New York City Marathon to Feature Special Medal for 50th Anniversary of Five-Borough Course
The 2026 New York City Marathon will unveil a special finisher medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its iconic five-borough course, which was first implemented in 1976 and also marked the inaugural year for finisher medals.
Tulsa, OK, October 8, 2026 — The New York City Marathon is set to introduce a commemorative finisher medal for its 2026 race, marking a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of its renowned five-borough course.
This special medal will honor the half-century of the marathon utilizing its distinctive route that spans across all five boroughs of New York City. The five-borough course was first established in 1976. That same year also marked the debut of finisher medals for participants of the New York City Marathon.
The introduction of the five-borough course in 1976 represented a pivotal moment in the race’s history, expanding its reach and identity across the city. Prior to 1976, the marathon was primarily held within Central Park. The change to a city-wide course was a significant logistical undertaking and remains a defining characteristic of the event today.
Finisher medals have become a traditional symbol of accomplishment for runners worldwide, and for the New York City Marathon, 1976 was the inaugural year for this tradition. The 2026 edition will therefore celebrate both the enduring legacy of the course and the long-standing tradition of awarding medals to those who complete the challenging 26.2-mile race.
Further details regarding the design of the special 50th-anniversary medal are expected to be released closer to the 2026 race date. The New York City Marathon is one of the largest and most prestigious marathons globally, drawing tens of thousands of runners each year.
Story summarized from the original created by Justin Boggs on www.kjrh.com, see more information here.
