Quick Read
- The NYC Marathon saw a record 55,642 finishers in 2024, the largest in its history.
- In 2025, tens of thousands participated again, making it America’s biggest marathon.
- Runners come from over 100 countries and include elite athletes, amateurs, and charity participants.
- Entry is highly competitive, with hundreds of thousands applying for spots each year.
- The event spans all five boroughs of New York and is supported by over 10,000 volunteers.
NYC Marathon: How Many Runners Take On the Challenge?
Every November, the streets of New York City transform. From Staten Island to Central Park, a tidal wave of runners surges across five boroughs, cheered on by millions of spectators. But just how many people lace up and run the NYC Marathon?
America’s Largest Marathon: The Numbers Behind the Race
Since its humble beginnings in 1970, when only 55 finishers completed loops around Central Park, the New York City Marathon has grown into a global running event. In 2024, a record-setting 55,642 runners finished the race, the largest in the marathon’s history—until the London Marathon edged past that record earlier this year (ESPN). This staggering figure isn’t just a testament to the event’s popularity; it’s a reflection of the marathon’s enduring appeal, its ability to unite elite athletes, first-time marathoners, and charity runners in a shared pursuit.
To put it in perspective, while other major marathons like Boston and Chicago host tens of thousands, New York’s race consistently stands as the biggest in the United States. In 2025, participation remained sky-high, with tens of thousands toeing the line, eager to be part of one of the world’s most celebrated running traditions (ABC7NY).
A Brief History: From Central Park Loops to Borough-Spanning Course
The marathon’s journey from a local curiosity to an international event mirrors the changing character of the city itself. The first NYC Marathon, run entirely in Central Park, saw fewer than sixty finishers. By 1976, organizers expanded the course to all five boroughs—a decision that transformed the race’s spirit and scale. Suddenly, runners weren’t just racing; they were experiencing the city’s diversity and energy firsthand.
Over the decades, participation soared. By the 1980s, thousands were running. The 1990s and 2000s saw global interest explode, with runners from over 100 countries joining the start. Today, the marathon is not just a race but a rite of passage for many, an annual tradition that brings together seasoned professionals, weekend warriors, and those running for causes close to their hearts.
Who Runs the NYC Marathon?
So who are the tens of thousands who tackle the 26.2-mile course each year? The answer is as varied as the city itself.
- Elite Athletes: Every year, the world’s top marathoners compete for victory and course records. In 2025, Hellen Obiri of Kenya broke the women’s course record, finishing in 2:19:51. Benson Kipruto, also from Kenya, won the men’s race with a dramatic finish, edging Alexander Mutiso by less than a second (ESPN, ABC7NY).
- American Standouts: Fiona O’Keeffe led American women, finishing fourth and breaking the American course record with a time of 2:22:49. Joel Reichow was the top American man, placing sixth in 2:09:56 (Runner’s World).
- Wheelchair Athletes: The professional wheelchair division has its own stars. Marcel Hug, nicknamed the Silver Bullet, claimed his seventh NYC victory in 2025, while Susannah Scaroni won the women’s wheelchair race for the third time in four years.
- Everyday Runners: Perhaps most importantly, the marathon is a stage for ordinary people. Thousands train for months, overcoming personal obstacles to run alongside world champions. Some run for charity, others for personal milestones. Every finisher has a story.
The Human Scale: What Does It Take to Join 50,000+ Runners?
Running the NYC Marathon isn’t just about showing up. The demand for entry far exceeds available spots. Runners enter through a lottery, qualifying times, charity programs, or international travel packages. The lottery is famously competitive; in recent years, hundreds of thousands have applied for a chance to run.
Once accepted, runners face the logistical challenge of race day: early morning shuttles to Staten Island, hours of waiting, and the daunting prospect of 26.2 miles ahead. Along the way, they’re supported by 10,000+ volunteers and cheered by crowds estimated at two million people. For many, crossing the finish line in Central Park is a life-defining moment—a testament to months of training and personal grit.
Records and Milestones: How Participation Shapes the Event
The NYC Marathon’s scale brings unique challenges and moments. In 2024, the event broke its own record for finishers. That year, the race also saw dramatic elite competitions: Hellen Obiri smashed the women’s course record, and Benson Kipruto’s sprint finish created the closest men’s race in event history.
Participation is more than a number—it’s a measure of the event’s inclusivity and spirit. The marathon’s ability to attract tens of thousands, from local runners to global stars, underscores its status as a bucket-list event. In recent years, the rise of charity runners has added a new dimension, with millions raised for causes ranging from medical research to youth sports.
Why Does the NYC Marathon Matter?
The New York City Marathon is more than a race. It’s a celebration of human potential and community. Each November, its sheer scale transforms the city, connecting runners and spectators in a shared experience of endurance, hope, and joy. Whether you’re running for a podium finish or simply to cross the line, the marathon’s vast field means every achievement is witnessed and celebrated. The stories—of triumph, heartbreak, and perseverance—are as countless as the runners themselves.
As the marathon continues to grow, it remains a beacon for the running world: proof that, even in a city of millions, personal achievement and collective celebration can coexist, stride for stride.
The NYC Marathon’s participation numbers are more than statistics—they’re a testament to the event’s magnetic appeal and its role as a symbol of unity, diversity, and ambition in the heart of New York. Year after year, tens of thousands choose to run, and in doing so, they write new chapters in the marathon’s storied history.