NYC Marathon Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Its Five-Borough Course

Sunday, November 1, 2026, brings the 50th anniversary of the TCS New York City Marathon's celebrated five-borough course, expanded from its original Central Park loop format in 1976. More than 60,000 registered runners will traverse all five boroughs, beginning in Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. Among the notable participants is Mildred Baker, an 80-year-old Bronx resident running her first marathon after taking up distance running just three years ago through the NYRR Striders walking programme. ABC7 anchors Liz Cho and Mike Marza are also competing, raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association in memory of colleague Bill Ritter. George Hirsch, one of the original five founders of the five-borough format, marked the milestone anniversary. ABC7 airs a preview special, 'Countdown to the Starting Line,' on Saturday October 31 at 7 a.m., with live race coverage starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Dry, sunny weather is forecast for race day with temperatures in the low 60s, excellent marathon conditions. Street closures in the five boroughs begin overnight Saturday.