New York City – Starting with the 2026 edition of the TCS New York City Marathon, organizers are making a modest but meaningful change to the historic five‑borough route. After crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge, runners will now follow a new one‑mile segment in the Bronx that bypasses a supermarket previously included in the course.
Why the Change Matters to Bronx Residents
The former alignment looped around a block that cut off foot traffic to the grocery store during race day, creating congestion for shoppers and limiting access for nearby families. By rerouting around a different block, the marathon will no longer block the store, allowing residents to continue their daily routines without interruption.
Details of the New Course Segment
Under the revised plan, the marathon still crosses the Willis Avenue Bridge as usual, but once on the Bronx side, the race will turn onto a parallel street that skirts the commercial block. The new path maintains the race’s overall distance and timing while providing a clearer separation between athletes and local traffic.
Impact on the Marathon Experience
Race officials say the adjustment will improve crowd management and safety for both participants and spectators. By eliminating a bottleneck near the supermarket, volunteers can more easily direct runners and volunteers can set up aid stations without obstructing neighborhood streets.
Community Response
Local community leaders have welcomed the change, noting that it reflects a sensitivity to the everyday lives of Bronx families. “We appreciate the marathon’s willingness to listen to our concerns and make a practical improvement,” said a spokesperson for the Bronx Neighborhood Association. The sentiment aligns with the broader tradition of the marathon serving as a unifying event for all five boroughs while respecting the needs of each community.
Continuity of the Iconic Race
Aside from this adjustment, the rest of the course remains unchanged, preserving the beloved route that winds through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The marathon will continue to showcase the city’s diverse neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and vibrant streets, drawing runners from around the world.
Broadcast and Sponsorship
ABC 7 / WABC‑TV and ESPN2 will again provide live coverage of the race, a partnership that has been in place since 2013. Viewers can expect the same high‑quality commentary and on‑screen graphics that have made the marathon a staple of national sports broadcasting.
Looking Ahead
The route change demonstrates how large‑scale events can evolve to better serve the communities they pass through. Organizers plan to monitor the new segment’s performance during the 2026 race and consider additional refinements for future editions, ensuring that the marathon remains both a world‑class athletic competition and a respectful neighbor to New Yorkers.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
