One of the most exciting events in the city is the NYC Marathon. Each year, it attracts athletes, spectators, and travelers from all over the world. If you’ve planned to attend the race this year, you will quickly come to realize that it's not just about the run, but the entire marathon weekend experience. Staying at The Lucerne Hotel in the Upper West Side for the marathon this year will place you right at the center of the action. The hotels bring both comfort and easy access to some of the best pre and post-race places.

Planning the perfect NYC Marathon weekend? We’ve created the go-to guide to help you with it. 

Arriving in NYC and Checking In

When you check in to The Lucerne Hotel, your marathon experience truly begins. The hotel is a great spot to enjoy the city during marathon weekend and being just a few blocks away from Central Park means you’re really close to the marathon’s finish line. 

You get to unwind and relax after checking in, with amazing views of the Upper West Side. A quick walk around Central Park is a must if you want to have a relaxing start to your weekend. You will get to feel the excitement as the participants prepare for the big day, and who knows, you can probably get to join in on a casual jog through the park.

Where to Eat Before Marathon Day

You won’t want to be running or watching the race on an empty stomach. Getting a good breakfast and lunch is important and luckily, the Upper West Side has some excellent places to eat. There are health-conscious and carb-heavy selections, so there’s something for everyone for race day prep. 

Nice Matin, located just downstairs from The Lucerne, is known for its delicious Mediterranean dishes and is a good option for a healthy pre-race dinner or lunch. Their menu features options such as fresh salads, grilled fish, or pasta dishes loaded with wholesome ingredients. It’s incredibly convenient—a quick elevator ride and you’re there!

For a classic carb-loading experience, stop by Carmines on the UWS on Broadway, famous for its family-style Italian plates. Their hearty portions of pasta are perfect for filling up before the race.

Things to Do on Marathon Weekend

There are many things for you to do and see throughout the marathon weekend in New York City. You get the chance to visit some of the city’s landmarks as guests at The Lucerne. 

Take a Walk at Central Park

The marathon will finish at Central Park. The final miles of the course have several spectators lined up, creating an electric atmosphere. You can enjoy a peaceful morning walk at the park even if you’re not watching the race. You will just have to make sure you take that walk before all of the actions begin. 

Visit the Expo at the Javits Center

Marathon participants must visit the NYC Marathon Expo to pick up their race bibs. The expo, held at the Javits Center, is also a great place for non-runners to browse running gear, sample new products, and get inspired by the marathon spirit. To get there, hop on the 1 train at 79th Street (just a 3-minute walk from The Lucerne) and arrive in about 20 minutes.

Explore the Upper West Side

During your stay, it will be a really good idea to visit the American Museum of Natural History, which is just a 5-minute walk from The Lucerne. You will get the chance to explore the exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons to space shows. After you visit the museum, you can pop into Zabar’s, a NYC market. The market is located only three blocks west of the museum.

Marathon Day: The Main Event

The highlight of the weekend is marathon day, and whether you’re running or just watching the race, you’ll be in the perfect spot to head to the course if you are staying at The Lucerne. Some of the best viewing spots for spectators are easy to access from the hotel so you can get the perfect view of the runners as they make their way to the final stretch. 

If you want to check out the runners earlier in the race then you will need to take the 1 train downtown and position yourself near First Avenue around 59th Street, where runners will pass by between miles 16 and 18. The subway is the fastest way to hop between locations along the race route. 

For the runners, miles 16 through 18 mark a pivotal stretch as you push through the second half of the marathon. You'll find enthusiastic supporters on First Avenue, a perfect boost as you head into the final leg of your race. Stay focused, keep your pace steady, and let the cheers fuel your momentum!

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Staying at The Lucerne will ensure that you are in the middle of the marathon excitement. From easy access to the race route to luxurious accommodations, The Lucerne is the perfect home base for your marathon weekend.

Book your stay today!