There are eight million-plus stories in the Naked City, and this one was worth watching. James Thomas, known to the running community as Marty, didn’t just finish a race. He completed his 43rd New York City Marathon. Marty has been running this race since 1980, carrying the weight of four decades of commitment across those five boroughs. As the last finisher, crossing around 11:20 p.m., he announced it was his final race. While he wants to keep going, he’s keenly aware his body just can’t. But that hasn’t stopped the internet from giving him the send-off he deserved.
Those massive feet will be remembered for their massive feats.
That was the vibe at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its iconic five-borough course. Held on November 2, Black excellence crossed every mile of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Tracy Morgan served as the race’s official Grand Marshal, riding the route and leading ceremonial duties.
The race drew about 60,000 runners from more than 140 countries—nearly half of them women—making it one of the world’s largest marathons. And within that massive field, Black athletes, creators, and community members showed up and showed out.
Former New York Giants running back turned sports radio host Tiki Barber crossed in 5:11:49, adding another finish to his 15-plus marathon resume. Power Book III: Raising Kanan star Patina Miller, currently on Broadway in Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, finished her fourth NYC Marathon in an impressive 3:57:46. Newlywed T.J. Holmes clocked 4:19:35 in his fourth NYC Marathon.
Reality royalty also hit the streets to race. Summer House star Nick Arrington ran his 20th marathon as part of The Salvation Army team, which made history this year by fielding its first official TCS NYC Marathon team. Arrington’s presence was a milestone within a milestone: 20 marathons and counting, celebrated alongside an organization planting its flag in one of the world’s most iconic races.
Chelley Bissainthe from Love Island USA Season 7 also ran this year’s race. Matt James — known from The Bachelor and ABC Food Tours — ran his sixth NYC Marathon in under four hours, and yes, he famously paused mid-race for a fan’s gender reveal.
And now for the elite medalists: Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui took the women’s crown, clocking a winning time of 2:24:36, while Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho placed third in the men’s division.