The basics
The New York City Marathon is held on the first Sunday of November each year and draws approximately 50,000 runners through all five boroughs — the only major marathon to do so. The course starts on Staten Island (reaching that borough by ferry), runs through Brooklyn and Queens, crosses into the Bronx briefly, and finishes in Central Park through Upper Manhattan.
How it affects getting around
Marathon day involves significant road closures across the course route, and the effects on traffic are felt throughout the city. Subway lines that cross the course can experience delays around road closure times. If you're staying in an affected neighbourhood (especially on the Upper East or West Side near the finish), plan ground-level transport to be slower than usual. The subway is the most reliable option for marathon day movement.
Watching as a spectator
Watching the NYC Marathon is free and requires no registration — you simply stand along the course. The most atmospheric spots are in Brooklyn (particularly the Bedford Avenue stretch in Williamsburg, around mile 8), First Avenue in Manhattan (mile 16–18, where the crowd noise reaches a particular intensity), and the finish area in Central Park. Arrive early to secure a good spot, particularly near the finish.
Running it
Entry is by lottery (apply in winter for the following November race), guaranteed entry through charity partnerships (fundraising minimum required), or international travel packages that include a guaranteed bib. The lottery is genuinely competitive — acceptance rates have been around 10–15% in recent years.