Marathon

Watch: NYC Marathon Documentary ‘26.2: Journey to the Finish Line’

by Alex Billington
October 28, 2025
Source: YouTube

“Savor every minute of this journey.” Tribeca Films has just debuted a new documentary film titled 26.2, made by filmmaker Nicolas Heller – best known as the runner “New York Nico” on social media. The full title for it is Journey to the Finish Line of the NYC Marathon and the 34-minute short doc is out now to watch (view below). 26.2 follows four tenacious New Yorkers in the lead-up to the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. A long time superfan of the race, Nicolas was inspired by individual stories & motivations of each runner (and walker) who chooses to participate in one of the world’s largest annual marathons. This is their honest story. “Between them, they’ve survived a stroke, cancer, a life-changing house fire, & finishing dead last in the 2023 race. They’re not professional runners. They’re 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 there at all.” This reminds me of another doc called 26.2 to Life, about a marathon inside of a prison. And this year’s other doc on running called Learning to Fly. 26.2 is another engaging & wholesome film that should inspire everyone.

Enjoy New York Nico’s doc 26.2: Journey to the Finish Line of the NYC Marathon, from YouTube:

The documentary 26.2 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. Between them, they’ve survived a stroke, cancer, a life-changing house fire, and finishing dead last in 2023. This isn’t a story about running fast… It’s a story about getting there at all. Directed by Nicolas Heller, also known as @newyorknico, the film was inspired by his coverage of the NYC Marathon finish line. Created with support from New York Road Runners, and featuring NYRR’s Team Inspire. 26.2: Journey to the Finish Line of the NYC Marathon is directed by the runner / filmmaker Nicolas Heller, who has also directed quite a few other short films previously. Produced by m ss ng p eces, E 89th Street Productions, and Heller Films. This recently premiered in New York City at an event but not at any festivals, as far as we know. Tribeca will debut Heller’s 26.2 doc directly on YouTube – you can watch it above anytime. Thoughts?

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