Tracy Morgan to Lead 2026 NYC Marathon as Grand Marshal

Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan, a self-described New York sports superfan who lives near Yankee Stadium, has been tapped as Grand Marshal of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Morgan, known for "30 Rock" and "The Last O.G.," called the honor incredible and said he's grateful to take part. The marathon returns Sunday, marking the 50th anniversary of its five-borough course, which debuted in 1976 with just over 2,000 runners. This year's field is expected to include roughly 60,000 runners from 140 countries, alongside celebrity participants such as Jennifer Connelly, Antoni Porowski and former Giants star Tiki Barber. Morgan will be joined by honorary grand marshals George Hirsch, Gary Corbitt, Keisha Sutton-James and Estee Stimler, honoring the five "trailblazers" credited with creating the five-borough race decades ago. The course starts on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, winds through Queens, Manhattan and a brief stretch of the Bronx, before finishing in Central Park near 67th Street and West Drive. Runners begin in waves from 8:05 to 11 a.m. Spectators can watch for free along most of the route, with grandstand seats near the finish available for $55. Coverage airs locally on WABC-TV and nationally on ESPN2 starting at 8 a.m.