New York Road Runners signs new rights pact with ABC and ESPN

The rights deal that will allow the New York City Marathon to be televised is a long one.

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

“New York Road Runners is excited to expand our partnership with ABC7/WABC-TV and ESPN as demand for running content continues to grow due to the post-pandemic running boom,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, in a statement. . “This is a significant expansion of our long-standing relationship that will increase the visibility of New York Road Runners races and year-round events such as the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and Mastercard 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 air nationally on ESPN2, while pre-race and continuing coverage will stream on ESPN+.

A new two-hour live show from the Marathon finish line will air nationally on the ABC broadcast network, with celebrities and everyday runners alike reporting on the race they complete. WABC will continue to air a pre-race show, along with a countdown special and live coverage of the marathon opening ceremony.

“The TCS New York City Marathon represents the heart and soul of New York City and is one of the most vibrant days of the year to be a part of,” said John Suchenski, Senior Director of Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN. “We are excited to continue working with New York Road Runners and WABC to bring the powerful storytelling and remarkable athleticism of this extraordinary event to a national audience, and to expand our coverage to cover New York Road’s other events To draw attention to runners all year round. .”

WABC will continue to broadcast a live stream of the United Airlines NYC Half, and will broadcast the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, a mile-long race down the famous street, and live stream the Mastercard New York Mini 10K.