New York City is preparing for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon this Sunday, November 2, an event that will bring significant road and bridge closures across all five boroughs. Residents and visitors should anticipate widespread travel disruptions and are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.
The New York City Police Department will manage the closures throughout the day to ensure the safety of runners and spectators. The race begins in Staten Island and travels through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and finishes in Manhattan, affecting major arteries along the 26.2-mile route.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 TCS NYC Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 2.
- Extensive road closures will be in effect across Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan.
- Five major bridges, including the Verrazzano-Narrows and Queensboro Bridge, will be closed to traffic.
- Officials recommend using mass transit as heavy traffic is expected citywide.
Marathon Schedule and Start Times
The race events will begin early Sunday morning, with staggered start times for various divisions. The first group, the Professional Men's Wheelchair Division, is set to start at 8:00 a.m.
The professional runners and the main waves of participants will follow throughout the morning. Understanding the schedule can help residents anticipate when closures will be most impactful in their area.
Official Start Times
- 8:00 a.m. – Men’s Professional Wheelchair Division
- 8:02 a.m. – Women’s Professional Wheelchair Division
- 8:22 a.m. – Handcycle Category
- 8:35 a.m. – Professional Women’s Open Division
- 9:05 a.m. – Professional Men’s Open Division
- 9:10 a.m. – Wave 1
- 9:45 a.m. – Wave 2
- 10:20 a.m. – Wave 3
- 10:55 a.m. – Wave 4
- 11:30 a.m. – Wave 5
Major Bridge Closures
Five key bridges connecting the boroughs will be closed to vehicular traffic at various times on Sunday. These closures are critical for the marathon route and will significantly impact travel between boroughs.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will be closed to all traffic to accommodate the start of the race. Other affected bridges include the Pulaski Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, Willis Avenue Bridge, and Madison Avenue Bridge. Drivers should seek alternate routes well in advance.
Planning Your Travel
With thousands of runners and spectators expected, surface-level transportation will be heavily congested. The MTA typically adds extra subway service on marathon day. Checking the MTA website or app for real-time service updates is the most reliable way to navigate the city.
Borough-by-Borough Closure Guide
The following is a detailed list of street closures planned for each borough. Note that all closures are at the discretion of the NYPD and timing may be subject to change.
Staten Island
The race begins here, leading to early and extensive closures around the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge approach.
- Staten Island Expressway
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- Bay Street between Richmond Terrace and School Road
- Father Capodanno Boulevard between Sand Lane and Lily Pond Avenue
- Lily Pond Avenue between School Road and Father Capodanno Boulevard
Brooklyn
After crossing the Verrazzano, runners will spend a significant portion of the race in Brooklyn, affecting major avenues.
- Dahlgren Place between Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and 92nd Street
- 92nd Street between Dahlgren Place and 4th Avenue
- 4th Avenue between 92nd Street and Flatbush Avenue
- Flatbush Avenue between 4th Avenue and Lafayette Avenue
- Lafayette Avenue between Flatbush Avenue and Bedford Avenue
- Bedford Avenue between Lafayette Avenue and Nassau Avenue
- Manhattan Avenue between Nassau Avenue and Greenpoint Avenue
- McGuinness Boulevard (Southbound) leading to the Pulaski Bridge
- Pulaski Bridge (Southbound)
Queens
The route briefly passes through Queens before heading into Manhattan via the Queensboro Bridge.
- 11th Street between Pulaski Bridge and 48th Avenue
- 44th Drive between 10th Street and Hunter Street
- Crescent Street between Hunter Street and Queens Plaza South
- Queens Plaza South leading to the Queensboro Bridge
- Queensboro Bridge (Eastbound)
The Bronx
After a long stretch in Manhattan, runners will cross into the Bronx for a short loop.
- Willis Avenue Bridge
- East 135th Street between Willis Avenue and Alexander Avenue
- East 138th Street between Alexander Avenue and 3rd Avenue
- East 138th Street between Rider Avenue and Madison Avenue Bridge
- Madison Avenue Bridge (Westbound)
Manhattan
Manhattan hosts the longest portion of the race, including the iconic finish in Central Park. Closures will be extensive, especially on the East Side and around Central Park.
- 1st Avenue between East 59th Street and Willis Avenue Bridge
- East 59th Street between 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue
- 5th Avenue between 138th Street and 90th Street
- East Drive within Central Park
- West 59th Street / Central Park South between 5th Avenue and Columbus Circle
- Columbus Circle
- Central Park West (for family reunion area) between Columbus Circle and West 76th Street
Advice for Residents and Spectators
For those planning to watch the race, finding a spot along the route early is recommended. Be aware that crossing the marathon route will be difficult, if not impossible, at many points. Use pedestrian overpasses where available.
Residents living along the course should move their vehicles before Saturday evening to avoid being towed. For the most current information on race day, check the official TCS New York City Marathon website and local news outlets for updates on road reopenings.
