What makes the NYC Marathon course challenging?

The NYC Marathon features five bridges with significant elevation changes, especially in the first half. The Queensboro Bridge (mile 15-16) and the gradual uphill from mile 20-23 through Central Park are particularly challenging. Plan your pacing accordingly.

How should I pace the bridges?

Maintain even effort rather than even pace on bridges. Slow down slightly on uphills (5-10 seconds per mile) to conserve energy, and let gravity help you on downhills without overstriding. The calculator's grade-adjusted pace band accounts for these elevation changes.

When is the NYC Marathon held?

The TCS New York City Marathon is held on the first Sunday in November each year. Weather can range from perfect (45-55°F) to warm (60-70°F), so train in various conditions.

What's the qualifying time for NYC Marathon?

NYC Marathon uses a lottery system rather than qualifying times. However, you can gain guaranteed entry through NYRR's 9+1 program (9 races + 1 volunteer), marathon time qualifiers, charity partners, or international tour operators.

What's the best way to prepare for NYC Marathon's bridges?

Incorporate bridge repeats or hill workouts into your training. Practice running downhill without braking to learn proper downhill form. Mental preparation is also key - bridges break up the race into manageable segments.

TCS New York City Marathon

Experience the world's largest marathon through all five boroughs of New York City. From the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge start to the Central Park finish, this iconic course offers unique challenges and incredible crowd support.

New York, NY · November · 42.195 km (26.2 mi)

hard

Elevation profile

42.2 km course

GAIN+286 m

LOSS−308 m

Plan your splits

42.195 km · 26.2 mi · New York, NY

Goal finish time

Even-pace target

9:09

min/mi

Even-pace

4:00:00

Grade-adjusted

4:00:26

+0:26

Grade-adjusted splits

Strava Adjusted Pace · per mile

#	Grade	Pace	Split	Cumulative
1	-1.6%	8:50/mi	8:50	8:50
2	-1.0%	8:58/mi	8:58	17:48
3	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	26:57
4	+0.4%	9:09/mi	9:09	36:06
5	-0.2%	9:09/mi	9:09	45:16
6	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	54:25
7	+0.2%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:03:34
8	+0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:12:43
9	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:21:53
10	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:31:02
11	+0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:40:11
12	+0.8%	9:25/mi	9:25	1:49:36
13	+0.8%	9:25/mi	9:25	1:59:02
14	+0.5%	9:19/mi	9:19	2:08:20
15	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:17:29
16	-0.5%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:26:39
17	-0.9%	8:58/mi	8:58	2:35:37
18	-0.8%	8:59/mi	8:59	2:44:36
19	-0.3%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:53:46
20	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:02:55
21	-0.2%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:12:04
22	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:21:13
23	+0.5%	9:19/mi	9:19	3:30:32
24	+0.9%	9:27/mi	9:27	3:39:59
25	+0.8%	9:25/mi	9:25	3:49:25
26	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:58:34
27	-0.2%	9:09/mi	2:00	4:00:34

Splits factor the course elevation. Steep climbs widen the pace, descents tighten it — total time on the right matches the grade-adjusted finish above.

Course highlights

Five boroughs, one finish line

The Verrazano start is photogenic, the Queensboro Bridge at mile 15–16 is where the race begins, and First Avenue is where everyone realises how much energy they had — or didn't. Plan your effort around the bridges; the elevation profile above is real GPS, not synthesized.

Start on Staten Island with Verrazano-Narrows Bridge crossing
Brooklyn's vibrant neighborhoods with massive crowd support
Queensboro Bridge climb at mile 15-16 (toughest section)
Manhattan's First Avenue with electric atmosphere
The Bronx brief but energetic visit
Fifth Avenue through Harlem and into Central Park
Finish line in Central Park South

Race-day tips

Manage the bridges, not the clock

Start conservatively - the Verrazano Bridge descent tempts you to go too fast
Save energy for the Queensboro Bridge (mile 15-16) - it's the toughest climb
Queens can feel lonely after Brooklyn's crowds - stay mentally focused
First Avenue in Manhattan (mile 16-20) is where the race really begins
The final push through Central Park requires fresh legs - don't empty the tank too early

Difficulty

Challenging course with significant bridges and rolling hills

286m elevation gain
Multiple bridge climbs
Queensboro Bridge at mile 15-16

FAQ

NYC Marathon FAQs

What makes the NYC Marathon course challenging?: The NYC Marathon features five bridges with significant elevation changes, especially in the first half. The Queensboro Bridge (mile 15-16) and the gradual uphill from mile 20-23 through Central Park are particularly challenging. Plan your pacing accordingly.
How should I pace the bridges?: Maintain even effort rather than even pace on bridges. Slow down slightly on uphills (5-10 seconds per mile) to conserve energy, and let gravity help you on downhills without overstriding. The calculator's grade-adjusted pace band accounts for these elevation changes.
When is the NYC Marathon held?: The TCS New York City Marathon is held on the first Sunday in November each year. Weather can range from perfect (45-55°F) to warm (60-70°F), so train in various conditions.
What's the qualifying time for NYC Marathon?: NYC Marathon uses a lottery system rather than qualifying times. However, you can gain guaranteed entry through NYRR's 9+1 program (9 races + 1 volunteer), marathon time qualifiers, charity partners, or international tour operators.
What's the best way to prepare for NYC Marathon's bridges?: Incorporate bridge repeats or hill workouts into your training. Practice running downhill without braking to learn proper downhill form. Mental preparation is also key - bridges break up the race into manageable segments.