The New York City Marathon is coming through the Bronx on Sunday, November 1, and you don’t have to be running to partake in the excitement. Whether you’re going to cheer on a friend or family member or just want to watch the runners make their way through the borough, marathon day is a fun excuse to get outside and show some love. And if you’re planning to spend the morning along the route, why not grab a coffee or something to eat while you’re out?
For 2026, runners will cross the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx, travel along East 135th Street and Alexander Avenue, and continue toward East 141st Street, Third Avenue, and East 138th Street before crossing back into Manhattan.
Mott Haven is a good area to focus on if you want to watch the race and grab something to eat nearby. Just check the official course map before heading out so you know exactly where to stand.
A few ideas of where to grab coffee and/or breakfast:
Mottley Kitchen
If you’re looking for a neighborhood cafe to start your morning, Mottley Kitchen is at 402 East 140th Street. You can stop in for coffee, breakfast, or a bite to eat before finding a spot along the route.
Address: 402 East 140th Street, Bronx
Nourish Cafe
Located at 141 Alexander Avenue, Nourish Cafe is another option in Mott Haven for coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and more. It’s close to the route, so you can grab something before heading out to cheer.
Address: 141 Alexander Avenue, Bronx
787 Coffee
Need a coffee stop before cheering on the runners? 787 Coffee brings a little Puerto Rican flavor to the South Bronx, with coffee grown on its own farm in Puerto Rico and specialty lattes like horchata and coquito. You can find it on Third Avenue, a short walk from the marathon route near East 138th Street. Stop in for a caffeine boost before heading out to cheer on the runners.
Address: 2430 Third Avenue, Bronx
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Check for any race-day changes before heading out.
Know before you go
- Get there early. Streets close before the runners arrive, and you’ll want time to find a good viewing spot.
- Check the course map. The Bronx route has changed for 2026, so make sure you’re looking at this year’s map.
- Take the subway if you can. Driving and parking near the route may be difficult because of street closures. Check for MTA service updates before leaving.
- Bring your cheering voice. You don’t have to know anyone running to cheer them on. Sometimes a little encouragement from the sidelines is exactly what someone needs to keep going.
You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to be part of the NYC Marathon. Find a spot in the Bronx, grab a coffee, and enjoy being part of the excitement right here in our borough. Learn more.