Getting into the  NYC Marathon

Related to our subject two weeks back, a few messaged me as to how to get into the NYC Marathon. All the how-tos are on the web really, but for the benefit of everyone, here’s how to gain entry to the world’s most prestigious foot race. In an article written by Jessy Carveth, track runner and professional road cyclist, runners went thru these processes:

9+1 Program - The best way to enter the NYC Marathon is to become an active member of the New York Road Runners and join the 9+1 program where members have the chance to earn a guaranteed spot on the marathon. The program will have you register and compete for 9 race qualifying events for the year listed on the race calendar and volunteer for one qualifying race.

Runners who complete the program by December 31 will be informed of their status for the next year’s race before the entry claim period.

Lottery – the easiest way is thru the lottery which opens every February, but you must have tons of luck behind you. The lottery has three categories – for those living in or within 60 miles of New York City, US residents outside of New York City and non-US residents.   Selection of winners is in March. Only 5% of the more than 128,000 who entered the lottery were picked.

Running for charity – there are charity options to gain entry to the marathon. There’s the NYRR Team for Kids where funds are raised to support youth and community running programs. Participants need to raise at least $1,300 for Team for Kids by the end of February to gain guaranteed entry. 

There are other non-profit organizations that partnered with the race. Depending on the charity, the amount to be raised could be between $3,000 to $5,000.

Tour packages – for non-US runners, race website lists approved tour operators that offer marathon travel packages that usually includes airfare, race entry fees, accommodations and other amenities.

Run a qualifying time – several entries are allocated to runners who do a qualifying time in a NYRR or non-NYRR event, which must be run in the year prior to the NYC marathon. Required times vary by age group and adjusted yearly. Non-NYYR results must be verifiable online. On a first-come, first-served basis, applications will be accepted in February.

To note, unlike other major marathons, the NYC Marathon does not require qualifying times.

Become a NYC Marathon vet – if you have completed 15 NYC marathons, you will be guaranteed an entry to future NYC marathons.

Carveth says that some of the above stated options are no longer available for the 2024 race, we still have chances to get our spot for next year.  If not, let’s set our sights to the 2025 edition.