New York City – Native New Yorker and beloved entertainer Tracy Morgan will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday. In this ceremonial role, Morgan will stand alongside more than two million spectators lining the streets, cheering runners as they make their way to the iconic Central Park finish line.
Celebrating a Milestone Event
This year’s marathon marks the 50th anniversary of the five‑borough course that has become a staple of the city’s cultural and athletic calendar. Honorary Grand Marshals George Hirsch, Gary Corbitt, Keisha Sutton‑James and Estee Stimler will also be present, paying tribute to the five Trailblazers—Ted Corbitt, George Hirsch, Fred Lebow, George Spitz and Percy Sutton—who helped create the race.
How to Watch and Where to Spectate
National viewers can follow live coverage on ESPN2 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET, with a Spanish simulcast on ESPN3. A two‑hour finish‑line show will air on Channel 7 and the ABC Network from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, featuring celebrity interviews and runner highlights.
For local spectators, the subway remains the best way to travel to viewing spots. The MTA recommends checking mta.info before heading out. Spectators can enjoy sections such as Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn (Miles 2‑4), Williamsburg and Greenpoint (Miles 10‑13), First Avenue in Manhattan (Miles 16‑18), and the Fifth Avenue stretch (Miles 23‑24). The race finishes at 67th Street on West Drive in Central Park, with both a ticketed Grandstand Seating area and a free Standing Spectator Area available.
Broadcast Team and Commentary
Returning to the broadcast are SportsCenter anchor Hannah Storm and ESPN running events commentator John Anderson. Olympians Carrie Tollefson and Clayton Young, along with Paralympians Kurt Fearnley and Amanda McGrory, will serve as analysts. ABC News correspondent Will Reeve will co‑host the finish‑line coverage.
Additional on‑course reporting will come from veteran track and field commentator Lewis Johnson, Peloton instructor Becs Gentry, “Ali on the Run Show” host Ali Feller, and ABC7 Eyewitness News reporters Ryan Field, Sam Ryan, Kemberly Richardson, Pedro Rivera, Dani Beckstrom and Brittany Bell. International viewers will hear commentary from Olympian Kara Goucher and veteran commentator Paul Swangard.
Practical Tips for Spectators
There is no spectator viewing at the start on the Verrazzano‑Narrows Bridge, and the Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1) will be closed to fans. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated. Security screenings will be in place at all entry points, and the NYPD, NYRR and NYC Parks Department may limit access based on capacity.
For those interested in supporting charitable runners, the Charity Cheer Zone on First Avenue and 120th Street (Miles 19‑20) highlights participants raising funds for over 500 official NYRR charity partners.
About the Marathon’s Broadcast History
The New York City Marathon’s first live national television broadcast aired on ABC in 1981, establishing a long‑standing partnership. Since 2013, ESPN2 and ABC7/WABC‑TV have served as the primary broadcast homes for the event.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual fan, or simply proud to see a fellow New Yorker like Tracy Morgan celebrate the city’s most famous race, the 2026 marathon promises a day of community spirit, athletic achievement, and memorable moments across all five boroughs.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
