Yesterday’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon provided a platform of inspiration for the millions watching. From the elite runners blazing through the streets of New York to the amateurs who bring along their motivation and stories, all those who participated achieved something great.
Now, you might be wondering how you can be a part of the New York City Marathon in the future. In this article, we’ll go over all the different ways you can gain entry to this prestigious race.
NYRR 9+1 Program
One of the most popular ways to earn entry into the NYC Marathon is through the New York Road Runners (NYRR) 9+1 program.
There are three parts to the 9+1 program that must be completed the year prior to the NYC Marathon you want to compete in. For example, to earn entry to the 2025 NYC Marathon through the 9+1 program, the requirements must be met by December 31, 2024.
The first part of completing the 9+1 program for guaranteed entry is registering for and completing 9 qualifying races. The events that count towards the 9+1 program are clearly marked on the NYRR website race calendar.
Unlike many other races, there is no required time for these qualifying events.
The second part of completing the 9+1 program is volunteering at one event, also listed on the NYRR website.
Finally, you must have an active NYRR membership by the end of the qualifying year.
Since most of the 2023 qualifying races for the 2024 NYC Marathon have already taken place, it is best to start planning your 2024 calendar now in order to get entry into the 2025 edition.
Test Your Luck In The Lottery
The lottery is another common entry method, especially for those who did not complete the 9+1 program. It can also be the easiest way to gain entry into the NYC Marathon, but only if you have luck on your side.
For this year’s NYC Marathon, over 128,000 runners entered the lottery, and only about 5% (~6,400) were chosen.
The lottery is divided into three categories: people living in or within 60 miles of New York City, U.S. residents outside the New York City area, and non-U.S. residents. The goal of the lottery, as stated by NYRR, is to preserve the diversity of the race.
The window to enter the lottery opens every February (which means you still have the chance to qualify for the 2024 NYC Marathon using this method), and the lucky winners are selected in March.
NYRR Team For Kids
There are a few charity options to gain entry to the NYC Marathon. The first is through the NYRR Team for Kids.
If you select this option to enter the NYC Marathon, you must raise at least $1,310 for Team for Kids by February 28, 2024. Team for Kids is an organization that supports youth and community running programs.
Alongside guaranteed entry into the race, those who run with Team for Kids can also take advantage of a number of other perks, including access to team coaches, an online training app, and a race singlet.
Run With Another Charity
Each year, NYRR announces an official list of race partners with nonprofits who have charity bibs for the race.
Like Team for Kids, runners choosing this method must raise money to enter. The amount will vary depending on the charity, but the minimum can be anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.
The list of charities for the 2024 race has not been announced at the time of writing.
Book a Tour
This is a good option for runners outside the USA. Approved tour operators, which can be found on the race’s website, offer marathon travel packages.
These packages include race entry, airfare, lodging, and sometimes other amenities.
Run a Qualifying Time at a Half-Marathon or Full Marathon
Although the New York City Marathon does not require a qualifying time like other races, such as the Boston Marathon, a certain number of entries are allocated to individuals who run a qualifying time at NYRR events and non-NYRR events.
The application window opens in February, and entries are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Qualifying times must be run in the year prior (for example, run in 2023 to qualify for 2024), and for non-NYRR events, the result must be verifiable online.
The required times are adjusted yearly and vary by age group.
Be A New York City Marathon Veteran
This option most certainly takes the most time out of all the others. However, it provides guaranteed entry for future years.
Runners who are New York City Marathon veterans and complete the race 15 times become eligible for guaranteed entry into future editions.
However, for handcycle racers, it should be noted that previous entries through Achilles International are not eligible in this category.
Although some of the options listed above are no longer available for the 2024 New York City Marathon, there are still plenty of chances to get your entry spot into the race next year. If not, you can now start preparing your calendar for the 2025 edition!
