How to Watch the 2026 NYC Marathon on DIRECTV
By American TV editorial team |
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place Sunday, November 1. ESPN2 carries national race coverage from 8 to 11:30 a.m. ET, and DIRECTV viewers with an eligible package can tune to channel 209. WABC-TV provides extended coverage in the New York area.
Use the ESPN2 channel guide and local ABC finder to check your lineup before race morning.
Marathon coverage schedule
| Coverage | Time, Eastern | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|
| National race broadcast | 8–11:30 a.m. | ESPN2; ESPN app with eligible ESPN Unlimited access |
| New York local coverage | Pre-race from 7 a.m.; race coverage 8 a.m.–1 p.m. | WABC-TV and ABC7 New York app |
| National finish-line show | 3–5 p.m. | ABC, subject to local listings |
Watching with DIRECTV
Search the live guide for the TCS New York City Marathon and check that ESPN2 is included in your account. WABC is a local New York station; viewers elsewhere should use their own ABC affiliate for the afternoon show rather than assuming channel 7 applies nationally.
If you plan to record, check the listing for each separate coverage window. Race coverage and the afternoon finish-line show are different programs, so recording one may not capture the other. Your DVR's storage, recording and playback rules depend on your service.
Streaming access
ESPN's announcement lists the ESPN app for coverage with an ESPN Unlimited plan, including additional coverage before and after the national race window. Confirm the entitlement attached to your subscription before race day; an app download alone does not provide access.
The local ABC7 New York app is another option identified by the organizer. Local streams can have market restrictions. Test the app on the device you intend to use and check its live listing rather than relying on an older broadcast schedule.
Plan for the clock change
Daylight saving time ends that Sunday. The published Eastern times are after the overnight clock change. Check that manually set clocks and recording devices have the correct time; internet-connected devices usually update automatically.
This guide focuses on confirmed viewing details.
Check your package and local station lineup before ordering. For help comparing DIRECTV options at your address, call 1-855-690-9884.
Schedule and viewing details reviewed October 30, 2026. Times, channel availability and streaming terms may change.