The TCS New York City Marathon stands as a monumental event in the running world, transforming New York City's five boroughs into the largest marathon stage on the globe. From its modest 1970 debut as a race held entirely within Central Park, it has evolved into the sprawling, inter-borough spectacle that has defined the modern city marathon since 1976.

The point-to-point course launches from Staten Island, guiding runners through the distinct neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, before reaching its iconic finish line in Manhattan's Central Park.

Participants should familiarize themselves with the three-color start system (Blue, Orange, and Pink) which separates runners for the initial kilometers. The Blue and Orange starts begin on the upper deck of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, while the Pink start uses the lower deck. Though the routes differ for the first few kilometers, they converge on 4th Avenue in Brooklyn and fully merge by kilometer 12.9. From that point forward, all runners share the same path to the finish. This course guide follows the Blue route.

Early November weather typically offers ideal marathon conditions, with cool morning temperatures around 9°C warming to the mid-teens (14 - 15°C) by afternoon. However, wind can be a significant factor, especially on the course's five major bridges, which create the most notable elevation changes.

While much of the course features long, relatively flat stretches, the race is defined by these bridge crossings: the Verrazzano, Pulaski, Queensboro, Willis Avenue, and Madison Avenue bridges. The final test arrives with a gradual, demanding climb up Fifth Avenue before encountering the rolling hills of Central Park.

• Event Date: November 2nd, 2025
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.31 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 38.57
• Total Ascent: 287.99 m
• Total Descent: 294.22 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 23.29, 1.49 km at an average grade of 2.51%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 1.5, 1.84 km at an average grade of -3.59%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 31.32, 0.17 km at an average grade of 6.47%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 1.5, 1.84 km at an average grade of -3.59%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 4 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 5 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 55.7%
  • Minor Incline: 17.3%
  • Minor Decline: 15.7%
  • Moderate Decline: 6.7%
  • Moderate Incline: 4.3%
  • Challenging Incline: 0.4%

The marathon begins in Fort Wadsworth with the day's most significant climb. The ascent of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge starts almost immediately, gaining approximately 37 meters in the first kilometer. This iconic start offers breathtaking views but also exposes runners to potential crosswinds. A conservative pace here is essential to conserve energy for the long race ahead.

After cresting the bridge around kilometer 1.3, you'll encounter the longest and steepest descent of the race—a 1.7-kilometer drop into Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. This fast downhill section transitions to a long, straight, and mostly flat stretch along 4th Avenue.

For nearly 10 kilometers, you'll be carried forward by massive, energetic crowds as the three starting waves converge, creating a dense and exciting river of runners.

• Managing the Verrazzano Climb: The bridge climb from KM 0.3 to 1.3 is the first major test. Resist the urge to push hard with fresh legs; focus on a steady, conservative effort.
• Control the Verrazzano Descent: The fast, steep downhill from KM 1.7 to 3.3 can tax your quads. Maintain a relaxed stride and let gravity do the work without over-striding.
• Navigating Early Crowds: As the three start colors merge around KM 12.9, the course becomes congested. Avoid wasting energy by weaving; settle into a comfortable rhythm and flow with the pack.

• Climb #1: Km 0.33 to Km 1.34, 1 km, avg grade 3.69%, total gain 36.98 m

• Descent #1: Km 1.67 to Km 3.34, 1.67 km, avg grade -3.88%, total drop 64.71 m

• 4th Ave - Bay Ridge (Km 4.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 4th Ave - Bay Ridge → Sunset Park (Km 6.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 4th Ave - Sunset Park (Km 9.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 4th Ave into Park Slope (Km 12.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (~Km 1.5): The iconic suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, marking the official start of the marathon.
• Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (~Km 4.8) (Spectator Zone): A major spectator viewing area where runners are greeted by massive crowds after descending from the bridge.
• The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building (~Km 12.78) (Spectator Zone): A historic and prominent landmark in Brooklyn, visible as runners approach the turn off 4th Avenue.

