New York City Marathon 2025 Draws Over 55,000 Runners, Marks Eliud Kipchoge's Final Race

More than 50,000 — by some counts over 55,000 — runners are expected to compete in the 26.2-mile 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, which starts on Staten Island and winds through all five boroughs to finish in Central Park. The race doubles as a marquee elite showdown and farewell for Eliud Kipchoge, who will make his New York debut as he closes the chapter on championship-distance racing against rivals such as Kenenisa Bekele, Abdi Nageeye and Benson Kipruto, while Sifan Hassan headlines the women’s field. Around 80 volunteer pacers will shepherd runners toward target times, emphasizing cadence, even effort and tactical cues for bridges and hills. Local interest is high — including first-time 26.2-miler and Advance/SILive.com sportswriter Michael O’Brien and many Staten Island entrants who can be tracked live via NYRR coverage. Cooler, dry conditions (mid-40s at dawn, rising to near 60°F) are expected to make for near-ideal racing weather across the New Jersey and New York region. Beyond the sport, observers and organizers alike stress pacing and steady discipline — the marathon’s lesson that time, consistency and structure produce lasting success, a theme picked up by commentators drawing parallels to investing and stewardship.