The best spots to watch the 2024 New York Marathon as a spectator

The first Sunday of November welcomes thousands of runners to New York as the city celebrates its famous marathon. The 26.219 mile (42.195 km) course connects the five boroughs of NYC in a route that passes across, around and under some of the most famous landmarks in the world.

Given the hype from residents and those coming from elsewhere, there is a huge number of people who want to get a piece of the action. The good news is that there are literally thousands of seats for you to feast your eyes on the spectacular event.

But first, before we get into the best places to be for spectators, it’s important to remember that you won’t be able to cheer for the runners on Staten Island: the race begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and heads immediately for Brooklyn, meaning there is no space for anyone other than those participating.

Best viewing spots to watch the 2024 NYC Marathon:

According to the official 2024 NYC Marathon website, these are the top locations for fans to get a view of the action:

Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4): Catch runners as they exit the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and move along Fourth Avenue. Subway: R 

Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8): Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5

Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13): Claim sidewalk space along streets lined with shops and restaurants and encourage runners as they head toward the Pulaski Bridge to cross into Queens. Subway: G, L, M, J

Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1): The Pulaski Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Queens, is closed to spectators; many fans cheer on the Queens side, just past the race’s halfway mark. Subway: 7, G, E

First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18): Spectators line the sidewalks and shout encouragement at this exciting part of the course. The avenue’s many bars and restaurants contribute to the festive atmosphere. Subway: N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6, F

East Harlem (Miles 18-20): Also known as Spanish Harlem, this neighborhood is home to a vibrant Latinx community. This is a perfect location to cheer and help keep the runners' motivation high. Subway: 6

Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24): This stretch of Fifth Avenue is a cultural hub as well as a crucial spot to catch your runners before they enter Central Park. Subway: Q, 4, 5, 6

United Airlines Zone: Columbus Circle. Subway: A, C, D, 1

The race finishes at 67th Street on West Drive. Spectators can access the final approach to the finish in two ways:

Grandstand Seating: Tickets are required and will be available for purchase soon. Enter at West 62nd Street and Broadway with your Grandstand tickets.

Standing Spectator Area: Located inside Central Park from Columbus Circle to the south end of the grandstands, approximately 500 feet before the finish. NYPD, NYRR, and the NYC Parks Department may limit access at times, based on capacity. No chairs or seats are provided or allowed.

All areas require screening before entering.

Can I track a specific runner in the 2024 NYC Marathon?

Great question, reader. And yes, you can! There is an official system with which you can receive live updates on the progress of those on the streets.

It’s got a leaderboard, an interactive map and all the locations where you can grab a drink and use the toilet if needs be.

If you can’t make it to The Big Apple, you can watch live coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2 with additional pre and post-race coverage on ESPN3.