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The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, with coverage on ESPN2 nationally and WABC-TV locally, according to WWD. WWD lists DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV as online options that carry ESPN2, but subscription prices, trial terms and coverage availability can change.
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, with national coverage on ESPN2 and local coverage on WABC-TV, according to WWD. Viewers without cable can watch through live-TV streaming services that carry ESPN2, including DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV; current subscription prices and free-trial terms should be checked directly with each provider.
WWD reports that the broadcast is set to begin at 8 a.m. Eastern, starting with the professional wheelchair and handcycle divisions. Professional runners are scheduled to follow, with amateur participants starting in five waves. The marathon covers 26.2 miles through New York City’s five boroughs. Viewers should check the networks’ listings closer to race day for the final broadcast schedule and any programming changes.
For online viewing, WWD lists DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV as services that carry ESPN2. Its report describes a five-day free trial for DirecTV, a one-day trial for Fubo and a three-day trial for Hulu + Live TV. Those offers, eligibility rules and listed prices can change, and trial access may depend on a viewer’s location, account history or package. The report lists monthly prices beginning at $59.99 for DirecTV, $63.99 for Fubo promotions and $99.99 for Hulu + Live TV; these are not guaranteed rates for every customer.
ESPN2 is the key channel for viewers following the national broadcast, while WABC-TV is the local option identified by WWD. A streaming service’s channel lineup can vary by market and plan, so viewers should confirm that ESPN2 or WABC-TV is available where they live before subscribing. A free trial is not the same as a free broadcast: users may have to provide payment details and cancel before the trial ends to avoid a charge.
Streaming Options for Race Day
For viewers outside New York or those unable to watch through a traditional cable package, the listed live-TV services offer a way to follow the race online without cable. The options are paid subscriptions, however, and the cost after any introductory offer or trial may be higher than viewers expect. Checking the renewal date, cancellation process and local channel lineup can help avoid paying for a service that does not carry the needed broadcast in a particular area.
The race also draws a large field and substantial public attention. WWD reports that nearly 60,000 participants are expected, selected from more than 240,000 applicants, and cites approximately two million spectators as a historical expectation. Those figures describe the event’s scale, but they do not change the practical viewing point: confirm the channel and schedule before race morning, especially if relying on a short trial.
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A Changed Course and Anniversary
The 2026 edition marks 50 years of the five-borough course concept, according to WWD. The event was initially held in Central Park before expanding across the city for the U.S. Bicentennial. WWD also reports that part of the course in the South Bronx has been adjusted, the first route change in 15 years, though the source does not provide detailed maps or describe the precise changes.
New York Road Runners, as quoted by WWD, says the professional field includes three defending champions, 40 Olympians and Paralympians, 25 Olympic, Paralympic and World Championships medalists, and 22 national record holders. Defending champions named in the report are Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto and Marcel Hug. These field details provide a sense of the competition scheduled for race day; athlete participation and event arrangements remain subject to change.
“The professional field features “three defending champions, 40 Olympians and Paralympians, 25 Olympic, Paralympic, and World Championships medalists, and 22 national record holders.””
— New York Road Runners, as quoted by WWD
Broadcast Details to Recheck
The source report identifies ESPN2 nationally and WABC-TV locally, but does not establish whether those channels or the listed streaming services will carry every part of the event, including pre-race coverage and the finish. It also does not provide a separate official streaming plan from the organizers or broadcasters. Exact service prices, promotional discounts, trial lengths and channel availability may change before Nov. 1.
WWD’s report also mentions speculation about celebrity participation, including Harry Styles, but does not confirm that he will run. Readers should treat that as unverified and rely on announcements from the organizers or the individual concerned. The article’s race and viewing details are advance information, not confirmation that all schedules and participants will remain unchanged.
Check Listings Before November
As race day approaches, viewers should check the NYC Marathon, ESPN2 and WABC-TV listings for updated start times, coverage windows and any schedule changes. Anyone considering a streaming trial should verify the channel lineup for their location, read the offer’s eligibility terms and note when billing begins. Service providers are the source for current prices and cancellation rules; the marathon’s official channels are the place to confirm event updates.
Key Questions
When is the 2026 New York City Marathon?
It is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. WWD reports that the wheelchair and handcycle divisions are due to start at 8 a.m. Eastern, followed by professional and amateur waves.Which channels are scheduled to show the marathon?
WWD lists ESPN2 for national coverage and WABC-TV for local coverage. Check broadcaster listings closer to race day for the confirmed schedule.How can I stream the race without cable?
WWD lists DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV as streaming services carrying ESPN2. Channel availability depends on your location and package, so verify with the provider before signing up.Can I watch for free with a streaming trial?
WWD reports trial offers from the three services, but trial terms and eligibility can change. Check the provider’s current offer, payment terms and cancellation deadline; a trial may convert to a paid subscription.Source: wwd.com
