R trains bringing you directly to the marathon route. While you are there, take in the sights and sounds of Queens, the most culturally diverse borough in NYC. Known for its blend of cultures, especially its ethnic communities, Queens is not only worth visiting, but also a great place to stay. If you’d like to be near the marathon, stay close to Pulaski Bridge, in residential Queens. Travelers planning to visit NYC again feel right at home in this one-bedroom Sunnyside apartment. This modern apartment is ideally located near the train station offering a direct line into Manhattan.

Fourth Leg

The most popular, and most crowded, place to watch the marathon is at the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, where runners hit the 15-mile mark as they make their way from Manhattan. To experience the New York City Marathon to the fullest, bring balloons, signs, lots of energy and gather at the Manhattan side near 59th Street and First Avenue with many other spectators. Join the crowd and help push runners into the final stretch of the race.

Get ahead of the crowd by booking this vacation rental 10 minutes away from the Queensboro Bridge. Located on East 64th Street and 3rd Avenue, just 0.4 miles (around 600 meters away) from the popular vantage point, this Upper East Side studio is designed for both convenience and comfort. It features two full beds and a sofa that converts into an additional full bed, making it ideal for families. The building also offers modern amenities including a doorman, gym, and laundry room. For longer stays, this one-bedroom furnished apartment in Midtown East features a queen-sized bed and a sofa bed that pulls out to full bed. The high-rise building offers a doorman, gym, laundry facilities, and access to an elevator.

Fifth Leg

The Bronx marks the final borough before their last leg of the race in Manhattan. While the marathon route only briefly passes through this area, there aren’t many spots to cheer from. Instead, we suggest taking some time to visit the Bronx after the race especially if you’re a baseball fan. The borough is home to the world-renowned Yankee Stadium, where the New York Yankees, one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, play their home games. Even outside the season, the stadium offers year-round tours, making it a must see spot for sports enthusiasts.

Sixth Leg

Last but not least is Manhattan. The marathon’s final stretch takes runners through the heart of the city, ending in the iconic Central Park. This borough is the last destination for runners in the New York City marathon where they finish the race in Central Park. For visitors, staying nearby means being at the center of the excitement as athletes cross the finish line. This studio vacation rental in Midtown West puts you near the finish line Central Park, making it an ideal place to stay for the upcoming marathon. Beyond race day, you’ll also be close to some of New York’s famous landmarks, including Times Square and the Empire State Building.

If you decide to extend your trip, New York Habitat offers an abundance of furnished apartments all over Manhattan. From East Village to the Upper West Side, and even Harlem, a variety of rentals to match your needs.

Whether you’re running, cheering, visiting for a few days or planning a long-term trip, we’ve got you covered. Make the most of your trip by booking a furnished New York Habitat Rental – browsing listings, or connect with one of our agents to find the perfect stay.

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