Why NYC Marathon weekend is the best time to visit, even if you’re not running

I should preface this by saying I have never run a marathon. While I have partaken in different sports throughout my life, long-distance running never seemed to be my cup of tea. Anytime I go for a run, my internal voice shouts, “Why are you running?” 

Nonetheless, The New York City Marathon is one of the best weekends in the five boroughs for runners, friends, fans, and everyone in between. The energy is electric, and chances are you’re acquainted with someone running the marathon if you’re a New York City resident. 

Two of my closest friends recently ran the 2024 New York City Marathon, and it was an emotional journey for both from start to finish. From early morning run sessions, fundraising, nutrition, being consistent with workouts, and staying motivated, our small community of friends was collectively proud of them. 

I concluded that the weekend of the marathon is the most vibrant in the city; you don’t see such unity and positivity too often. Even if you’re not running, it’s a spectator sport. If you plan on traveling to New York City, come for the marathon weekend! You won’t be disappointed, and it’s an underrated time to travel. 

The New York City Marathon is a historical annual event that started in 1970.

The New York City Marathon is rich in history and has morphed into a world-renowned annual phenomenon. Since the first race on September 13th, 1970, the number of participants has grown from 127 registered runners and 55 finishers to 55,634 finishers in 2024 [source, source]. 

Not only has The New York City Marathon grown in popularity and participation since its inception, but its history of diversity and activism is entrenched in the city’s narrative of progressivism. Today’s marathon is a bastion of diversity, with a nonbinary division added in 2021 [source]. In 2022, lactation tents were added in five locations for breastfeeding mothers [source]. 

There’s so much history to uncover in the Big Apple that you could spend a lifetime visiting and still barely scratch the surface. That’s the beauty of traveling here on the weekend of the marathon. You have the unique opportunity to be a part of an ever-evolving New York chronicle in real-time. 

The Marathon is enjoyable for everyone, even if you’re not running!

I wrongly assumed that the New York City Marathon was only for runners and their cheer crew who came out to show support. Once again, my ignorance of the unknown nearly prevented me from one of the luxuries my residency in this city affords me. 

The New York City Marathon brings together people from all walks of life. You’ll see creative signs with catchy slogans, tears accompanied by heartwarming hugs from the sidelines, and the sound of bullhorns prevailing over the streets. 

It’s a family affair, so don’t shy away from bringing kids if you have them. My friend brought her two-year-old son, and he was overjoyed! In my opinion, the New York City Marathon is far more entertaining than other famous spectacles like St. Patrick’s Day and The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sorry, these are overrated. 

People who run the NYC Marathon have different reasons for doing so.

I consulted my friend Lou for a first-person runner’s perspective to understand her mindset surrounding the race. It’s not an easy feat. At 26.2 miles throughout all five boroughs, it takes a combination of mental fortitude and willpower to cross the finish line. Endurance meets sheer determination.

She didn’t deny that there’s an element of pessimism, especially when you’re down to the last few miles and don’t think you’ll make it to the end. The roaring crowds and overall excitement kick up your adrenaline and push you harder than you might push yourself on a regular run. 

She also said finishing the race was easier than expected once she gained momentum and got into a rhythm. However, your legs feel pretty destroyed once you stop. Swelling and joint stiffness could last for quite some time! 

Another reason a runner might partake in a marathon is the connection to charity. I was unaware that the minimum fundraising requirement to enter is $3,000 for an individual [source]. Many people are running for a cause close to their heart, making the event more meaningful to those attached to a charity. 

The atmosphere during the NYC Marathon is electric and incomparable to anything else going on in the city.

You’ll frequently hear New Yorkers tout that the days following the 9/11 attacks were a show of unity the world marveled at. A sense of harmony took to the streets, and everyone worked together for the greater good in the city’s darkest hour. People from all walks assembled for support, and a strong sense of community reverberated throughout the city.

I dare to draw such a parallel, but The New York City Marathon is the one day you’ll find that same sense of community without requiring a preceding tragedy. It’s an overwhelming feeling of closeness; you can’t help but feel happy for people participating. 

The feeling lingers once the race comes to fruition. Central Park becomes a block party the closer you are to the finish line, and seeing runners make it to the end is heartwarming. 

If you finish a marathon and wear your medal proudly, expect to be treated like a celebrity! We went into a bar to celebrate our friends once they finished, and the room erupted in applause. I can’t think of any other day that draws this level of support and admiration in New York City.

While there are other Marathons, The New York City Marathon is unique for its size alone.

Although I have biases about New York City in general, I don’t have the right or first-hand experience to say New York City’s Marathon is better than other marathons. No, of course, that’s not true. Marathons are a global sporting event with some of the biggest in London, Chicago, New York, and Boston, to name a few.

I would be remiss not to mention the infamous 2012 Boston Marathon Bombing that tragically killed three people and injured hundreds more [source]. With many survivors going on to complete future marathons, I can’t imagine the emotional toll it took on participants. That day altered Boston’s history, and I’m sure completing any future Boston Marathons due to these events is particularly emotional.  

One distinctive facet of New York City is the sheer size. The five boroughs make the race quite challenging. My friend Carlos ran the Chicago Marathon and said the terrain was easier to handle than New York City’s. 

Another unique appeal is the diversity. In 2023, runners from 148 countries completed the New York City Marathon [source]. That’s a remarkable number of people to attract for a run. Knowing this puts it into perspective that I’m in the minority for not enjoying the benefits of fast footwork!  

Cue the waterworks, finishing a New York City Marathon can be emotional! 

I don’t think there’s a verb to describe watching runners cross the finish line. The 26.2-mile race begins in Staten Island and ends at Central Park. You can feel the electrifying sense of accomplishment. 

Spectators are everywhere, cheering and screaming with confetti and megaphones, waiting for someone they know to finish. It’s an emotional place; some runners cry, and some collapse from exhaustion. The physical toll is different from person to person.

If you plan on traveling to New York City, come for the marathon weekend. Since the event takes place in early November, you’ll avoid the holiday tourism surge and get the end of the fall weather. As I said, it’s an underrated time to travel!

As for now, I’m happy to be a spectator. I’m proud of my friends who ran the marathon, and I’m in awe of the people who participated. Who knows, maybe I’ll have a change of heart one day and decide to take the plunge! For now, I’ll stick to the sidelines.

***

Wondering about all the best times to visit NYC? Read our guide next.