The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most sought-after races in the world, and if you’ve ever dreamed of running through the five boroughs with thousands of cheering spectators, now’s your chance because the ballot for the 2026 race officially opens today, Wednesday, February 4, at 12:00 PM ET!
Runners have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to submit their applications. The race itself will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Why the NYC Marathon Is So Popular
As the grand finale of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which also includes Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Sydney, and Tokyo, the New York City Marathon is a bucket-list race for runners worldwide.
It’s renowned for its electric atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators, and the challenge of weaving through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, before finishing in Central Park.
Organized by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the NYC Marathon is the largest in the world, with the 2025 race setting a record with 59,226 finishers. Among them, 18,660 international runners from 132 countries crossed the finish line.
The race began in 1970 with just 127 entrants, running loops around Central Park. By 1976, it had expanded to its now-iconic five-borough course, one of the world’s most iconic courses.
The NYC Marathon Ballot – How It Works
For most runners, the general entry drawing (lottery) is the main pathway into the race. Here’s how it works:
- Apply online before February 25 with a valid payment method.
- The ballot drawing takes place on March 4, 2026.
- If you are selected, your entry fee of $315 (U.S. residents) or $358 (international runners) is automatically charged, securing your spot.
The NYC Marathon’s lottery is highly competitive. In 2025, there were over 200,000 applicants for the non-guaranteed entry drawing, with an acceptance rate of approximately 4%.
To balance participation, the drawing is split into three pools:
- NYC metro area residents
- U.S. residents outside NYC
- International applicants
Each group has a set percentage of spots allocated to ensure a diverse race field.
Other Ways to Secure an Entry
If you don’t want to leave it up to luck, there are multiple ways to guarantee entry:
1. Qualifying by Time
Faster runners can earn a guaranteed (non-complimentary) entry by meeting time standards in a NYRR race or a recognized marathon within the qualifying window (January 1 – December 31, 2025). If demand exceeds available spots, selection is based on fastest times.
2025 NYC Marathon Time Qualifiers
| Age Group | Men’s Marathon | Women’s Marathon | Men’s Half Marathon | Women’s Half Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:53:00 | 3:13:00 | 1:21:00 | 1:32:00 |
| 35-39 | 2:55:00 | 3:15:00 | 1:23:00 | 1:34:00 |
| 40-44 | 2:58:00 | 3:26:00 | 1:25:00 | 1:37:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:05:00 | 3:38:00 | 1:28:00 | 1:42:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:15:00 | 3:51:00 | 1:32:00 | 1:49:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:23:00 | 4:10:00 | 1:36:00 | 1:54:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:34:00 | 4:27:00 | 1:41:00 | 2:02:00 |
| 65-69 | 3:45:00 | 4:50:00 | 1:46:00 | 2:12:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:10:00 | 5:30:00 | 1:57:00 | 2:27:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:30:00 | 6:00:00 | 2:07:00 | 2:40:00 |
| 80+ | 4:55:00 | 6:35:00 | 2:15:00 | 2:50:00 |
2. Charity Entry
Runners can also secure a spot by committing to fundraise for an official charity partner. The fundraising minimum varies, but it generally starts around $2,500-$3,000.
3. NYRR 9+1 Program
Complete nine NYRR races and volunteer at one event within a year to gain guaranteed entry for the following year.
4. 15+ Legacy Entry
Runners who have completed 15 or more NYC Marathons can apply for a guaranteed entry.
5. International Tour Operators
For non-U.S. residents, working with an official tour operator is an option. These companies offer race packages, including entry, travel, and accommodations.
6. Virtual NYC Marathon Entry
Completing the virtual 2025 NYC Marathon secures a guaranteed entry for 2026.
