Marathon Week Watchlist

We’re less than a week away from race day, and for those running the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2, it’s taper time! As you’ve cut back on your mileage, you may have started to feel a little restless, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy this list of New York Marathon–themed films to keep you entertained until race day.

“Final Finishers” Documentary Short Film

This documentary short film captures the raw emotion of the final hours of the TCS New York City Marathon as the very last of tens of thousands of runners cross the finish line. The film highlights the inspiring stories of runners who persevere against all odds as they race for personal triumphs rather than records. Directed by Rudy Valdez, a two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, it is the first project to be released by East 89th St Productions, a newly created NYRR Studio, in partnership with Tribeca Enterprises. “Final Finishers” premiered on Thursday, June 12 during the 2025 Tribeca Festival, and will be released for streaming on ESPN+ on Saturday, November 1.

“26.2” Documentary Short Film

“26.2” is a documentary short film that follows four New Yorkers training for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon: a retired math teacher, an NYPD administrative aide, a public defender, and an elevator mechanic. Collectively, they’ve survived a stroke, cancer, a life-changing house fire, and finished last in the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon race. They’re not professional runners, but people who’ve been knocked down and decided to keep moving. This isn’t a story about running fast. It’s a story about getting to the start line against all odds. Directed by Nicolas Heller (aka @NewYorkNico) and co-produced by m ss ng p eces creative studio; it is the second project to be released by NYRR’s East 89th St Productions studio. The film is available for streaming on YouTube here.

"Countdown to the Starting Line" Broadcast News Event

Hosted by ABC Eyewitness News anchors David Novarro and Liz Cho, " Countdown to the Starting Line" will feature pre-race highlights and a preview of the excitement leading up to race day where thousands of runners from all over the world will take part in the TCS New York City Marathon. The special will air on ABC New York Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York at 11:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 1 and will re-broadcast race morning on Sunday, November 2 at 5:30 a.m. ET.

Other Inspiring Marathon Content

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)

A funny and poignant film about a 27-year-old, party-loving New Yorker named Brittany Forgler who decides to turn her life around by training for the New York City Marathon after a doctor encourages her to get healthy. Her physical journey through training triggers a much larger emotional and personal transformation as she confronts her insecurities, builds confidence, and navigates new relationships, work, and friendships along the way. Available to stream on Prime Video.

26.2 to Life (2022)

"26.2 to Life" is a documentary film directed by Christine Yoo that follows inmates at California's San Quentin State Prison who are part of the 1000 Mile Club. The film documents their year-long training for a marathon, which involves 105 laps around the prison yard, as a way to find redemption and personal transformation while serving life sentences. Available to stream on ESPN+.

Run for Your Life (2008)

The documentary chronicles the life of Fred Lebow, the co-founder of the New York City Marathon. Fleeing Transylvania, Lebow developed a passion for running, transforming a small Central Park race into a world-famous, five-borough event starting in 1976. Through archival footage and interviews, the film details his visionary promotion of running and his battles with controversy. It culminates in a poignant moment when a cancer-stricken Lebow runs the 1992 marathon, showcasing his enduring spirit and love for the sport he built. Available to stream on AppleTV.