Citizens' TCS New York City marathon guide: Watch, cheer and celebrate like a local

With five boroughs, more than 55,000+ participants from 150+ countries and over 2 million spectators, the TCS New York City Marathon is one of the world's largest road races.

As the Official Bank of the TCS New York City Marathon and New York Road Runners (NYRR), Citizens will be among friends and family cheering on runners. We're proud to partner with NYRR and excited to be a part of this unforgettable day.

The marathon takes place on Sunday, November 2, kicking off at 8 a.m. at Fort Wadsworth near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island, and winds through all five boroughs.

Whether you're a native New Yorker or making the trek from out of town, Marathon Sunday is a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with unforgettable energy and emotion. As a spectator cheering on loved ones or simply soaking in the electric atmosphere, it's your chance to be part of something beloved in New York City.

To make the most of the day and be ready for your New York moment, a race day game plan is essential. That's why we've put together this guide with tips on where to watch, how to get there, where to eat and traditions to celebrate along the 26.2 mile race route. All of the restaurants highlighted in this guide are Citizens' customers who are celebrating with their community.

Citizens is also offering a rebate on a ride on New York City's MTA. Tap your card or phone to pay at the MTA turnstile or when getting on the bus using your personal Citizens Mastercard® and get a statement credit for $2.90. Offer valid Nov. 1–3, 2025, only*. It's our way of helping you get to the action – and back – without missing a beat.

Here's your ultimate guide for experiencing the TCS New York City Marathon as a spectator.

Staten Island

Best spots to watch: Unfortunately, spectators can't gather in Staten Island, you will have plenty of other ways to participate along the route.

How to get there: One of the most scenic ways to travel to Staten Island is on the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry is free and perfect for skyline photos, so make sure to check it out the following week to experience the anticipation runners feel on their way to the start line.

Local businesses to support: Although you cannot cheer in Staten Island, you can cheer at the exit of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which enters Brooklyn. If you're looking for a sweet treat, head to Little Cupcake Bakeshop on Third Ave., where baked goods, coffee and race-day vibes are always on the menu.

Traditions and highlights: The TCS New York City Marathon kicks off with the dramatic boom of the start cannon at Fort Wadsworth, launching runners across the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — the first of five bridges on the course. New York Road Runners commemorates the start of the race with the national anthem and Frank Sinatra's New York, New York.

Brooklyn

Best spots to watch: Head to Williamsburg and Greenpoint (miles 10–12). Our Citizens' Cheer Zone, just before mile 12 at Nassau Ave. and Lorimer St. near Manhattan Ave., will have free swag, a DJ and unobstructed views on our double decker bus.

How to get there: Take the G and L lines to Nassau, Bedford or Lorimer.

Local businesses to support: If you're looking for a celebratory sit-down meal, visit Chadwick's Restaurant, which specializes in Certified Black Angus Steaks, chops, pasta and seafood. Although not located near the Citizens Cheer Zone, Chadwick's is a great spot for families to refuel before continuing their cheering.

Traditions and highlights: Check out live bands, including Brooklyn's Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School's band, who has a longstanding, 40-year tradition of playing the Rocky theme song near mile 9 — perfect motivation for the marathon runners.

Other crowd-favorite mile 9 festivities on Lafayette Avenue include pop-up DJs, gospel singers and champagne on stoops, so Brooklyn may be the best place to experience a party vibe during the race.

Queens

Best spots to watch: Just past the halfway mark in Long Island City by the Pulaski Bridge (around mile 13) is a morale-boosting moment for runners before the Queensboro Bridge.

How to get there: Take the 7, G or E trains to Vernon Boulevard, Jackson Avenue or Queens Plaza.

Local businesses to support: Tacos El Guero, located about a 15-minute walk from the race route at Jackson Ave. and Vernon Blvd. serves authentic street tacos. Taco El Guero started as a vendor at Queens Night Market, which we've supported and sponsored since 2023. For Marathon Sunday, Tacos El Guero is offering a three-course meal package for visitors.

Traditions and highlights: The Pulaski Bridge, famously known as the halfway point of the marathon, is a bascule bridge, meaning it has a drawbridge mechanism that allows the deck to pivot upward. It is a symbolic milestone for runners, and as a spectator near the bridge, you can see the Manhattan skyline and nearby bridges like Williamsburg and Queensboro.

The Bronx

Best spots to watch: At just one mile long, the 20th mile to be exact, this stretch of the route is short and sweet. It is one of the most pivotal moments of the race with DJs blasting music, crowds dancing and lots of cheering. Head over to the Willis Avenue Bridge crossing and adjacent Mott Haven area for your best viewing spot.

How to get there: To make the most of the day and be ready for your New York moment, a race day game plan is essential. That's why we've put together a guide with tips on where to watch, how to get there, where to eat and traditions to celebrate along the 26.2 mile race route. All of the restaurants highlighted in this guide are Citizens' customers or are affiliated with Citizens and are celebrating with their communities.

Local businesses to support: Arthur Avenue isn't directly on the marathon course, but it's known as the "Little Italy" of the Bronx, offering delicious delis and Italian markets. It's the perfect place to grab a quick bite after you've supported runners making their way through mile 20.

Traditions and highlights: The crowds are smaller, but the cheers are heartfelt. Spectators here boost runners at a critical point, often referred to as "the wall," since it's near the end of the race when runners need all the energy they can muster.

Manhattan

Best spots to watch: Manhattan has several viewing options, including:

• First Avenue and East 61st and 62nd (mile 16): Stop by Citizens’ and Mastercard’s cobranded cheer zone at mile 16. This cheer zone transforms this part of the course into a high-energy tune-centric party where supporters can request hype songs and submit their runner’s photo to be seen on a massive LED screen.
• East Harlem (miles 18-20): Quieter but still lively, with access to the Charity Cheer Zone.
• Fifth Avenue near Central Park entrance (miles 23-24): A scenic stretch that offers a dramatic buildup as runners take on the last two to three miles of the course.
• Central Park South finish line: Offers an emotional climax. You can sit on the grandstands or in general viewing areas (tickets may be required).

How to get there: From First Avenue, take the N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 or F trains. From Fifth Avenue, take the Q, 4, 5 or 6 trains. At Central Park South, you can take either the A, C, E, D, N, Q, R, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 trains.

Local businesses to support: Feeling inspired after watching the runners tackle their fitness goals? Make sure to stop by Harlem Cycle – a woman-owned indoor cycling studio built on community and belonging – located at 60A W 125th Street. The studio will be cheering on their runners at the corner of 5th Ave and 125th St with their signature energy and heart.

If you’re looking for a cozy post-race spot to get away from the crowds and take medal pictures, head to Mari Vanna, a charming Russian restaurant near 5th Ave. at 41 East 20th St. On Marathon Sunday from 12-10pm, the Chef is preparing a special dish inspired by the race – a small culinary tribute to the endurance and passion that this event brings to New York.

Traditions and highlights: Experience charity cheer zones packed with emotion and community spirit. This year, Citizens announced the Miles That Matter award, granting $26,200 to four standout participants who are making a difference far beyond the finish line.

Made for your New York City moment

Watching the TCS New York City Marathon is an unforgettable experience. We hope our guide has sparked ideas and made planning easier with local businesses to support, transportation routes and overall tips. If you can't be with your runner in person, here are other ways to catch the race: click here.

Make the most of your New York City moment!