Nearly 60,000 runners compete in New York City Marathon

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 10:15 · Archive

Nearly 60,000 runners will compete in the New York City Marathon on Sunday 1 November across the five boroughs, with the race expecting to draw more than two million spectators. The marathon starts in Staten Island and covers 26.2 miles, working its way through Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course, which began on 24 October 1976 as part of New York City's bicentennial celebration, when only 2,090 runners participated at a $5 entry fee.

Defending champions Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto of Kenya will return, along with wheelchair racer Marcel Hug of Switzerland. Obiri set a course record of 2:19:51 last year, whilst Kipruto won the men's title with a time of 2:08:09. British runner Patrick Dever finished third last year and will compete again, as will fellow British runner Jack Rowe, who recently ran 2:07:47 at the London Marathon.

A record-breaking 59,226 runners finished the marathon last year, and this year's numbers are expected to surpass that. The race received over 240,000 applications from 160 countries, making it nearly as difficult to secure a place as winning the lottery. The New York City Marathon is the second largest marathon ever held in the world.

Joanne Navarra, head volunteer at the race's start village at Fort Wadsworth, is marking her 50th year volunteering at the event. She has overseen the start line since the five-borough course began in 1976. She said the real magic happens at the start rather than the finish, where the full spectrum of human experience unfolds.

Nearly 60,000 runners compete in New York City Marathon — Image: Euronews

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How it is being reported

NYC Marathon volunteer has helped runners chase glory for 50 yearsAs the New York City Marathon celebrates the 50th anniversary of its five-borough course, the longtime volunteer reflects on a half-century of tradition.CBS News · 30 Oct, 10:00
60.000 runners, two million spectators, one city: New York gets ready for marathon dayNew York will become the running capital of the world this Sunday. On November 1, nearly 60,000 people will line up at the start of the NYC Marathon, one of the world’s most iconic races. But what’s getting people running?Euronews · 28 Oct, 16:48
New York City Marathon 2026 start times, schedule, how to watch, elite fields and prize moneyOne of the most iconic marathons in the world, New York City brings a close to World Marathon Major season, with defending champions Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri back to defend their titles in the five-borough raceIndependent Sport · 28 Oct, 16:21

In this story: New York City · Hellen Obiri · Benson Kipruto · Marcel Hug · Patrick Dever · Jack Rowe · Joanne Navarra · Staten Island

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