Leaving the straightaway of 4th Avenue, the course shifts character as it weaves through the vibrant Brooklyn neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Williamsburg. This section introduces more turns and a series of minor rolling hills, requiring steady focus to maintain your rhythm. The setting becomes more intimate here, with spectators lining the streets closer to the course and creating a powerful, localized energy that can help carry you forward.

The Brooklyn segment concludes as you approach the Pulaski Bridge just after kilometer 20. The bridge presents a noticeable but manageable climb that leads you to the halfway point of the race.

After crossing into Queens, you'll run a brief loop through Long Island City before preparing for the next major challenge: the Queensboro Bridge.

• Maintain Rhythm Through Brooklyn's Neighborhoods: Unlike the previous section, these kilometers require navigating numerous turns and subtle undulations. Focus on running the tangents and maintaining a consistent effort.
• The Pulaski Bridge Check-In: The ascent of the Pulaski Bridge around kilometer 21 is short but comes at a key moment. Use it as a mental checkpoint to assess your condition and fueling strategy for the second half.

• None.

• Descent #2: Km 17.96 to Km 18.13, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.27%, total drop 5.49 m

• Lafayette Ave - Fort Greene/Clinton Hill (Km 16.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Bedford Ave - Clinton Hill → Williamsburg (Km 17.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Bedford Ave - Williamsburg (Km 19.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade + Maurten Gel Depot
  • Toilet: Yes
• Long Island City, after Pulaski Bridge (Km 20.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Long Island City (Km 22.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Pulaski Bridge (~Km 21.1) (Spectator Zone): The bridge connecting Brooklyn to Queens, marking the halfway point of the marathon. Cheering zones are located on the Queens side.

This section presents one of the marathon's most defining moments. The approach to the Queensboro Bridge leads into a sustained, one-kilometer climb that gains over 32 meters. The bridge is famously devoid of spectators, creating a quiet, focused, and often mentally challenging environment.

This is a critical time to concentrate on form and effort, as the bridge's solitude is immediately followed by an immense sensory experience. As you descend from the bridge, you're delivered onto First Avenue in Manhattan and met by a solid wall of sound from spectators that can carry you for kilometers.

This long, straight stretch runs north for approximately 5 kilometers through the Upper East Side. While the energy provides a massive boost, the road isn't entirely flat—it features a series of long, gentle rollers that require disciplined pacing to navigate efficiently. The contrast between the bridge's silence and First Avenue's roar makes this transition particularly memorable, so prepare yourself mentally for both experiences.

• The Queensboro Bridge Gauntlet: The climb from KM 23.8 to 24.8 is a tough, exposed grind. Focus on maintaining a steady effort, not pace, and use the quiet to prepare mentally for the energy of Manhattan.
• Harnessing the First Avenue Energy: The roar of the crowd is incredibly motivating but can lead to an adrenaline-fueled pace surge. Channel the energy but stick to your race plan to avoid burning out.
• Stay Focused on First Avenue's Rollers: The avenue appears flat but contains subtle, drawn-out inclines and declines. Be mentally prepared to work through these undulations without breaking your rhythm.

• Climb #2: Km 23.79 to Km 24.78, 0.99 km, avg grade 3.28%, total gain 32.46 m

• Descent #3: Km 25.28 to Km 26.11, 0.83 km, avg grade -3.15%, total drop 26.14 m

• Approaching Queensboro Bridge (Km 24.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - Upper East Side, 60s (Km 25.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - 70s–80s (Km 27.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - 90s–100s / East Harlem (Km 29)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade + Maurten Gel Depot
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st Ave - East Harlem, toward Willis Ave Bridge (Km 30.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Queensboro Bridge (~Km 25.1): An iconic cantilever bridge connecting Queens to Manhattan. A challenging, spectator-free section of the course.
• First Avenue, Manhattan (~Km 25.7) (Spectator Zone): Known for its 'wall of sound' from massive crowds that greet runners coming off the Queensboro Bridge.

