New York City – The New York Road Runners (NYRR) marked the start of race weekend for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with its annual Opening Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 30, at the marathon finish line in Central Park. The event, presented by United Airlines, began at 4:30 p.m. and was streamed live on abc7NY.com.
Celebrating five boroughs and half a century
The ceremony highlighted the marathon’s iconic five‑borough route, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. Attendees watched a video tribute to the race’s global reach and its role in bringing runners from around the world to New York’s streets.
Hall of Fame and Abebe Bikila Award honors
NYRR recognized its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, including women’s‑running pioneer Lynn Blackstone and marathon co‑founders George Hirsch and the late Percy Sutton. The late Olympian and coach Jeff Galloway was named the 2026 Abebe Bikila Award honoree for his lifelong contributions to distance running.
Remarks and Parade of Nations
Opening remarks came from NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer and Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director Ted Metellus. A Parade of Nations showcased runners representing dozens of countries, joined by honorary Grand Marshals, past marathon champions and participants from NYRR youth and community programs.
Past champions and special tributes
More than 50 former marathon champions were welcomed to the celebrations, including Kathrine Switzer, Gary Muhrcke, Sharon Lokedi and Tegla Loroupe. Participants linked to the inaugural 1976 five‑borough marathon, such as Fred Abramowitz and Dave Obelkevich, received special recognition.
Star‑studded professional fields
Defending champions Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto and wheelchair legend Marcel Hug headlined a professional field that features 40 Olympians and Paralympians, 25 Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medalists, and 22 national record holders.
Obiri, who shattered the course record last year, returns for a second title and will face 2024 champion Sheila Chepkirui, three‑time Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and a strong American contingent led by half‑marathon record holder Weini Kelati, making her marathon debut alongside Jess McClain and Fiona O’Keeffe.
In the men’s race, Kipruto seeks to defend his title after a historic photo‑finish victory. Former champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye are back, while American hopefuls Conner Mantz, Zouhair Talbi and Joe Klecker aim to make their mark.
Wheelchair competition
Seven‑time New York champion Marcel Hug will look to extend his dominance against former winners Daniel Romanchuk and David Weir. The women’s wheelchair field features Tatyana McFadden, Catherine Debrunner and Madison de Rozario, all bringing championship pedigree.
Community and celebrity participation
Dozens of celebrities joined the start, including Eyewitness News anchors Liz Cho and Mike Marza, who are running to support the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of former anchor Bill Ritter, who disclosed his diagnosis earlier this year.
The ceremony concluded with a grand finale at 6:45 p.m., setting the stage for race day on Sunday, Oct. 31, when thousands of runners will take to the streets of all five boroughs.
How to watch
Live coverage of the marathon will be available on ABC 7, ESPN2 and the official TCS NYC Marathon website. For more details on the event schedule, volunteer opportunities and spectator routes, visit abc7ny.com/nycmarathon.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
