Blog Post

World’s Largest Marathon: world record in New York City, New York

Nov 24, 2022

New York City, New York, United States--More than 50,000 runners made their way through all five boroughs on the 26.2-mile course at the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon (also known as The New York City Marathon), organized by New York Road Runners; with 53,627 finishers in 2019 and 98,247 applicants for the 2017 race, it sets the world record for being the World's Largest Marathon, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

The 2018 TCS New York City Marathon held the previous world record with 52,813 finishers.

"The New York City Marathon (currently branded TCS New York City Marathon after its headline sponsor) is an annual marathon (42.195 km or 26.219 mi) that courses through the five boroughs of New York City. It is the largest marathon in the world, with 53,627 finishers in 2019 and 98,247 applicants for the 2017 race.

"Along with the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon, it is among the pre-eminent long-distance annual running events in the United States and is one of the World Marathon Majors.

"The race is organized by New York Road Runners and has been run every year since 1970, with the exception of 2012, when it was cancelled due to the landfall of Hurricane Sandy, and 2020, when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.

"Because of the popularity of the race, participation is chosen largely by a lottery system. Guaranteed entry to the marathon can be gained by satisfying the requirements of the 9+1 program or the 9+$1K program (where NYRR members run in nine sponsored races and either volunteer at another event or donate $1,000 to support NYRR programs for young athletes), having completed 15 or more previous NYC Marathons, or meeting time qualification standards. In addition, runners can gain an entry by joining a team to raise funds for one of a number of charities." (wikipedia)

"It’s undoubtedly true that every city has its charms. However, there’s nothing like running the race of your life in a city that embodies unbridled hope," the runnerslab.com reports

"Marathon runners have perhaps been flocking to the NYC race for decades precisely because of this. There’s something about running through all five boroughs and bridges, cheered on by over one million spectators. Moreover, the marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, consisting of the six most prominent marathons globally.

"Qualifying for the New York City Marathon is not for the faint of heart. Participants must have run other marathons, either half or full, within the amount of time specified for their age bracket."

Celebrities and Notable Personalities

Kikkan Randall, 2:55:12, Olympic cross-country skier
Ryan Briscoe, 3:06:17, auto racing driver
Matt Kenseth, 3:11:33, professional race car driver
Jason Sehorn, 3:19:26, former NFL player
Nev Schulman, 3:25:25, TV host of MTV’s Catfish
Dan Churchill, 3:52:42, celebrity chef/author
Paul Sparks, 3:54:38, actor
Andi Dorfman, 3:56:17, actress/author
Luke Kirby, 4:05:01, actor
Joanne Tucker, 4:10:42, actress
Christy Altomare, 4:10:52, Broadway actress
Amy Robach, 4:16:29, co-anchor ABC’s 20/20
Andrew Shue, 4:16:30, actor
Tiki Barber, 4:18:24, former NFL player
Nate Reuss, 4:21:39, singer
Taylor Ritzel, 4:30:15, Olympic rower
Richard Blais, 4:37:38, chef/TV personality
Tyler Cameron, 4:39:54, actor/model
Jon Glaser, 4:44:47, actor/comedian
Usama Young, 4:57:36, former NFL player
Uzo Aduba, 7:40:04, actress

"The first New York City Marathon took place in 1970 and was held entirely in Central Park and had 127 entrants and 55 finishers," says the official website.

"In 2019 over 53,000 participants crossed the finish line. The Virtual TCS New York City Marathon in 2020 had thousands of finishers around the globe, and over 25,000 finished the marathon's 50th running in person in 2021.

"Our vision is driven by the dedication and commitment of our members, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners."

"Our mission is to help and inspire people through running, and together with the help of our NYRR members, supporters, participants, and partners, we work hard every day to fulfill that goal. Rest assured that with every stride we take, we’re focused on making as big an impact as we can on community, youth, charity, and every individual runner."

"It’s noisy. It’s crowded. It’s a pain in the neck to get to the start. It’s hillier than you probably want it to be. It’s going to be hotter than most runners would prefer this Sunday, as well," the New York Times reports

"Deal with it, because the New York City Marathon will always be on the bucket list of anyone who has ever flirted with the idea of joining a mass of humanity on a 26.2-mile trek. This is the grand journey through the greatest city in the world — at least that is how we New Yorkers will describe it. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

"There are many bridges to cross — well, five, but two of them are very long. There is an endless straightaway early on and a couple of sneaky-hard hills toward the end that will test the brain as much as the legs. There are also countless strangers cheering and handing out water and bananas and orange slices. And more mass love than anyone not named Taylor Swift or Beyoncé will ever feel."