New York City Race Weekend 2026

Welcome to New York City! Check in to your hotel today and familiarize yourself with the Big Apple! A Sports Tours International rep will be at the hotel to greet you and answer any questions you may have.

Bag Drop: Clients must complete bag drop in Central Park on Friday or Saturday. Bags will be securely stored and ready for pick-up after the finish.

(Please note runners will receive a full itinerary leading up to the event)

The Sports Tours team will host a pre-race briefing in the morning alongside expert coaches from event organizers, New York Road Runners. Find out exactly what’s in store on race day and ask any questions as we attempt to help with those pre-race nerves.

Kick off your New York Marathon weekend with our welcome drinks at Margaritaville, the perfect chance to relax after your journey and settle into the city. It’s an ideal opportunity to meet others in your group, share the excitement ahead, and enjoy a fun, informal atmosphere before the big race weekend begins.

In the morning, join us for a gentle 5km group shakeout run from your hotel led by our team of reps, everyone welcome!

Alternatively, you are welcome to take part in the official New York Road Runners 5K Dash. Starting on 47th Street and 1st Avenue, run through midtown Manhattan and cross the finish line in Central Park. You will be able to book this at a later date.

On Saturday afternoon, enjoy the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience, featuring breathtaking 360° views of New York City, immersive art installations, and soaring observation decks.

We will also be escorting our runners to the Marathon Expo today to browse merchandise and explore the exhibits.

Today’s the day! Transport to the start of the race has been organized by New York Road Runners, and bus transfers are included within your race entry fee (runners will need to purchase tickets from NYRR).

Your Sports Tours rep will escort you to the bus departure point. Buses leave from various locations between 4 & 6 am. Once you arrive at the start area in Staten Island, you will then head through security and into your corrals (your running bib will show this detail).

Celebrate your incredible New York Marathon experience at our official post-race After Party in the heart of Times Square.

This is your chance to unwind and soak up the atmosphere with fellow runners and supporters after an unforgettable day. Enjoy a lively evening at the iconic Hard Rock Café, with great food, a selection of drinks, and a live band providing the soundtrack as we celebrate your marathon success. It’s the perfect setting to relax, relive race-day stories, and dance the night away in true New York style!

Take time to rest your legs and enjoy everything New York has to offer, if time permits, before your onward journey.

PLEASE NOTE: This package does not include race bib entry.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on the first Sunday in November, as it does every year. This iconic marathon race is held in the NYC metro area and is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracting tens of thousands of runners from around the world.

The public ballot is extremely competitive, and independent runners must manage the full registration process, entry fee, and documentation themselves.

There are no qualifying times required when booking through Sports Tours International.

While elite runners compete for world-class times, recreational participants entering independently must rely on the lottery or charity entry routes. The marathon’s prestige, history, and status as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors make it one of the most sought-after races in the world.

Sports Tours International offers carefully selected hotel packages in New York City, chosen for their convenient locations near the NYC metro area marathon course.

We also strongly recommend travel insurance, which can be arranged as an add-on to give peace of mind when travelling internationally.

The New York City Marathon is organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) and sanctioned by World Athletics. It is an official Abbott World Marathon Major and receives support from local authorities to manage large-scale traffic control across the NYC metro area on race day.

Early November in New York City typically offers cool, crisp conditions, with average temperatures between 8–15°C (46–59°F). These conditions are ideal for maintaining a steady pace and enjoying the marathon experience without overheating.

The start line is located on Staten Island. The race begins with the traditional cannon blast and the iconic song “New York, New York” playing, creating an unforgettable start to the world’s largest marathon. Transportation from Manhattan and other boroughs is coordinated by NYRR to ensure a smooth race morning.

The finish line is located in Central Park, Manhattan, providing a memorable end to the 26.2-mile race. Timing is recorded using both gun time and net time, ensuring accurate results for all participants. Water and Gatorade are available at nearly every mile to support runners along the course.

The entry fee varies depending on exchange rates and entry method.

First held in 1970, the New York City Marathon has been run every year since, except for 2012 and 2020. Known as one of the most popular marathons in the world, it covers all five boroughs of New York City, with a course that challenges runners while showcasing iconic landmarks.

The marathon attracts roughly 50,000 runners, features hydration stations with water and Gatorade nearly every mile, and has produced elite records like Geoffrey Mutai’s 2:05:06 men’s fastest time in 2011. The event also offers lively post-race celebrations and remains a bucket-list race for marathoners worldwide.