Marathon countdown: What to know about the 2025 New York City Marathon

The 2025 New York City Marathon schedule, elite field and prize money have been confirmed as anticipation builds for one of the world’s most watched road races. On Sunday 2 November 2025, more than 50,000 runners will set off from Staten Island and cross all five boroughs before finishing in Central Park, Manhattan.

This year’s line-up is led by Olympic champions Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan, both making their New York debuts. Their presence adds weight to what is already a defining race on the international running calendar.

“New York is never just a race,” said one veteran competitor. “It’s a test of strategy, patience and willpower through every mile.”

Start times and schedule

The marathon begins early local time, with wheelchair athletes first to take to the course.
Race times (local ET / GMT):

• 8:00 AM (1:00 PM) – Men’s Wheelchair Start
• 8:02 AM (1:02 PM) – Women’s Wheelchair Start
• 8:22 AM (1:22 PM) – Pushrim and Handcycle Start
• 8:35 AM (1:35 PM) – Elite Women Start
• 9:05 AM (2:05 PM) – Elite Men Start
• 9:10 AM (2:10 PM) – Wave 1 Start
• 9:45 AM (2:45 PM) – Wave 2 Start
• 10:20 AM (3:20 PM) – Wave 3 Start
• 10:45 AM (3:45 PM) – Wave 4 Start
• 11:30 AM (4:30 PM) – Wave 5 Start

Fans in the UK can tune in via Discovery+ and TNT Sports from 1:30 pm GMT, while full race coverage and replays will also be available on Discovery+.

Prize money and record bonuses

Both men’s and women’s elite winners will receive $100,000, with prize money tapering down to $2,000 for 10th place. Additional awards include a $50,000 course record bonus for any athlete who breaks an existing event record.

It is one of the most lucrative races on the marathon circuit, reinforcing its reputation as the season’s most coveted finale.

Elite field and global interest

Alongside Kipchoge and Hassan, the field features Kenenisa Bekele, Hellen Obiri, Gotytom Gebreslase and Emily Sisson among others. Several British athletes, including Jonny Mellor and Jessica Warner-Judd, are also set to compete.

The New York City Marathon consistently draws the world’s top distance runners, balancing sporting spectacle with citywide celebration. Over 200,000 applications were submitted this year, the highest in the event’s history. Entry remains tightly controlled through a ballot, charity places and qualifying times.

A race defined by challenge

Unlike the flat courses of Berlin or Chicago, New York’s terrain is unforgiving. Five bridges, countless turns and the rolling avenues of Manhattan make pacing everything. It is as much a psychological battle as a physical one.

To learn more about registration, safety guidance and route details, visit the official marathon organisers’ site.

For more stories on global sport and major events, follow EyeOnLondon for informed coverage you can trust.

[Image Credit | AMNY]

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