As you leave First Avenue, the course takes a brief but challenging detour into the Bronx. This section begins with the Willis Avenue Bridge around kilometer 31.3, which features the steepest single climb of the race—a short but sharp ramp with a grade exceeding 6%. Though the incline is brief, its placement at this stage of the race makes it particularly demanding.

After crossing into the Bronx for approximately 2 kilometers, you'll return to Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge. This marks a critical point in the race where accumulated fatigue becomes a significant factor. The bridge climbs, while modest in isolation, can feel considerably more difficult than their elevation profiles suggest.

Once back in Manhattan, the course heads south through Harlem. The terrain here is mostly flat to gently rolling as you progress toward the final major challenge: the push down Fifth Avenue.

The crowd support through this section is both robust and essential, providing much-needed energy as runners navigate what many consider one of the marathon's most demanding stretches. Their enthusiasm helps carry participants through when physical reserves are running low.

• Power Over the Willis Avenue Bridge: The ramp at KM 31.3 is the steepest climb of the day. Shorten your stride, use your arms, and focus on getting over it efficiently without wasting energy.
• Conquering the Bronx: This short out-and-back section comes at a point of high fatigue. Break it down mentally into three parts—bridge, Bronx loop, bridge—to make it more manageable.
• Regroup in Harlem: The final kilometers before Fifth Avenue are a chance to recover your rhythm. Use the flatter terrain and strong crowd support to mentally prepare for the final push.

• Climb #3: Km 31.32 to Km 31.49, 0.17 km, avg grade 6.47%, total gain 10.81 m

• Descent #4: Km 32.14 to Km 32.31, 0.16 km, avg grade -3.72%, total drop 6.12 m

• Mott Haven, after Willis Ave Bridge (Km 32.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Harlem, after Madison Ave Bridge (Km 33.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade, Bananas
  • Toilet: Yes
• 5th Ave alongside Central Park - Uptown (Km 35.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Willis Avenue Swing Bridge (~Km 31.4): Bridge taking runners from Manhattan into the Bronx, featuring the steepest climb of the race.

The final 5 kilometers of the TCS New York City Marathon are the ultimate test of a runner's resolve. The section begins with the infamous climb up Fifth Avenue, running alongside Central Park's eastern edge. While the grade is mostly gentle, this long, gradual ascent feels monumental on tired legs. Known as 'Museum Mile,' this stretch calls upon deep reserves of mental fortitude as runners push toward the park entrance.

Upon entering Central Park around kilometer 38.2, the finish line feels tantalizingly close—but the work isn't over. The terrain transforms into a series of rolling hills that continue to test your endurance. The course winds through the park, past roaring crowds and iconic landmarks, before sweeping past Columbus Circle for the final approach.

The finish line on West Drive presents one last challenge: a slight uphill grade that demands a final surge of effort to complete your five-borough journey. It's here, in these closing meters, that months of training and hours of racing culminate in a singular moment of triumph.

• The Fifth Avenue Grind: The gradual incline along Fifth Avenue from KM 37.0 to 38.1 is the last major uphill battle. Lean into the climb, focus on a strong rhythm, and draw energy from the cheering crowds.
• Embrace the Central Park Rollers: Do not expect the park to be flat. Be prepared for a sequence of short ascents and descents that require constant mental focus and effort adjustment all the way to the finish.
• The Final Uphill Push: The last 400 meters to the finish line feature a slight but noticeable incline. Save one final bit of energy to power through this last challenge and finish strong.

• Climb #4: Km 39.73 to Km 39.9, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.2%, total gain 5.39 m

• Descent #5: Km 39.23 to Km 39.56, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.49%, total drop 11.59 m

• 5th Ave into Central Park, around 90th St (Km 37)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Central Park - East & South Drives (Km 38.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Central Park South - 59th St (Km 40.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (~Km 38.4) (Spectator Zone): A famous art museum and architectural landmark on Fifth Avenue, part of the 'Museum Mile' runners ascend.
• Columbus Circle (~Km 41.7) (Spectator Zone): A major landmark at the southwest corner of Central Park, signaling the final stretch to the finish line.