Countdown to the Startling Line

Join us on Saturday, October 31st for a half-hour special, "Countdown to the Starting Line," hosted by Eyewitness News Anchors Liz Cho and David Novarro.

The special will air late night, following Eyewitness News, and stream on ABC 7 New York 24/7.

Liz and David have pre-race highlights and a preview of the excitement leading up to the NYC event...where thousands of runners from all over the world converge on the Big Apple. It's been called "New York's biggest block party."

Joining Liz and David is Eyewitness News Meteorologist Brittany Bell, with a look at the iconic 5-borough course. Eyewitness News Sports Anchor Ryan Field will report on which top runners to watch, and Sports Anchor Sam Ryan will update viewers on the exciting Wheelchair Division this year.

The program highlights a big year, as 2026 is the 50th Anniversary of the 5-borough race. The special features the fascinating story of how the race expanded from four loops around Central Park to a course through every borough. George Hirsch, one of five original founders of the 5-borough race, talks about how he helped pioneer the modern-day marathon. Another story highlights a Bronx woman proving it's never too late to become an athlete. At 80, she's running her first marathon ever. She started running just 3 years ago and is determined to keep running into her 90s.

Viewers will hear the touching inspiration behind why two Eyewitness News anchors - show co-hosts Liz Cho and Mike Marza - are running the full marathon this year. Both are raising money for the Alzheimer's Association in honor of their dear friend and colleague, Bill Ritter. Liz and Mike sit down for a heartfelt conversation with Bill to talk about the race and his recent Alzheimer's diagnosis. And New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer is interviewed about the Hands-Only CPR training offered to runners at this year's expo, and the New York Road Runners' mission to make sure critical help is just steps away during the race.

Plus, we check in on the excitement of bib pickup and the inspiring stories of everyday runners about to hit the course.

It's an exclusive look at what you need to know before runners take their mark at the TCS New York City Marathon!

To learn more about the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, click here . Find more coverage from Eyewitness News at abc7ny.com/nycmarathon .

ABC 7 / WABC-TV and ESPN2 have been home to the award-winning TCS New York City Marathon broadcast since 2013.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1. Coverage on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York begins with pre-race coverage, Marathon Sunday, at 7:00 a.m. Live coverage of Sunday's marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. only on Channel 7 and ESPN2.