The New York City Marathon is back this Sunday, November 3, with more than 50,000 runners participating in the iconic 26.2-mile race.
One of the best places to catch all the action? Miles 21 and 22 in Harlem, a section of the route that has a less-crowded, almost small-town feel.
This 42-block stretch—Fifth Avenue from E 138th Street to E 96th Street, with a short detour around Marcus Garvey Park—is where you'll find loads of inspirational music, messages and cheer.
For those planning on going, here are six notable spots where you can watch and eat and along the route.
Keep in mind: If you want to glimpse the elite runners, get there early—a little after 10am (the professional women start their race at 8:35am, the professional men at 9:05am). Five waves of amateur runners leave Staten Island between 9:10am and 11:30am and begin arriving in Central Harlem a few hours later.
From north to south:
1. Cheer: Final entrance into Manhattan Madison Avenue Bridge exit ramp, E 138th Street and Fifth Avenue
This is the spot where runners re-enter Manhattan from the Bronx for the last stretch of the race—and really need your energy. Expect DJs, humorous signs and plenty of good vibes.
2. Cheer: We Run Uptown Cheer Zone Courtney Callender Playground, Fifth Avenue between 130th and 131st Streets
We Run Uptown, a group that hosts weekly runs through Washington Heights and Inwood, is teaming up with Nike NYC for its block party-like Cheer Zone at Mile 21 (9am-5pm). Look for music, confetti canons, cowbells, food and lots more.
3. Eat: Shake Shack 1 W 125th Street and Fifth Avenue
The huge windows here look directly onto Fifth Avenue, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick burger while watching the race outside. Fun fact: As part of a new partnership, Shake Shack is now the official burger of the TCS New York City Marathon.
4. Cheer: Harlem Run Cheer Station Fifth Avenue and 124th Street
Join local running collective Harlem Run from 12:30pm onwards as its members cheer on marathoners approaching the bend around brownstone-lined Marcus Garvey Park.
5. Eat: Gigi's Doughnuts 1 E 118th Street just off Fifth Avenue
Is all that spectating giving you a sweet tooth? This new pastry shop serves up fresh vegan, soy-free doughnuts in daily flavors like glazed pumpkin and strawberry cheesecake.
6. Eat: Teranga, 1280 Fifth Avenue between E 109th and E 110th Streets
Grab a coffee, breakfast or deeply-flavored grain-based bowl at this West African spot located along mile 22 of the race. Get there early—they open at 9am—for a prime spot by the windows overlooking Fifth Avenue.
