World Renowned Race Will Operate at 60% of Typical Participant Field.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines in Place for Participants and Event Staff
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the TCS New York City Marathon would return for its 50th running this year on November 7. The race will operate at 60 per cent of its usual participant field for a total of 33,000 runners. This landmark marathon is being planned with COVID-19 health guidelines, subject to change as the public health conditions change. As of now, the race’s health protocols include staggered start times, social distancing, masks, and health screenings to ensure the race operates in the safest way possible. Registration is expected to open on Tuesday, June 8.
“In 2019, the New York City marathon broke records to become the world’s largest marathon ever,” Governor Cuomo said. “While cancelling the race was the right choice in 2020, we are excited to welcome runners back to our beautiful city. New Yorkers worked hard to flatten the curve after the COVID-19 outbreak, and it is that work that allows us to bring back this iconic event for its 50th running.”
As public health conditions change over the coming months, the TCS New York City Marathon will adapt and adhere to applicable protocols – such as social distancing, masks, health screening, and cleaning and disinfection, where necessary – to provide a safe and successful race.
In addition to reduced capacity, other health and safety protocols are planned to be in effect for participants, event staff, and volunteers to maximize social distancing, reduce touchpoints and contacts, promote communication, and promote health and well-being.
The current TCS New York City Marathon Health and Safety Plan reflect:
- Staggered start times between runners based on pace, space, and release timing over several additional hours
- Appropriate social distancing at all times, including before and after the race, except for members of the same household or family
- Required masks at all times for event staff and volunteers. Runners will wear masks before and after the race
- Mandated health screening of participants, event staff, and volunteers, which may include proof of full vaccination status or recent negative test result
- Start and finish lines will be controlled access for participants, event staff, and volunteers; a limited number of spectators may be permitted at the finish line, following health and safety guidelines
- Modified race day activities to reduce any unnecessary congregations, including pre-packaged amenities, no baggage service, no public-facing awards ceremony, and limited on-site entertainment
Ted Metellus, Race Director, TCS New York City Marathon, said, “This will be an unprecedented and historic year for the TCS New York City Marathon as one of the most iconic New York sporting events makes its return. As we stage a safe and memorable race for the 50th running, this year’s marathon will showcase our great city’s strength, inspiration, and determination.”
Kerin Hempel, the Interim CEO, NYRR, said, “At NYRR, we are looking forward to once again being part of New York City’s comeback story. We can’t wait to welcome the global running community to our city and to experience the incredible energy that radiates along the streets of New York on Marathon Sunday.”
Today’s announcement builds on Governor Cuomo’s recent measures to further reopen the economy, given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As of yesterday, 62 per cent of New York’s adults had received at least one vaccine dose, and 52 per cent had completed their vaccine series.
Additional TCS New York City Marathon details will be available here.
