New York Road Runners Sprint to New Rights Pact With ABC, ESPN

The rights deal that puts the New York City Marathon on TV is stretching.

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New York Road Runners, the nonprofit that produces the TCS New York City Marathon, has struck a three-year rights deal with New York’s WABC and ESPN — both owned by Disney — that calls for coverage of both the Marathon and the United Airlines NYC Half as well as the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and the women’s-only New York Mini 10K.

“New York Road Runners is excited to grow our partnership with ABC7/WABC-TV and ESPN as the appetite for running content continues to grow out of the post-pandemic running boom,” said New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, in a statement. “This is a significant expansion of our long-standing relationship that will increase the visibility of New York Road Runners’ year-round races and events like the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and New York Mini 10K, in addition to the TCS New York City Marathon, the best day in New York City.”

WABC and ESPN2 have covered the Marathon broadcast since 2013. The live television broadcast, produced in coordination with 45 Live and distributed by IMG, will continue to air nationally on ESPN2 with pre-race and continuing coverage streamed on ESPN+.

A new live two-hour show from the Marathon finish line will air nationally across the ABC broadcast network, covering both celebrities and everyday runners as they complete the race. WABC will continue to broadcast a pre-race show, along with a countdown special and live coverage of the Marathon Opening Ceremony.

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“The TCS New York City Marathon represents the heart and soul of New York City and is one of the most spirited days of the year to be part of,” said John Suchenski, Senior Director of Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN. “We are thrilled to continue to work with New York Road Runners and WABC to showcase the powerful stories and remarkable athleticism of this extraordinary event to a national audience, as well as expanding our coverage to showcase New York Road Runners’ other events throughout the year.”

WABC will continue to distribute a livestream of the United Airlines NYC Half, and will broadcast the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, a one mile race down the famous street, and livestream the New York Mini 10K.

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