TCS New York City Marathon Unveils 50th Anniversary Finisher Medal Design
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will feature a special finisher medal designed to honor the 50th anniversary of the event's first five-borough course, which debuted in 1976 and was also the first year medals were awarded. The medal's…

Butte Bozeman, MT, October 8, 2026 — The upcoming 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will commemorate a significant milestone with a specially designed finisher medal. This year’s medal will honor the 50th anniversary of the marathon’s historic five-borough course, which was first introduced in 1976. That same year also marked the inaugural awarding of medals to event finishers.
The design of the 2026 finisher medal is intended to abstractly represent key elements of the marathon experience. It visually incorporates the iconic skyline of New York City, a backdrop for the race, and pays tribute to the five notable bridges that runners navigate as part of the challenging course. These bridges are integral to the identity and geography of the race.
This special edition medal serves as a nod to the event’s rich history, particularly its evolution to encompass all five boroughs of New York City. The introduction of the five-borough course in 1976 was a pivotal moment, expanding the race’s reach and impact. The decision to award medals to finishers from that first year established a tradition that continues to this day.
Runners participating in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, scheduled for November 1, 2026, will receive this commemorative medal upon crossing the finish line. It symbolizes both their personal achievement and the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.
Story summarized from the original created by Justin Boggs on www.kxlf.com, see more information here.