The New York City Marathon has a challenging yet exhilarating race course that takes participants through the boroughs of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The start of the race takes place in Staten Island, where runners gather at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. As the race begins, runners will make their way across this iconic bridge, offering stunning views of the New York City skyline. However, one of the most notable challenges of the course awaits the runners in the early miles, as they encounter a steady uphill climb on the bridge.

After conquering the bridge, the course continues through the streets of Brooklyn. This section of the race is relatively flat, providing some relief to the runners. They can enjoy the lively atmosphere and crowd support as they traverse neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and Williamsburg. The first half of the marathon showcases the diversity of Brooklyn, with its vibrant communities and iconic landmarks.

As the race progresses into the second half, runners cross over into Queens via the Pulaski Bridge. Queens offers a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines, providing some variation to the terrain. One of the unique features of this part of the course is the run through Long Island City, where participants get a picturesque view of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Runners then briefly pass through the Bronx, adding another borough to their conquest, before reentering Manhattan.

The final legs of the New York City Marathon take place in Manhattan, where participants are met with roaring crowds and the buzz of the city. Here, runners will encounter some rolling hills, including the infamous climb up 5th Avenue around Central Park. This part of the race demands stamina and mental strength as runners approach the final miles. Finally, as participants reach the iconic Central Park, they are welcomed by a downhill section that leads to a captivating finish line near Tavern on the Green.

Overall, the New York City Marathon course presents a mix of flat stretches, challenging inclines, and rolling hills. While the race starts with a steep bridge crossing in Staten Island, it gradually eases into a relatively flat route in Brooklyn and Queens. However, the second half of the marathon tests the runners with rolling hills and a demanding final stretch through Central Park. The course undoubtedly provides a memorable and rewarding experience for all who take part in this prestigious event.

The race begins on Staten Island near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and runners start on the upper level, embarking on the 26.2-mile journey. As you make your way across the bridge, you'll be treated to stunning views of the New York City skyline.

As runners exit the bridge around mile 2, they enter Brooklyn and traverse neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and Sunset Park. These early miles remain relatively flat, and the energy of the enthusiastic crowds is palpable.

Continuing through Brooklyn, the course winds through Park Slope, Boerum Hill, and Williamsburg. Miles 6-8 allow runners to take in the sights and sounds of local businesses and cafes along the way.

Around mile 9, the halfway point is reached in Williamsburg as runners cross the Pulaski Bridge into Queens. While this section may have fewer landmarks, the support from spectators remains strong.

In Queens, the course passes through Long Island City and offers a glimpse of the Queensboro Bridge, which runners will soon cross, around mile 10. Mile 13 marks the beginning of a more challenging phase.

Crossing the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan near mile 14, runners face a steep downhill descent into First Avenue. The excitement builds as the deafening roar of the crowds greets them on this iconic avenue.

Continuing up First Avenue through Manhattan, the course takes runners through the Upper East Side and Harlem. Miles 17-20 are particularly energizing as the enthusiastic spectators become vital in these miles, especially as fatigue sets in.

Around mile 21, the course enters the Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge, and runners complete a loop through the borough before returning to Manhattan. Mile 23 marks the beginning of the final push, with the finish line in sight.

Re-entering Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge near mile 24, runners head south into Central Park. The anticipation builds as they approach the last couple of miles.

In the final mile, mile 26, the race culminates in Central Park near Tavern on the Green, where runners give their all to sprint across the finish line, completing their marathon journey.