opening ceremonies; How and where to watch the race

By Tracy Zwick

“It will move you.”

That's the slogan for them TCS NYC Marathon and it is the truth. Don't miss the chance to be part of the biggest, loudest and toughest race in the world, with the finish line in the backyard of the Upper West Side – the west side of Central Park.

Whether you have watched the marathon every year since its inception in 1970 or this is your first time, whether you have a loved one with you in the race or just want to feel the excitement that runs throughout the entire route, or whether you If you want to watch for five hours or five minutes, you'll find the information you need here.

The race begins at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, but the festivities begin Thursday with the Marathon Expo.

The NYC Marathon Expo: One of the largest running fairs in the country. It is free and open to the public at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 11th Avenue and West 36th Street, Thursday, October 31, through Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. with earlier hours Opening hours on Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Registered runners must come to the fair to pick up their official bib numbers, but anyone can show up. There will be photo opportunities, a route preview, shopping for all types of running equipment, and panel discussions with professional athletes and coaches. Among them will be the five-time Olympic medalist and Grand Marshall of the 2024 NYC Marathon Gabby Thomas. Complete schedule Here.

Opening ceremony: The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, November 1st at 4:30 p.m. near the finish line in Central Park, around West 67th Street (across from Tavern on the Green). This international celebration features flying flags, dancers, artists, speeches and fireworks at 6:30 p.m. It's free and open to everyone.

Abbott storms 5km to the finish: Saturday, November 2nd, starting at 8:45 a.m. Registration to participate is closed, but you can watch the runners race through the streets of Midtown from the UN to the marathon finish line. This was once called the “International Friendship Run” and served to highlight international athletes who came to NYC to run.

There are many ways to watch the marathon: The majority of them the course, from mile three to mile 26 is open to spectators. You can also watch it on TV, computer, tablet or phone. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. in the professional wheelchair class. The professional women in the open class start at 8:35 a.m. and the professional men at 9:05 a.m. The first group of amateur athletes starts at 9:10 a.m., other runners follow every half hour and the last starters start at 11:30 a.m. Runners are expected to be on the course from 8 a.m. until well after dark. The professionals should be ready around 11:00 a.m

Be sure to download the official NYC Marathon app. IThis allows you to track each runner in the race by name or race number, and while that runner is on the course it should tell you exactly where they are. From the UWS, The closest place to watch the marathon is in Central Park, between 59th Street and the finish line. Or you can drive down 59th Street between Central Park West and Fifth Avenue, run through the park to catch runners on East Drive, or cheer along Fifth Avenue north of 90th Street. Grandstand seats can be purchased in advance Here.

What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes because I'm assuming you won't want to walk. You might bring some water—cheering is thirsty work—and consider making a statement. Having run the marathon twice, I am forever grateful to the creative sign makers whose artwork kept me smiling even during the toughest miles of the route. Peloton is a sponsor of the NYC Marathon and has a few of them Drawing ideas to make it easier for you to get started.

Which streets and areas will be closed: On the UWS, every street from West 59th to West 81st will be closed between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Central Park South will be closed between 59th Street and 5th Avenue. Citywide closures are expected, all of which are listed Here.

When does it end: The official end time is Sunday, 10:00 p.m., but the last finisher of last year crossed the finish line around 8:15 p.m. NYRR is making a big deal celebrates his final finishers. The finish line is completely illuminated in neon colors, with the city center skyline glowing in the background.

Which athletes should you watch out for? When a family member, friend or neighbor takes part in the race, they are the star of your day. But there is also a professional field that produces the winners of the men's and women's championships, earning a whopping $100,000 each. The reigning champions, Hellen Obiri And Tamirat Tola, will race again.

Here's how to get into the race next year: If you're inspired to take part in next year's NYC Marathon, there are few ways to secure a spot on the 2025 starting line. First, you can earn it by running a qualifying marathon or half marathon at scary speeds Qualifying timewhich depends on your age and gender. Secondly, you can raise money for one of the races Charity Partners. NYRR awards bib numbers to select nonprofit organizations to support these good causes. Third, you can get lucky and win NYC Marathon Lottery! Finally, NYRR offers one 9+1 program This grants you access to the following year's marathon after completing nine smaller NYRR races and volunteering at one in the same calendar year.

Check out WSR's full coverage of the 2024 TCS Marathon, including an interview with UWS pacemaker Barbara Mann and a UWS Running Club Guide.

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