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🗽 NYC Marathon Race Guide 2025

  • Writer: Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
    Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
  • 10 minutes ago
  • 2 min read
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Presented by Rival Physical Therapy

Conquer all 26.2 miles with a plan.


🏃‍♂️ Course Overview

The TCS New York City Marathon takes you through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan before finishing in iconic Central Park. Use this guide to plan your pacing, fueling, and race-day logistics like a pro.


🗺️ Course Breakdown + Elevation Map

The NYC Marathon is known for its rolling bridges and electric crowds. Here’s what to expect:

Mile 1–2: Staten Island to Brooklyn (Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge)

  • Long, steady climb right out of the gate (130 ft of gain).

  • Don’t panic if your pace is slower, it’s supposed to be.

  • The descent is fast, relax and save your quads.

Mile 3–12: Brooklyn

  • Flat and fast, soak in the energy from the crowd!

  • Stay patient; it’s easy to get carried away early.

  • Water and gel stations start appearing around Mile 3.

Mile 13–15: Queens + Queensboro Bridge

  • A quiet, mental test. No crowds on the bridge.

  • Gradual incline, keep effort steady, not pace.

  • You’ll hear the roar as you hit 1st Avenue.

Mile 16–20: Manhattan (1st Avenue)

  • Wall-to-wall spectators.

  • Slight incline through the Upper East Side.

  • Stick to your fueling plan. Don’t get distracted by adrenaline.

Mile 20–23: The Bronx

  • Short but rolling.

  • Refocus, reset, and prepare for the final push.

Mile 24–26.2: Central Park

  • Undulating hills to the finish.

  • Dig deep and feed off the crowd.

  • Smile! You’re finishing one of the greatest marathons in the world!


Included in this guide’s map section:

✅ Elevation chart

✅ Bridge markers

✅ Mile-by-mile water & gel stations

✅ Crowd “hot zones”


💥 Download This Guide & Share With a Fellow Runner

We built this guide to help you make the most of your NYC Marathon experience. Informed, confident, and ready.

If you’re looking to recover fast, prevent injury, and come back stronger, book your post-race recovery session at:

Follow us on Instagram @Rival_PhysicalTherapy for more runner-specific recovery tips and performance strategies.


Brought to you by:

Rival Physical Therapy in Wyckoff, NJ. 1-on-1 performance-based care for runners, triathletes, and athletes of all levels.

 
 
 
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