TCS New York City Marathon Unveiled Anniversary Medal
The commemorative design honors the history of the world-famous five-borough course.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Running
Organizers have unveiled the official medal for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the TCS New York City Marathon's five-borough course. The design serves as a tribute to the legacy of medals from previous years of the iconic race.
Why it matters
The medal release builds anticipation for the 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the race and its impact on the city. It honors the history of the event since its expansion to cover all five boroughs.
The 50th anniversary commemorates the landmark race structure that was first established in 1976. This milestone reflects five decades of the course spanning all five New York City boroughs.
The players
TCS New York City Marathon
This is a world-renowned annual marathon that winds through all five boroughs of New York City.
ABC 7
This is a local New York City television station that has served as a primary broadcaster for the marathon since 2013.
ESPN2
This is a national sports cable network that has partnered with local stations to broadcast the marathon since 2013.
The details
The design of the anniversary medal pays direct homage to the styles of previous race medals, blending heritage with modern celebration. This reveal highlights the long-standing tradition of the marathon in New York City.
Timeline
The five-borough course was first introduced to the marathon in 1976.
ABC 7 and ESPN2 have provided broadcast coverage of the race since 2013.
The marathon will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Season Trajectory
The anniversary celebration highlights the enduring status of the race within the global marathon calendar and its historical standing in New York City. This milestone frames the 2026 season as a pivotal moment for the franchise's legacy and competitive profile.
Runners participating in the 50th anniversary race will earn this commemorative medal upon completion of the course. The broadcast partnership with ABC 7 and ESPN2 ensures that fans can view the historic event as they have since 2013.
The takeaway
The unveiling of the anniversary medal serves as a tangible link to the rich history of the race. Fans and runners alike can look forward to the 2026 event as a major milestone for the marathon.
Further reading
Learn more about the history of the sport in the Running section.
