How to Enter the New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the U.S. and the most prestigious in the world, outside of the Olympic Games. You can be one of thousands who run it every year.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Give yourself plenty of time. The entry procedure usually starts right after the first of the year.
-
2
Visit the New York Road Runners Club website at www.NYRR.org. The club, which conducts the race, will have entry information.
-
-
3
Understand the acceptance process. While some applicants are guaranteed entry, most applicants (both international and domestic) are chosen through a lottery.
-
4
Enter with a guarantee if you're fast. Qualifying times exist for men and women who have met certain running standards.
-
5
Contact the Achilles Track Club (www.AchillesTrackClub.org) if you are a wheelchair athlete or other disabled entrant.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check out membership to the New York Road Runners Club. Membership won't guarantee entry into the marathon, but it will give you access to the most up-to-date information.
Choose an alternative. By all means train for New York, but be ready to run in an another marathon if you don't get in.
Consider volunteering. If you can't run, there are thousands of great jobs to do on the sidelines.
Train to help a disabled runner. It's a very memorable experience to be a guide.
Turn in your number if you decide not to run. You'll be guaranteed a spot in next year's marathon.
Allow yourself time to train. Experts recommend at least a year of regular running before undertaking a marathon.
Understand that your odds of getting in may not be particularly good. Thousands upon thousands of would-be New York City Marathoners are unable to run because of the limits.
Follow the rules. Never run with someone else's number or give your number to another runner. If caught, both runners will be disqualified and barred from all future New York Road Runners Club events.
If you have any condition which would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.
