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[ Wire ] · Dispatch · Oct 20

NYC Marathon 2026 Bib Pickup: Expo Dates, Hours, and Rules

Picking up your race packet is mandatory if you are running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026. New York Road Runners (NYRR) requires every participant to collect their bib and race materials in person at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during race week.

There is no bib distribution on race morning, and proxy collection is strictly prohibited. Here are the operating hours, time slot reservation rules, and required documents for the 2026 expo.

Where and when is NYC Marathon bib pickup?

Bib pickup takes place at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, held inside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center:

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 11th Avenue between West 35th Street and West 36th Street New York, NY

The expo operates across three days leading up to race Sunday:

  • Thursday, October 29, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (bib pickup closes at 7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, October 30, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (bib pickup closes at 7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday, October 31, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (bib pickup closes at 4:30 p.m.)

NYRR notes that the expo is typically busiest on Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and on Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Expect longer entry queues if you plan to visit during those peak windows.

How do you reserve a bib pickup time slot?

Runners must select a dedicated date and time slot to pick up their materials. Selection is managed through your personal NYRR dashboard and remains open until Saturday, October 31, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

To reserve or change your time window:

1. Sign in to your NYRR account and navigate to your dashboard. 2. Click on "Your Events." 3. Next to the listing for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, click "View Registration." 4. Open the section labeled "Time Slot for Bib Pickup at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance."

Time slots are scheduled in blocks throughout each day. If your travel plans change, you can update your selection directly in your dashboard at any point before the October 31 deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET.

What documents do you need to bring?

To collect your materials at the expo desks, you must present two items:

  • Valid photo ID: Official government-issued photo identification matching your registration name.
  • Runner confirmation email: Your official NYRR race confirmation.

At the expo, you will receive your official race bib number and your race shirt. If you chose the bag pre-check option, you will also receive your official bag, which must be dropped off at Central Park West between West 74th and West 75th Streets on Friday, October 30 or Saturday, October 31 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Can someone else pick up your packet?

No. NYRR enforces a strict no-proxy policy. Every runner must appear in person with their own photo ID and confirmation email. You cannot send a friend, coach, or family member in your place, nor can you pick up materials for someone else.

Can you change your start wave at the expo?

No. NYRR competition rules state that runners cannot request a start wave or corral change at the expo. Runners assigned to different waves or corrals who wish to run together may move back to the later (slower) wave or corral, but moving forward into an earlier wave or corral is prohibited and can lead to disqualification.

Getting to the Javits Center

The closest MTA subway station is 34th Street-Hudson Yards on the 7 train line. The venue is also accessible from 34th Street-Penn Station via the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E trains, Amtrak, LIRR, and NJ Transit, followed by the M34 crosstown bus or a short walk to 11th Avenue.

Plan your arrival with ample time to clear security before pickup desks close on Saturday afternoon. Check wave timelines, course maps, and runner tracking updates on our New York City Marathon page.

Sources: NYRR: TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, NYRR: 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

Sources New York Road Runners