NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Native New Yorker, sports superfan, and multi-hyphenate entertainer Tracy Morgan has been named Grand Marshal of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
In this ceremonial role, Morgan will join more than two million spectators lining the streets of New York City on Sunday to root for the runners and celebrate their achievements as they cross the iconic Central Park finish line.
Morgan has built a career spanning television, film, and stand-up comedy. His credits include The Last O.G., What Men Want, The Longest Yard, Cop Out, Coming 2 America, Rio, and Rio 2, among others.
He has also headlined stand-up comedy tours and festivals across the country and internationally. His stand-up specials include Tracy Morgan: Takin’ It Too Far, Tracy Morgan: Bona Fide, and Black & Blue.
Joining Morgan on Marathon Sunday will be the previously announced Honorary Grand Marshals George Hirsch, Gary Corbitt, Keisha Sutton-James, and Estee Stimler, who will honor the legacy of the five Trailblazers whose vision, leadership, and passion helped create the five-borough marathon: Ted Corbitt, George Hirsch, Fred Lebow, George Spitz, and Percy Sutton.
This year’s race marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough New York City Marathon course.
Watch the broadcast live on race day on WABC-TV, Channel 7, beginning with pre-race coverage at 7:00 a.m. ET. Race coverage will run live from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. ET. ABC7NY.com will also present a live view of the finish line from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Nationally, you can watch live coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2. ET on ESPN2. The broadcast will also be available live in Spanish on ESPN3 (accessible on the ESPN App and ESPN.com) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET.
A live two-hour show from the finish line will air on Channel 7 and nationally on the ABC Network, covering celebrities and thousands of everyday runners crossing the finish line, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET; check local listings for other time zones
Returning to the broadcast are SportsCenter anchor Hannah Storm, ESPN running events commentator John Anderson, Olympians Carrie Tollefson and Clayton Young, and Paralympians Kurt Fearnley and Amanda McGrory. Storm will return to host the broadcast, with Anderson, Tollefson, and Fearnley serving as analysts in the broadcast booth for all four professional races. ABC News correspondent Will Reeve will co-host with Storm at the finish line from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
A team of reporters, including veteran track and field commentator Lewis Johnson, Peloton instructor and marathoner Becs Gentry, “Ali on the Run Show” host Ali Feller, and ABC7 Eyewitness News reporters Ryan Field, Sam Ryan, Kemberly Richardson, Pedro Rivera, Dani Beckstrom, and Brittany Bell, will provide coverage from the start, finish, along the course, and from above. Olympian Kara Goucher and veteran track and field commentator Paul Swangard will provide commentary for the international world feed.
The New York City Marathon’s first live national television broadcast aired on ABC in 1981, marking the beginning of a longstanding relationship with the network. Since 2013, ESPN2 and ABC7/WABC-TV have served as the broadcast homes of the New York City Marathon.
How to watch live along the marathon course
Enjoy a great day of spectating across NYC. The best way to get around as a spectator is to take the subway. We strongly recommend checking mta.info before you travel. You can also message the MTA using the chat feature on the MTA app.
There is no spectator viewing at the start or on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4): Catch runners as they exit the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and move along Fourth Avenue. Subway: R
Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8): Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5
Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13): Claim sidewalk space along streets lined with shops and restaurants and encourage runners as they head toward the Pulaski Bridge to cross into Queens. Subway: G, L, M, J
Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1): The Pulaski Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Queens, is closed to spectators; many fans cheer on the Queens side, just past the race’s halfway mark. Subway: 7, G, E
First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18): Spectators line the sidewalks and shout encouragement at this exciting part of the course. The avenue’s many bars and restaurants contribute to the festive atmosphere. Subway: N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6, F
East Harlem (Miles 18-20): Also known as Spanish Harlem, this neighborhood is home to a vibrant Latinx community. This is a great place to cheer and help keep runners motivated. Subway: 6
Charity Cheer Zone, First Avenue and 120th Street (Miles 19-20): Help celebrate thousands of runners who have chosen to add meaning to their run by raising funds for one of NYRR’s 500+ official charity partners. Subway: 6
Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24): This stretch of Fifth Avenue is a cultural hub as well as a crucial spot to catch your runners before they enter Central Park. Subway: Q, 4, 5, 6
United Airlines Zone: Columbus Circle. Subway: A, C, D, 1
The race finishes at 67th Street on West Drive. Spectators can access the final approach to the finish in two ways:
Grandstand Seating: Tickets are required. Get tickets here. Enter at West 62nd Street and Broadway with your Grandstand tickets.
Standing Spectator Area: Located inside Central Park from Columbus Circle to the south end of the grandstands, approximately 500 feet before the finish. NYPD, NYRR, and the NYC Parks Department may limit access at times, based on capacity. No chairs or seats are provided or allowed.
There is no spectator access north of the grandstands in Central Park. Spectators can enter at the following areas: Broadway at West 61st Street or from the east side via the Central Park path by Heckscher Fields – Kickball Field #3. All entrances require screening.
To learn more about the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, click here. Find more coverage from Eyewitness News at abc7ny.com/nycmarathon.
ABC 7 / WABC-TV and ESPN2 have been home to the award-winning TCS New York City Marathon broadcast since 2013.
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1. Coverage on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York begins with pre-race coverage, Marathon Sunday, at 7:00 a.m. Live coverage of Sunday’s marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. only on Channel 7 and ESPN2.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.