New York City is gearing up for Marathon Sunday, and commuters at Grand Central Terminal now have a chance to experience the race before the starting gun. An interactive exhibit opened Tuesday in Vanderbilt Hall, offering a walk‑through replica of the TCS NYC Marathon route and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the course that traverses all five boroughs.
How the exhibit works
Visitors follow a scaled‑down path that begins at the Verrazzano Bridge on Staten Island, moves through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and finishes in Manhattan’s Central Park. Along the way, informational panels highlight historic moments, past champions and the evolution of the marathon since it first expanded beyond Central Park in 1976.
Community impact
New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said the marathon is a rare event that brings together residents and visitors in a shared celebration of endurance and city pride. “People don’t always think of New Yorkers as warm and fuzzy, but on marathon day millions of us cheer on friends, family, and total strangers. It unites our city because every New Yorker respects and loves the marathon and wants to see these runners succeed,” he explained.
The exhibit will remain open through Friday, giving locals and tourists ample time to explore the simulated course, learn about the race’s history, and feel the excitement building toward Sunday’s start at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 7.
Marathon expectations
Organizers anticipate about 60,000 runners will line up for the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon, with an estimated two million spectators expected to cheer along the route. The event draws participants from around the world, turning the city’s streets into a global showcase of athleticism and community spirit.
Beyond the race itself, the Grand Central exhibit underscores the marathon’s role as a unifying cultural tradition for New York. By offering a hands‑on experience in a high‑traffic hub, the New York Road Runners hope to inspire more residents to support the runners and perhaps consider taking part in future races.
Practical details
The exhibit is free to the public and located in Vanderbilt Hall, accessible from the main concourse of Grand Central. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted health guidelines and respect the flow of commuters.
As the city counts down to Marathon Sunday, the exhibit provides a tangible reminder of why the race remains a beloved fixture in New York life, celebrating half a century of perseverance, community, and the shared love of the city’s five‑borough tapestry.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
