The New York Road Runners event started in 1970 with just 127 entrants and has grown into the world’s largest marathon (in 2004, 36,562 people crossed the finish line) and a New York City institution. Today, world-class athletes compete for $500,000 in prize money.
Marathon Schedule
When: Sunday, November 2, 2008Official Starts
7:30 am -- Early Start, Athletes With Disabilities
8:35 am -- Wheelchair Division
8:55 am -- Handcycle Category
9:10 am -- Professional Women
9:15 am -- Foot Locker 5-Borough Challenge
9:40 am -- Wave Start 1
10:00 am -- Wave Start 2
10:20 am -- Wave Start 3
Prime Viewing Locations
The following spots offer prime viewing locations that are easily accessible by subway:Mile 14: Take the E, G, V, or 7 train to 23rd Street in Queens and walk north to mile 14.5 of the course.
Mile 15: Take the 7, N, or W trains to Queensboro Plaza and walk west to the course along Crescent Street.
Mile 18: Take the 4, 5, or 6 uptown to East 86th Street and walk east to First Avenue to catch the runners just before mile 18.
The Big Finish: To see the actual finish, you’ll have to purchase VIP seating in the bleachers at West 66th Street in the park. VIP tickets are available for $75 each and available online. This outdoor bleacher seating is adjacent to the finish line and in easy viewing distance of the large-screen WNBC channel 4 race broadcast. It is recommended that ticketholders arrive by 11:30 for best viewing.
Check the ING New York City Marathon Course Map for more viewing locations.
Getting Around on Marathon Day
The New York City subway is your best bet. Check the New York City subway map for any marathon-day service advisories.More Information
New York City Marathon Course MapNew York City Marathon Traffic Advisories – Bridge and Street Closings
Marathon Health and Fitness Expo
Start training for the 2009 New York City Marathon Sign up for the New York Road Runners' offical ING New York City Marathon e-Training program
