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The TCS New York City Marathon may not take place until Sunday, but the festivities will kick off on Friday, October 31 with an Opening Ceremony right here on the Upper West Side.
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Hosted by New York Road Runners, the annual event celebrates the start of race weekend with a series of speeches, honors, performances, and a Parade of Nations featuring runners from nearly 150 countries. The celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the marathon’s iconic finish line in Central Park, just off West Drive at West 67th Street. It will conclude with a fireworks show at 6:30 p.m.
Attendees can expect remarks from NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, the induction of Olympian Jenny Simpson into the NYRR Hall of Fame, and the presentation of the Abebe Bikila Award to South African long-distance runner Willie Mtolo. Other notable participants include NYRR community program members from all five boroughs, high school students from NYRR Run for the Future, and longtime “streakers” who have completed 15 or more NYC Marathons.
The parade will also spotlight Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners selected for their remarkable personal journeys and contributions to the sport.
This year’s event continues the marathon’s tradition of inclusivity and community celebration—hallmarks of what has become one of the city’s most beloved weekends of the year.
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