NYC Marathon Alters Bronx Route for First Time in 15 Years

The New York City Marathon is set to modify its route through The Bronx for the first time in 15 years, race organizers announced Tuesday. The adjustments aim to address concerns from residents who have previously cited disruptions to local businesses and access to amenities.

The course change, occurring in conjunction with the marathon's 50th anniversary, will reroute a portion of the 22nd mile through Mott Haven. According to Road Runners, the organizing body, these minor adjustments are intended to improve access for local businesses and residents as the neighborhood has evolved.

Under the revised route, runners proceeding down Alexander Avenue after crossing the Willis Avenue Bridge will now continue to East 141st Street, rather than turning left on East 138th Street as in previous years. The route will then direct runners left on Third Avenue and right onto East 138th Street, leading them onto the Madison Avenue Bridge and back into Manhattan. This alteration will bypass the Western Beef Supermarket and a laundromat on Morris Avenue, as well as a key access point to the NYCHA Patterson Houses.

The revised path will also reduce the number of turns within The Bronx segment from seven to five. Despite these changes to the immediate path, the total mileage of the marathon within The Bronx will remain the same, approximately one mile. This section is often referred to as "The Wall" and is considered one of the most challenging parts of the 26.2-mile race.

The last significant alteration to the marathon course occurred in 2011 when the route entering Brooklyn from the Verrazano Bridge was adjusted to divert runners around a residential block before reaching Bay Ridge Parkway.

This year's marathon is expected to host over 60,000 participants, marking the largest field in its history.