2026 NYC Marathon Draws Record Field Amid Access Debate

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon began Sunday in brisk, partly cloudy weather, 50 years after the race expanded from its original Central Park course to all five boroughs. A record field of about 60,000 runners is expected to cover 26.2 miles from Staten Island to Central Park, with roughly two million spectators along the route and volunteers supporting race-day operations. The elite field includes defending champions Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto and Marcel Hug, while Broadway star Patina Miller is running her fourth NYC Marathon. The event also highlights personal challenges and wider barriers to participation in sport. Rising fees, changes to New York Road Runners’ 9+1 entry program and high rejection rates have prompted concerns that the race is becoming more expensive and exclusive, though the organization’s CEO disputes that it is focused on maximizing revenue. Road closures are affecting the city during the event.