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NYPD to deploy thousands of cops, drones, and more along NYC Marathon route

nypd-to-deploy-thousands-of-cops,-drones,-and-more-along-nyc-marathon-route
NYPD to deploy thousands of cops, drones, and more along NYC Marathon route

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The Big Apple will be laced up.

The NYPD is deploying thousands of officers across the five boroughs this weekend to help keep the largest New York City Marathon field in history safe.

The heavy patrol will include helicopters, drones, thousands of police barricades and more along the 26.2-mile route — which officials lined with colorful strips of paint Wednesday.

Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge as they compete in the New York Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

“Thousands” of officers will be deployed along the marathon route Sunday. AFP via Getty Images

“New Yorkers will see an increased police presence, with thousands of NYPD officers posted along the entire route, from Staten Island to the Bronx, to right here in Central Park,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Wednesday.

“They will be supported by specialized units across the department, including our emergency service unit, mounted, canine, harbor,  aviation, and, of course, our bomb squad.”

Tisch and other officials ceremoniously painted a portion of the route in pink, blue and orange, but runners can expect to follow the colorful lines throughout the entire route, with leaders saying it takes 55 gallons of paint to complete.

More than 10,000 metal barricades are to be erected in popular areas for marathon viewing — like Manhattan’s First Avenue, where the roaring dense crowds greet races as they peel off the Queensboro Bridge and hit their third borough of the race.

Officers will also be actively monitoring traffic cameras along the routes, as well as social media for any potential threats.

“Thousands” of officers and patrol cars will also be stationed on the ground, while helicopters and drones will patrol the skies.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch arrives for a press conference on security preparation at the NYC Marathon near the finishing line in Central Park, New York, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

There are currently no credible threats for race day, said NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch. Robert Miller for NY Post

“At this time, there are no known specific credible threats to this year’s marathon,” she said.

Tisch said the NYPD has been planning their security patrol for “months,” but couldn’t say whether it would make for the largest presence in the city’s marathon history.

More than 60,000 runners will hit the pavement starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, with another 2 million spectators and cheerleaders expected to line the 26.2-mile route.

Competitors run through 1st Avenue during the New York Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

More than 60,000 runners will compete in the 50th NYC Marathon, making it the biggest in its history. AFP via Getty Images

It’s the most runners the annual race has seen in its 50 years.

The Department of Transportation, over the past month, inspected the 26.2 miles of sidewalks and roadways that line the marathon route and made repairs as needed, Commissioner Mike Flynn said.

The city will be largely shut down hours before the first wave of racers make their way across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The Staten Island bridge’s upper level will close at 11 p.m. Saturday, and its lower level will shut down at 7 a.m. Sunday.

An overview shows paint used for the ceremonial finish line, among many colors used by attendees at a press conference held by the NY Road Runners in Central Park in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

Officials painted the route that runners will follow for 26.2 miles Sunday. Robert Miller for NY Post

The Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge will close at 6: 30 a.m., the Pulaski Bridge at 7:15 a.m. and the Willis and Madison Avenue Bridges at 7:30 a.m.

There is no set time for their reopenings — traffic will resume as the final runners clear the respective segments.

Drivers are also prohibited from parking on streets along the marathon route, with Tisch warning that “no parking” signs will be posted with specific directions for each neighborhood.

“Drivers should expect rolling closures and heavy delays near the route. We encourage everyone to use mass transit whenever possible on Sunday,” the commissioner said.

There will be designated marathon viewing areas for spectators — and those planning to watch in Central Park are subject to bag inspections.

Prohibited items include coolers, oversized bags, chairs, umbrellas and weapons.

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