Running through a silent, car-free Times Square at dawn is a genuinely singular New York experience, and the Manhattan Bridge sunrise crossing is the best view in American road racing. For spectators, the course offers dramatic, easily accessible cheering points from Brooklyn all the way to Central Park. It's the city's biggest race weekend between marathon seasons.
What to expect
For runners: an early start (waves from ~7am), cold March temps, and huge crowd support. For spectators: prime viewing at the Manhattan Bridge approach, 42nd Street/Times Square around 8-9am, and the Central Park finish. Entry is via NYRR drawing and qualifying paths months in advance.
Good to know
- Date is the expected third-Sunday-of-March pattern — NYRR confirms the official 2027 date and entry windows on nyrr.org
- Entry is by drawing (opens in fall) plus NYRR 9+1 and time-qualifier paths
- Spectating is free — Times Square around 8-9am is the signature vantage
- Road closures hit Brooklyn, the FDR, Midtown and Central Park from before dawn
- March weather is a coin flip: recent editions have ranged from freezing to spring-mild
Going? Keep it.
More sports this weekend
Common questions
How do I get a bib?
Most spots go through NYRR's entry drawing, which typically opens in the fall; guaranteed entry comes via NYRR member 9+1, time qualifiers, or charity partners.
Where's the best place to watch?
Times Square, hands down — runners flood through around 8-9am with the billboards blazing and no cars in sight. The Central Park finish is a close second.