On the first Sunday in November, over 1-million people line the streets of New York City to cheer on the runners making their way towards Central Park.

Even if you’re a New Yorker, figuring out where and how to cheer during the NYC Marathon can feel overwhelming. We know that navigating the NYC subway system throughout our five boroughs can feel daunting so to ease your race-day spectator nerves, we’ve created this handy New York City spectating guide so that you can navigate the mean streets of NYC and catch your runner not once, not twice, but up to five different times!

Let’s start with the map to the 2021 New York City Marathon. This map is going to be your best friend.

All best friends come in duos so below you’ll find a map of the NYC Subway system. *HOT TIP: Before the day even begins, load up your MTA card OR, set up apple pay with OMNI so that you can quickly move around the city.

Let’s start with some hot tip rules for NYC Marathon day.

1. Know what your runner is wearing.

   You’re going to be playing the wildest game of needle in a haystack. Know what your runner or runners are wearing to make it a little tiny bit easier to try to find them.

2. Have your runner find you.

   Make sure your runner knows the exact cross streets and which side of the street you’ll be cheering on. (Runner’s Left/Runner’s Right) It is so much easier for a runner to find you than it is for your to find your runner. The app is helpful but sometimes inaccurate so if your runner is carrying a phone, have them share your location with you.

3. It’s VERY hard to cross the street once the race begins so plan accordingly.

   More often than not, you will not be allowed to cross the street along the marathon route. A way around that is to get crafty with the subway platforms. Most stations allow you to go up and over or underneath to come out the other side of the street. IF YOU HAVE to cross the street, go one at a time and DO NOT get in the way of the runners. Don’t be an asshole.

4. Know whether your runner is going under or over the Verrazano bridge.

   This isn’t the most important thing in the world but it can help if you’re cheering on 4th Avenue. Green bibs go on the lower level of the Verrazano bridge and blue and orange bibs go on top of the bridge. When runners exit the Verrazano, they tend to stick to the side of 4th avenue they spit out on. For example, if you’re going on top of the bridge, you’ll most likely end up on the left side of 4th Avenue. Make sure your runner knows which side of the street you’ll be on so they can make their way over if they end up on the opposite side. 4th Avenue is HUGE. Plan ahead.

5. TALK to people on the subway.

   Construction on our subways tends to happen on the weekends so there is a good chance you’ll run into some delays, weekend routes, and train curveballs. Don’t be afraid to talk with people on the subway platforms or cars. Ask for advice. Make friends with the people holding signs who are clearly spectating the race.

   Our subways don’t run back to back. Sometimes you may be waiting 15-20 minutes for a train. The MyMTA app is helpful to see exactly when the next train is coming to the nearest station to you.

6. Carry Gatorade, water, gummy bears, kleenexes, Tylenol, tums, and salt (not iodized) on you.

   Who knows what your runner will need. Be prepared.

7. Know when and where you’re eating.

   PACK SNACKS and sandwiches for yourself. You are going to have a long day. Don’t forget to eat!

8. Dress Warm.

   You can always ditch layers but you can’t wear something you don’t have. It can get pretty chilly on race day. Dress warm!

9. Know where you’re going to go the bathroom.

   Covid made things weird with public restrooms. Things are a little better now, but just noting it here because it’s an important thing to factor in.

10. Bring an external charger.

    Tracking your runner will drain your phone battery. Bring an external charger and chord.

11. Plan where your runner will meet you after the race.

    Cell phone service is almost non-existent at the finish so make sure your runner knows where to find you should your phone be dead or if they can’t get in touch with you. Plan ahead!

1. Now, let’s move on to where to cheer.

Option 1- See your runners 4 times.

Location 1: Just before mile 7 at 4th Ave & 9th St.

Then, you’ll hop on the G train headed towards Queens and take the G train to Nassau Ave.

Location 2: Near Mile 12 at Nassau Ave. & Manhattan Ave.

From here, you’ll hustle over to the Bedford L station (about .8 miles. Welcome to New York!) and take that into Manhattan. You’ll ride the L to Union Square where you’ll switch to the Q Train (headed uptown) to 86th St. Then, you’ll walk over to First Ave.

Location 3: Near mile 17.5 at 86th Street and 1st Ave.

Stay on the runner’s left here. Because after you catch your runner at mile 17.5, you’ll walk over to 86th and 5th Ave.

Location 4: Near mile 24 at 86th Street and 5th Ave.

Your final location will be just before mile 24 where they’re going to need you most. Here, you’ll be on the runner’s left just before they enter Central Park.

Option 2- See Your Runners 3 Times

Location 1: Near mile 8 - ANYWHERE near the Atlantic Terminal/Barclays Area. (My suggestion is to walk a little to 4th Ave & Douglas on runners right OR S. Felix St & Lafayette)

Then, you’ll hop on the Q train headed towards Manhattan and take the Q train all the way to the end at 96th St.

Location 2: Near mile 18 at 96th Street and 1st Ave.

Stay on the runner’s left here. After you catch your runner near mile 18, you’ll walk over to 96th and 5th Ave.

Location 3: Near mile 23.5 at 96th Street and 5th Ave.

Your final location will be near mile 23.5 on that evil 5th ave. climb. The sneakiest, evilest hill of them all. Aim to be on your runner’s left.

Option 3- See Your Runners 3-5 Times

Location 1: Near mile 9 - Classon Ave. & Lafayette St.

Then, you’ll hop on the G train headed towards Queens and take that to Court Square.

Location 2: Near mile 14.5 at 44th Dr & 23rd Street

Stay on the runner’s right here. After you catch your runner before they get on the Queensboro Bridge, you’ll walk over to 23rd St & Court Sq to get onto the E train or the M train and take it back into Manhattan 1 stop. Get off on Lexington Ave/53rd St and transfer to the 4-5-6 at 59th St. (The 4 and 5 trains are express and must be taken to express stops. GRANTED, it’s a weekend so who knows if they’re running local. The 6 train is a local train and will make the local stops.) Take the train to 125th St.

Location 3: Near mile 19.5 at 125th Street and 1st Ave.

Your next location will be near mile 19.5 before the runners head into the Bronx. You’ll have to hustle but your runners will need you at mile 19.5. Crowds are light so you’ll be easy to spot.

Location 4: Near mile 22 at 5th Ave. and 125th St.

Your next location will be a little under a mile away. Straight shot over to Harlem just before mile 22.

Option Location 5: And if you’re feeling EXTRA supportive, you can hop back onto the 6 train and take it back to catch your runner on 5th Ave. Stops to get off on to catch your runner on 5th Ave: 110th St., 103rd St., 96th St., or 86th St. *Runners enter Central park at 90th St. so if you hop off at 86th just make sure you make your way to 89th st or higher.

There you have it! There are MILLIONS of ways to catch your runners during the New York City Marathon. But don’t get overwhelmed! Plan ahead and when in doubt, you can always get on a citi bike. The #1 rule is to be specific about where you’ll be with your runners. Do that, and you’ll be AOK. HAVE FUN and enjoy NYC!