NYC Marathon Trims Bronx Course at 50th Race
Nearly 60,000 runners took part, and the Bronx segment now has fewer turns to ease street closures.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Running
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani handed out water and high-fived runners near the 13-mile mark in Long Island City during the 2026 New York City Marathon, the race's 50th anniversary, which drew nearly 60,000 participants. Sweden's Andreas Almgren won the men's race in his debut.
Why it matters
The event marks a milestone for one of the largest marathons in the world, and the mayor's presence highlights the city's public role in the race. Organizers also changed the Bronx course, reducing turns from seven to five at Mile 20 to ease street closures, the first route change in 15 years.
Participation and course details come from event reporting on the 2026 race, which nearly 60,000 people entered. The route change at Mile 20 reduced Bronx turns from seven to five, and it was the first course change in 15 years.
The players
Zohran Mamdani
Mayor of New York City who handed out water and cheered runners during the 2026 marathon, having previously run the race in 2022 and 2024.
Andreas Almgren
Swedish runner who won the men's race in his debut at the 2026 New York City Marathon.
The details
The race runs through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan before finishing in Central Park, a route that has expanded beyond the park since 1976. Organizers modified the Bronx segment at Mile 20 to cut the number of turns, which reduces the number of street closures needed along the course. Mamdani, who ran the race in 2022 and 2024, stood near the 13-mile mark in a green vest over rolled-up suit sleeves.
Timeline
The New York City Marathon began in 1970 and expanded beyond Central Park in 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial.
Mamdani ran the marathon in 2022 and 2024 before cheering runners on in 2026.
The 2026 race took place on November 1, 2026, marking its 50th anniversary.
Health Landscape
Running events of this scale, such as the New York City Marathon, have grown from a park-based race into a multi-borough event that draws large fields of participants. Route adjustments like the 2026 Bronx change show how organizers balance race logistics with the street-closure demands of a city of millions.
If you are planning to run a major city marathon, the Bronx route change shows that course details can shift between years, so check race maps before you train for a specific layout. Runners returning to large events should also plan around race-day logistics and street closures.
The takeaway
Large races like the New York City Marathon depend on careful planning to balance participation with city life. Runners can check course maps and race-day details ahead of time, and anyone with questions about training for a long race should talk with a physician or coach.
Further reading
For more on training and race coverage, see our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The American Bazaar.
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