You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to take part in the New York City Marathon.
From poster-making parties at the city’s breweries and bars to the Parade of Nations, there’s something to do for non-marathoners and spectators. You can take a New York City running tour, check out a film about doping in athletics or gather at Mile 16 to cheer on the runners … the list goes on.
Scroll down to see some ways to make the best of the week leading up to the race and on the day of.
Pop-up shop with Maasai tribesmen at Moxy
Nov. 1
Runners David Kanai and Muterian Ntanin from the Maasai tribe are returning to NYC and stopping by Bar Moxy with jewelry, blankets and other items. Everything on sale benefits the 185 Maasai women who crafted them. Those who donate will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a three-night safari for two in Kenya and a stay at Campi ya Kanzi. (Free to attend, 5 to 8 p.m., 485 Seventh Ave., moxy-hotels.marriott.com)
NYC Marathon Expo
Nov. 1-3
This huge expo will help you to run better through analysis in the running lab, a race predictor, a course strategy session and a virtual trainer, plus there will be many vendors with running gear for sale. (10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Javits Center, 11th Avenue at West 35th Street, tcsnycmarathon.org)
Marathon Pavilion
Through Nov. 5
Free and open to all, the pavilion will host screenings, celebrity appearances, panels with pros and activities with marathon partners. Don’t miss the screening of “Icarus,” a documentary about the world of doping in athletics, and a Q&A with its director on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. (Free, West 67th Street and Central Park West, eventbrite)
Prep with Jackrabbit and Saucony
Nov. 1
Whether or not you’re running the NYC Marathon, you can take part in an optional group run through Central Park at 6 p.m. with Jackrabbit and Saucony ahead of the race, get your shirt or gear tagged with free airbrush designs and take part in a Q&A with Rod Dixon, winner of the 1983 NYC Marathon, Molly Huddle (3rd place, 2016 NYC Marathon), Jared Ward (6th place, 2016 Olympic Marathon), and Tim Ritchie (1st place, 2017 USATF Marathon Road Championships). (Free but RSVP, 6 to 8 p.m., the New York Running Company, The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Cir., eventbrite.com)
NYRR Running History Tour
Nov. 1-2
Take a running tour at 10 minutes per mile past landmarks of the city’s running history, including the “Imagine” mosaic, the Fred Lebow statue and the marathon finish line. (Free, noon to 1:30 p.m., eventbrite)
Parade of Nations
Nov. 2
Kick off the NYC Marathon with live music and fireworks down at the Central Park finish line. Get there early (before doors open at 4 p.m.) to grab a seat. The parade, which will showcase runners from around the world, will begin at 5:30. Fireworks start once the parade is over. (Free, Central Park at West 67th Street)
NYC Marathon Shakeout Art Run
Nov. 3
Want to run but can’t do the marathon? Check out this run, which will span 3 miles and pass by myriad street art starting on the Lower East Side. The pace will be set out at a “relaxed” 10 minutes a mile and photos will be taken by a professional photographer. ($30, 10 to 11:30 a.m., 69 Greene St., runstreet.com)
Family Reunion
Nov. 4
Meet your runner at Central Park West, between W. 60th and 66th streets, between noon and 5:30 p.m.
New Balance Mile 16 Block Party
Nov. 4
The Brooklyn United Drumline will play for runners at First Avenue and 62nd Street in front of Treadwell Park. New Balance will be handing out free swag, too, including branded cow bells and thundersticks.
Threes Brewing
Nov. 4
This brewery will set up its private dining room for free poster-making and provide beer and food specials all day, including free beer to medal-wearing marathoners. (noon to 10 p.m., 333 Douglass St., Gowanus, 113 Franklin St., Greenpoint, threesbrewing.com)
Self-care at Heyday UWS
Nov. 4
Skincare shop Heyday is offering free skin consultations, snacks from RxBar and Vita Coco and stretching with Lymbr for the marathon. (Free, 2 to 5 p.m., 67 W. 71st St., eventbrite.com)
