The best spots to watch the 2023 New York Marathon as a spectator
The 52nd New York City Marathon will be off and running on Sunday with optimal weather expected. Here’s where you can cheer on the 50,000 participants.
Come rain or shine, the annual New York City Marathon snakes its way through the five boroughs starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. Runners will be happy to know that the weather gods will be smiling on them this year with the forecast calling for perfect running weather.
Despite the goldilocks conditions for the 50,000 participants, they could use all the encouragement available to keep them going over the 26.2 mile route. Something which thousands upon thousands of New Yorkers do every year electrifying the atmosphere.
While locals have their favorite spots, those that are new to one of the biggest community celebrations in the Big Apple may be wondering where the best places are to get a view and join in cheering on of the runners. We’ve got you covered.
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The best spots to watch the 2023 New York Marathon as a spectator
While the marathon gets going on Staten Island at the Verrazano Bridge, you won’t be able to begin to see the action until the participants have crossed over into Brooklyn. From that point on you will have roughly twenty-plus miles of route to enjoy the event and help keep the runners spirits up until the finish line at 67th Street on West Drive.
Be aware that starting times for the different groups will be spaced out meaning that runners will be passing by at different times. Getting the marathon underway will be the wheelchair division starting at 8 am ET and the last group of runners, Wave 5, will set off at 11:30 am.
According to TimeOut these are the best places for spectators to set up camp to see the runners. While the weather will be ideal for the runners, temperatures will be mild with high 50s in the morning and low 60s in the afternoon. So, dress for the occasion.
The best spots for spectators to watch the 2023 New York Marathon
- Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4)
- Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8)
- Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13)
- Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1)
- First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18)
- East Harlem (Miles 18-20)
- Charity Cheer Zone, First Avenue and 120th Street (Miles 19-20)
- Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24)
- United Airlines Zone at Columbus Circle
Keep in mind that the very final stretch of the race is for those who have a ticket for the grandstand seating. There is a standing spectator area roughly 500 feet prior to the finish though located inside Central Park. But no chairs or seat are allowed, nor provided.
However, wherever your chosen spot is, in order to get there, race officials recommended that you use the subway to get there.