NYC Marathon Landmarks

The New York City Marathon is an awe-inspiring annual sporting event, drawing athletes of all levels from around the world to its 26.2-mile course through all five boroughs. In what many call “New York’s Best Day,” marathon Sunday unites tens of thousands of athletes running for personal causes and personal bests, over a million spectators cheering them on, thousands of volunteers helping the race run smoothly, and local bands and performers amplifying the characteristically lively and joyous atmosphere. Along its memorable route the marathon passes many significant landmarks and historic districts that represent the city’s diverse history and architectural highlights, and offers incredible views connecting the runners and crowds to the city around them.

To celebrate the 50th running of the New York City Marathon in 2021, and the return of “New York’s Best Day” after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 marathon, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) developed this interactive story map to highlight a selection of 50 landmarks and historic districts along the route in all five boroughs.  

From its extraordinary start in Staten Island to its dramatic finish in Central Park, the marathon winds through diverse and historic neighborhoods: past stone forts built before the Civil War, rows of brownstones built as residential neighborhoods were developed to house the city’s rapidly growing population, civic and institutional buildings that formed the centers of their communities, manufacturing and commercial buildings that fueled the city’s economy, bridges that connected neighborhoods across rivers and canals, and of course the iconic skyscrapers that create the city’s famed skyline.

The story map includes such icons as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, notable markers along the route including the Williamsburg Savings Bank in Brooklyn and Central Park in Manhattan, and information on historic neighborhoods and their landmarks in all five boroughs. Select historic districts and landmarks of note that are close to the marathon route or visible from it are also included.

You can visit our web map to display all individual, interior and scenic landmarks, as well as the historic districts in New York City by clicking on the button below:

The story map follows the marathon route from start to finish, identifying mile markers and the landmarks and historic districts on or near the course. Simply scroll down to see each landmark along the route or navigate via the map to find specific highlights. Each landmark or historic district is illustrated with a current and historic photograph(s), a brief summary, and a link to the designation report.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City's architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 37,900 buildings and sites, including 1,456 individual landmarks, 121 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 156 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit  www.nyc.gov/landmarks  and connect with us via  www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks  and  www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks .

To learn more about 2023 TCS New York Marathon, click here:   https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon