People from around the world know about the event; millions of people come to watch, and thousands take on this large accomplishment. In one of the most iconic cities in the world, the event attracts professional racers as well as average joes, running the race for all sorts of reasons. It is not just a race; it is an experience for loved ones to cheer and determination to flourish. But what makes this marathon day so special?
The New York City Marathon is one of the city's most loved events, known for being a part of the seven Major World Marathons and drawing more than 55,000 runners this year. These participants raced through the five boroughs of New York City, making it the largest marathon ever held. On a perfect day in the city, over two million spectators lined the streets to cheer participants on. Their enthusiastic cheers, echoing from Brooklyn to the Bronx, fueled the runners' determination and showcased the powerful sense of community that defines this event. Adding to the magic, 10,000 dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure every detail, from water stations to finish-line medals, ran seamlessly.
The New York City Marathon is a citywide celebration of the human spirit and tenacity, combining running shoes, community, and heart in a way that makes it much more than just a race, more than 26.2 miles.
More than 2,500 miles away from NYC, a Carmel Valley resident, Josh Jones, is a seasoned marathon runner, and yet that is not where he started. He began running at a young age, eventually moving to triathlons and then evolving towards 50-mile races. Jones has now decided to hone in on the 26.2-mile marathon.
He first decided to sign up for the event due to a friend's recommendation and he has never looked back. This year was his fourth time running the race, last year with his charity of choice, Every Mother Counts, and this year with his qualifying time. Every Mother Counts is a non-profit that works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for mothers around the world. By running for this charity, Josh Jones was able to raise funds and awareness for their important mission. Wearing the Every Mother Counts jersey during the race allowed spectators to show their support for Josh Jones and the cause. His love and passion for the event are just as strong as the many others who spend months training for it. Jones conveys the excitement leading up to the starting line, a fascinating moment for people-watching, as runners showcase a mix of nerves and eagerness to begin their strides. He highlights the vibrant sense of community at the start, with volunteers cheering and providing support. The crowd’s energy is infectious, with spectators calling out names and providing motivation throughout the race.
“Seeing all these people cheering for people they don't know, or the racers in wheelchairs or with one leg running, it just makes you appreciate humanity.”
Josh Jones, Carmel Valley resident, four-time NYC Marathon Runner
Every sign waved, and every cheer hollered embodies the collective spirit for the marathon. The posters throughout the streets, with their bright colors and funny lines, showcase how the community joins in the excitement of the event without the large undertaking of training. Messages like “You are stronger than you think” and “The rats don’t run this city, you do!” line the course representing the human connection this event creates fueling each step for the runners. The creative and lighthearted signs each supporter makes highlight the way they push the runners to finish their NYC journey. While the community's cheers and creative signs provide a vital boost, the reality of the marathon’s physical and mental toll cannot be ignored.
For any runners, including Josh Jones, the mental and physical aspects of the race can be challenging. While the cheers and signs from the crowd offer encouragement, the immense stamina needed to finish 26.2 miles requires extraordinary perseverance. When asked if he had a favorite borough along the New York City Marathon course, Jones response highlighted the all-encompassing nature of the iconic event. “All the boroughs are different, and you get a feeling for the city, both going through these different neighborhoods, which is exciting,” Jones noted. However, the marathon is no easy feat. Jones described the physical challenges, noting, “I'm fine until mile 17, and then I have the feeling of ‘this is painful,’ like your calf starts hurting, or quad starts hurting, back hurts.” Despite the grueling nature of the race, Jones finds the finish line to be the most fulfilling part. “When I finish the New York Marathon, just as much as my body hurts, I feel completely fulfilled,” he said. The diverse communities lining the streets, offering encouragement and support to the 50,000+ runners, create a sense of unity that Jones found truly remarkable.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Motivations for running a marathon vary widely. Some sign up impulsively, while others vision board this event years prior. For Jones, it was about more than just running. “It’s about doing something that means something and pushing your body and mind to its limits,” he says. For him, the race is both a physical challenge and an opportunity to support a meaningful cause. His experience reflects the determination of many runners, focused on pushing through fatigue while contributing to something larger than themselves, larger than the city.
The race is a very high-pressure, endorphin-inducing experience. Many from all over the world want to embark on this incredible journey, and yet the application to do so may be harder than the 26.2 miles itself. The city's top-notch energy and challenging course have created the determination for a marathon bib to skyrocket over the years. In the year 2024, only 4% of applicants were accepted, compared to 5% in 2023. This means that out of 165,000 people, only 6,600 were chosen. Getting into the New York City Marathon is now seen as a point of pride, reflecting both physical readiness and the determination to overcome a highly competitive selection process. Its exclusivity adds to the race’s reputation, making it a dream for runners worldwide and a testament to its dedication to tackling one of the most renowned marathon courses in history.
There are many ways to gain a bib, including having an extremely fast time, running with a charity, or putting your name in the lottery that occurs in March. Nonetheless, there are still many loopholes that the 55,000 runners use to gain their bibs this year.
NYRR list of ways to get into the NYC Marathon:
Entry Drawing
Run with Team for Kids, an official partner of the New York City Marathon
Run with another charity partner
Live abroad and book your trip through an NYRR international travel partner
Have 15+ NYC Marathons under your belt
Qualify based on time
Participate in NYRR’s 9+1 Program
Use a deferred entry
Ran the Virtual Race
Be an elite runner
Ultimately, the NYC Marathon is more than a race—it’s a testament to perseverance, community, and the unyielding human spirit. In a city that never sleeps, this event reminds all of the power of dreaming big and running far. The event is an electric celebration of the human spirit, uniting runners, spectators, and volunteers. The atmosphere is energetic as spectators ring cowbells, wave signs, and cheer with unwavering support. Beyond the physical feat of running 26.2 miles, the marathon becomes a tapestry of shared experiences, reflecting the city’s diverse cultures and communities. For both runners and spectators, the marathon represents the power of human connection, embodying the challenge of pushing through pain and the fulfillment of contributing to something meaningful.