A small group of New Yorkers will get the best seats at the biggest street party of the fall. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Thursday that the city will give away 350 free tickets to the TCS New York City Marathon Grandstand, located at the finish line in Central Park.
The giveaway runs through an online drawing, launched in partnership with New York Road Runners (NYRR), the non-profit that organizes the marathon and dozens of other races. Entries close October 26 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will receive up to two tickets each.
The rules are straightforward. Entrants must be 18 or older. If selected, the second ticket can go to a New Yorker of any age, which opens the door for parents bringing a child or anyone inviting a younger friend or relative.
The grandstand sits along the final 200 meters of the course. That stretch offers a close-up view of runners as they complete the 26.2-mile route, a moment the source describes as an inspiring and emotional one. Finish line seating normally starts at $55, which puts the value of the free allotment in context for anyone weighing whether to enter.
The race itself is set for November 1. It is expected to bring together 60,000 runners from around the world for a journey across all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and moving through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan. Free public viewing spots line much of the route, so spectators without grandstand access still have plenty of places to cheer.
Mamdani framed the giveaway as a matter of public access. “On November 1, tens of thousands of runners will wake up before the sun and travel to Staten Island to start the New York City Marathon. Years of training and practice will pay off as runners cut across all five boroughs, crank up their music and cross the finish line in Central Park,” he said.
“Every one of them deserves a crowd ready to cheer them home. That’s why we’re giving away 350 free tickets to the grandstands at the end of the race. Sports belong to the people, and we’re making sure New Yorkers can experience the special joy of the New York City Marathon.”
This year’s race also brings a notable change to the course. For the first time in 15 years, the marathon will run on a new route, as 6sqft previously reported. The updated course includes fewer turns by runners in Mott Haven, a change intended to reduce the impact on residents and businesses in the neighborhood.
For New Yorkers, the practical takeaway is a short window. With entries closing October 26, anyone interested has only a few days left to enter the drawing for a chance at one of the 350 grandstand spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get free tickets to the NYC Marathon Grandstand?
Enter the online drawing run by New York Road Runners and the City of New York before the entry deadline of October 26 at 11:59 p.m. Entrants must be 18 or older, and winners can receive up to two tickets each.
Where is the NYC Marathon Grandstand located?
The grandstand is located at the finish line in Central Park, along the final 200 meters of the 26.2-mile course.
When is the 2025 New York City Marathon?
The race is set for November 1, with about 60,000 runners starting in Staten Island and passing through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
How much do NYC Marathon finish line grandstand tickets normally cost?
Normal finish line grandstand seating starts at $55, so the free tickets offered through the drawing are worth that amount.
What is changing about the NYC Marathon course this year?
This year’s race runs on a new route for the first time in 15 years, with fewer turns by runners in Mott Haven to reduce the impact on residents and businesses.
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