New York Road Runners (NYRR) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course of the TCS New York City Marathon with a special collection of limited-edition merchandise, apparel, accessories and commemorative souvenirs. The announcement, made on October 14, 2026, brings together several official race partners to honor five decades of marathon history.
The collection features products from New Balance, New York or Nowhere, Knockaround, Literie, Erica Sara, Stran and MarathonFoto. Designed for runners, spectators and marathon enthusiasts, these items offer a way to celebrate one of the world’s most recognizable running events.
NYRR Marks 50 Years of the Five-Borough Marathon Course
The New York City Marathon first took place in 1970, when runners completed multiple laps of Central Park. On October 24, 1976, the race expanded beyond the park and crossed all five boroughs for the first time, transforming the event into a landmark celebration of New York City.
In 2026, NYRR is commemorating the 50th anniversary of that historic route. The organization continues to produce more than 60 adult and youth races annually while supporting community running programs and initiatives across New York City.
Christine Burke, NYRR’s chief commercial officer, said the anniversary merchandise celebrates the race’s history and its lasting connection with runners around the world.
New Balance Introduces the Five-Borough Collection
New Balance is releasing a special Five-Boroughs Collection inspired by New York City’s street culture, vibrant atmosphere and distinctive wheat-pasted posters.
The range builds on the brand’s official 2026 TCS New York City Marathon apparel collection, launched September 10, and its marathon finisher collection, introduced October 8.
The Five-Boroughs Collection includes race-day apparel, footwear and lifestyle essentials featuring bold graphics and designs that reflect the city’s energy.
Apparel prices range from $45 to $190, while footwear is priced between $155 and $290. The collection is available online and will also be featured at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo from October 29 through October 31.
New York or Nowhere Unveils a Commemorative Marathon Poster
New York or Nowhere, the official poster partner of the TCS New York City Marathon for a second year, is marking the milestone with a special 2026 poster.
The design reimagines Brooklyn-based artist James Grashow’s celebrated 1983 marathon print. Drawing inspiration from his distinctive woodcut technique, the artwork captures the movement and character of New York City while honoring the race’s history.
The poster is scheduled to launch online and at the brand’s flagship store later in October. Visitors to the marathon expo can also find a commemorative mug and an exclusive limited-edition tote bag.
Knockaround Releases Special 50th Anniversary Sunglasses
Knockaround, NYRR’s official sunglasses partner, has introduced three styles created for the 2026 marathon.
The standout design celebrates the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course. Built around the brand’s Fast Lanes Sport frame, the sunglasses feature lilac reflective lenses, cream-colored frames with colorful stripes and rubber nose pads designed to provide a secure fit.
The lenses include an etched Lady Liberty design and the number 50. A commemorative pouch and box complete the limited-edition package.
Literie Celebrates Marathon Memories With Special Candles
Literie is offering a marathon-inspired collection that includes candles, air fresheners, electric candle lighters and themed bracelets.
One of the featured products is the special-edition “I Ran the TCS New York City Marathon” candle, created to recognize the runners who have made the event memorable over the past 50 years.
The official marathon scent combines sandalwood and bergamot, providing a sensory reminder of the race and the achievement of reaching the finish line.
Erica Sara Introduces Five-Borough Jewelry
Erica Sara, the official jeweler of the TCS New York City Marathon, is celebrating the anniversary with handcrafted jewelry designed for runners, finishers and their supporters.
The collection includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks and charms made from sterling silver, gold vermeil and 14-karat gold.
Two highlighted pieces are the Five Boroughs Postcard Charm Bracelet and Five Boroughs Postcard Necklace. Both feature the official 50th-anniversary mark and a postcard-inspired design with space for a personal message.
Customers can also request custom engraving with a runner’s name, marathon date, finishing time or a personal message. Each piece is handcrafted and engraved to order in Erica Sara’s North Carolina studio.
Stran and MarathonFoto Offer Additional Keepsakes
Stran, the marathon’s official souvenir partner, will offer a range of anniversary merchandise exclusively at the marathon expo. Products include stickers, patches, pins, drinkware, plush toys, tote bags and even a dog leash.
The items combine the five-borough anniversary branding with the TCS New York City Marathon logo, giving runners and supporters several options for commemorating the occasion.
MarathonFoto, the event’s official photography partner, is also introducing commemorative products. Runners will be able to preserve their race-day memories through digital photographs, prints, photo collages and photo plaques, with select items incorporating the 50th-anniversary logo.
Additional merchandise is available through the official NYRR shop, while selected anniversary products will be sold at the marathon expo.
When Is the 2026 New York City Marathon?
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026. Nearly 60,000 runners are expected to participate, with more than two million spectators anticipated along the course.
The marathon expo will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center from Thursday, October 29, through Saturday, October 31.
Beyond the race itself, the 2026 anniversary marks an important moment for NYRR’s charitable work. The organization aims to raise $100 million for its Official Charity Partner Program, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary.
NYRR Continues Its Mission to Build a Running Community
Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club into a major community running organization. Its programs reach more than half a million people annually through races, free community events, youth initiatives and school-based activities.
The 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon’s five-borough course celebrates more than a historic route. It recognizes the runners, volunteers, spectators and communities that have helped make the event a global sporting tradition.
With limited-edition apparel, accessories, artwork, jewelry and photography products, NYRR and its partners are giving marathon fans new ways to preserve the memories of this milestone year.
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