Why NYC Marathon Volunteers Stay on the Sidewalks Until 10 p.m. For the Last Runners

At the New York City Marathon, the runners still on the course after sunset get people waiting to cheer them in. New York Road Runners’ Final Finishers program is built for the back of the field, and its finish arrangements say staff and volunteers keep supporting slower participants on the sidewalks until 10 p.m.

At the One World Trade Center Observatory on November 2, 2026, TCS New York City Marathon champions Andreas Almgren (Sweden) and Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) appear together the day after their respective victories. Photo by Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images.

This year the group ran a livestream for those runners from 8 to 10 p.m. on November 1.

Swiss athlete Catherine Debrunner fields questions from media at One World Trade Center Observatory following the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 2, 2026. Photo by Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images.

The welcome grew out of a runner who didn’t find much of one. Stephanie Pennington finished the 2015 race, went to dinner, and came back to the course to find only a few volunteers left waiting for late arrivals. She stayed, and the experience led her to start Project Finish, a cheering effort for the people crossing the line last.

Swedish runner Andreas Almgren takes in the view from One World Trade Center Observatory in New York City the day after winning the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Photo by Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images.

NYRR chief executive Rob Simmelkjaer says the runners at the back do something for everyone else watching. They help people who don’t think of themselves as runners recognize a place for themselves in the race.

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