NEW YORK (WABC) — Join us on Saturday, November 2, for a half-hour special called “Countdown to the Starting Line,” hosted by Eyewitness News hosts David Novarro and Sandra Bookman.

The special will air following Eyewitness News at 11 p.m. David and Sandra will show pre-race highlights and a preview of the excitement leading up to this NYC event where thousands of runners from around the world gather in the Big Apple. It’s called “New York’s biggest block party.”

David and Sandra will be joined by Eyewitness News Meteorologist Brittany Bell, who covers the iconic 5-county course. Sportscaster Ryan Field has reports on which top runners to look for and sportscaster Sam Ryan will give an update on the exciting Wheelchair Division this year.

The program follows the touching story of a woman who went from homeless and addicted to running marathons and running three successful bakeries in New York City. Her dedication to cooking and running helped turn her life around.

Also highlighted is the daughter of the only New York native to win the marathon. He’s running the marathon this year for “Project Purple” to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. She draws inspiration from her aunt, who is currently battling the disease.

Viewers will hear from Good Morning America Chief Meteorologist and Chief Climate Reporter Ginger Zee why she’s running the race this year on Team Climate, a brand new effort by New York Road Runners to help the environment. New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer is interviewed about this historic step for the TCS New York City Marathon.

We also check out the excitement of getting a bib and the inspiring stories behind everyday runners about to hit the trail.

An exclusive look at what you need to know before runners get their marks at the TCS New York City Marathon!

Tune in late night after Eyewitness News on Saturday, November 2, 2024

The TCS New York City Marathon will be broadcast to more than 540 million homes in 206 countries and territories worldwide through a variety of international broadcast partners, including WABC-TV in the New York City area and ESPN2 across the United States.

ABC 7/WABC-TV and ESPN2 have hosted award-winning TCS New York City Marathon coverage since 2013.

New this year: A two-hour live show from the finish line that will air nationally on the ABC Network, featuring celebrities and thousands of everyday runners crossing the finish line.

Broadcast on Channel 7 and wherever you watch ABC 7 New York begins with pre-race coverage on Marathon Sunday at 7 a.m. on November 3.

Live coverage of Sunday’s marathon begins at 8 a.m. exclusively on Channel 7 and ESPN2.

Explore more coverage The 2024 TCS NYC Marathon is here.

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