Key Takeaways
- Tracy Morgan will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 1, cheering on more than 60,000 runners.
- The Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised comedian accepted the role in a surprise announcement video, saying, “I think that’s incredible and I’m so appreciative.”
- This year’s race celebrates 50 years of its five-borough course, with WABC-TV coverage starting Sunday at 7 a.m. ET and additional coverage on ESPN2.
Tracy Morgan is getting ready to celebrate one of New York City's biggest sporting events in a major way.
On Friday (Oct. 30), New York Road Runners announced that the comedian and actor will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place Sunday (Nov. 1).
Morgan will help cheer on more than 60,000 runners as they travel through all five boroughs before crossing the finish line in Central Park. This year's event marks the 50th anniversary of the marathon's five-borough course.
The announcement came via a video in which Morgan was surprised with the opportunity to take on the ceremonial role.
"How would you like to be the Grand Marshal of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon?" the host asked.
Morgan immediately accepted.
"I think that's incredible and I'm so appreciative," he responded.
The host celebrated the decision, telling Morgan, "You're the man for the job. The most New York thing ever."
Morgan's selection is fitting given his deep connections to the city. Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, the comedian grew up near Yankee Stadium on Anderson Avenue and has remained a proud New Yorker throughout his career.
He's also a familiar face at Madison Square Garden, where he regularly attends New York Knicks games as part of the arena's Celebrity Row.
Morgan previously lent his voice to New York City's subway system during the NBA Finals, an experience he recalled fondly in the announcement video.
"I was so happy to do it," he said.
The comedian has enjoyed a decades-long career in entertainment, including roles on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and The Last O.G. He currently stars alongside Daniel Radcliffe in NBC's The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, which returns for its second season on Nov. 2.
Morgan will be joined this weekend by Honorary Grand Marshals George Hirsch, Gary Corbitt, Keisha Sutton-James, and Estee Stimler, who will recognize five trailblazers responsible for helping establish the marathon's five-borough format.
The New York City Marathon began in 1970 with runners completing four laps around Central Park before expanding across all five boroughs in 1976.
Last year's race set a world record with more than 59,000 finishers, with former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia serving as Grand Marshal.
More than two million spectators are expected to line the course this year. Fans can watch the marathon on WABC-TV beginning at 7 a.m. ET Sunday, with additional coverage set to air on ESPN2.
