Final preparations are underway for Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon, with crews painting the iconic blue line along the 26.2-mile course and setting up the finish line in Central Park.
The race marks the 50th running of the New York City Marathon and is expected to draw more than 60,000 runners and more than 2 million spectators.
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Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD has been preparing for months alongside New York Road Runners and other agencies.
“This Sunday marks the 50th running of the NYC Marathon, one of the city’s most celebrated traditions, bringing New Yorkers together and drawing visitors from around the world,” Tisch said.
The race begins at 8 a.m. on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, with waves of runners setting off throughout the morning before finishing in Central Park.
Tisch said there are currently no known specific or credible threats to this year’s race, but New Yorkers can expect a heightened police presence along the route.
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“New Yorkers will see an increased police presence, with thousands of NYPD officers posted along the entire route from Staten Island to the Bronx to right here in Central Park,” she said.
Specialized units, including Emergency Service, Mounted, Canine, Harbor, Aviation and the Bomb Squad, will be deployed. Helicopters and drones will also be used to monitor the race in real time.
“There will be assets that you will see and others that you will not see,” Tisch said.
Officials said hundreds of blocker vehicles and more than 10,000 metal barricades will be positioned along the route to protect runners and spectators. Intelligence teams will also monitor social media for potential threats, while response units will be ready to investigate reports citywide.
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“Cops will be out there to keep you safe, but we ask everyone to stay alert. If you see something, please say something,” Tisch said.
Spectators entering designated viewing areas in Central Park should be aware that bags are subject to inspection. Prohibited items include coolers, oversized bags, chairs, umbrellas and weapons. Officials also reminded the public that drones are prohibited.
Street closures will begin early Sunday, and drivers should expect rolling closures and delays near the route. Officials are encouraging people to use mass transit whenever possible.
The upper level of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will close at 11 p.m. Saturday, followed by the lower level at 7 a.m. Sunday. The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Pulaski Bridge, Willis Bridge and Madison Avenue Bridge will also close Sunday morning before reopening after runners clear those sections of the course.
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