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Most featured running blog, past 6 years
USATF certified running coach
Experienced endurance athlete
7 marathons
The next NYC Marathon will be here before you know it. But if you don’t have all the details ironed out just yet, relax! There’s still plenty of time to prepare for the 2024 NYC Marathon. And I’ll help you by breaking down the lottery system, as well as other methods how to get into the 2024 NYC Marathon.
If you’re planning on running in one of the greatest and most iconic marathons in the world, you’ll need to first qualify for the race. To qualify, you have a few choices for entry into the NYC Marathon. Read below while I outline several options to make sure that you get a ticket and find yourself at the starting line come November 1st. Are you looking for a detailed overview of the New York City Marathon course?
How to get into the NYC Marathon?
In 2023 the NYC Marathon counted a record-breaking number of 51,402 finishers. According to the NYRR, they have a notoriously selective system that makes it one of the hardest marathons to get into. How can you get into the NYC Marathon? There are several ways, but let’s get the facts straight first:
What Are the Odds of Getting into the NYC Marathon?
According to several newspaper articles that I have read, the odds of getting into the NYC Marathon are around 16-18 %. In 2017, for example, 98,247 runners applied for the NYC Marathon, and the NYC Marathon lottery drew 16,211 (16.5%). So let’s be real, the odds aren’t too great. But you have a few more options: Let me explain!
Ways to Gain Entry for the NYC Marathon
From February 8, through February 21, runners can apply for entry to the NYC Marathon 2024. If your goal is to run the NYC Marathon this year, these are your options for getting into the race:
The NYC Marathon lottery
As explained above, the NYC Marathon lottery is one of the hardest ways to get in and for 2022 it was the hardest lottery ever. The NYC Marathon lottery odds are about 16-18%. Here is a link to the NYC Marathon lottery, if you’d like to apply. I would still try my luck regardless of the slim margin for success. If the NYC Marathon lottery doesn’t work out though, there are always other ways to get into the race.
Run for Team for Kids
Running for Team for Kids is a great way to get into the NYC Marathon. I’ve done it before and it was pretty easy to raise $2620 for a great cause. If you have a great network and supportive family and friends, you will be able to get your ticket for the NYC Marathon with Team for Kids for sure. Here’s some moreinfo about Team for Kids and how their fundraising works.
Run for Another Charity Partner
Besides Team for Kids, there are several other charity partners, that will be a great opportunity to beat the NYC Marathon Lottery and get your entry for the NYC Marathon. If you want to run for charity, please read the list of theofficial charity partners for the NYC Marathon this year.
Participate in NYRR’s 9+1 Program
If you’re local, I would always recommend doing the 9+1 program with NYRR. You have to run 9 races with NYRR that are “qualifiers” for your 9+1 program, and you have to volunteer at an NYRR event within the same year. So let’s say you want to run in 2024, you would have to do your 9+1 program in 2023. Now they also offer the 9+ $1K program where you have to run 9 races with NYRR. After completing these 9 races you will have to donate $1000 for youth running or community services here in NYC instead of volunteering. Check outtheir website for more information on this.
Get an International Travel Partner for the NYC Marathon
You didn’t get into the race through the NYC Marathon lottery and you live abroad? Great, because then you still have the chance to get into the NYC Marathon with an international travel partner. A lot of my followers from Germany or other countries book their trip to the NYC Marathon with international travel partners. My favorite Travel Partner isAli Schneider Marathonreisen from Germany. The way it works is that they charge you for the trip and your marathon bib. Additionally, there’s no need for you to stick with a travel group or anything like that. You’re completely on your own. Do some research to determine which international travel partner for the NYC Marathon is the best fit for you.
Have 15+ NYC Marathons Under Your Belt
The NYC Marathon lottery won’t be needed for you if you have run 15 or more NYC Marathons in your running career. This makes you eligible to enter every time for as long as you want.
Qualify Based on Time
Another way to beat the NYC Marathon lottery is to run fast. There are several NYRR races like the Fred Lebow Manhattan Half, NYC Half, Women’s Half-Marathon, Brooklyn Half, or the Staten Island Half, that could get you a ticket for the NYC Marathon depending on your gender, age and finishing time. Here is a list of theNYC Marathon qualifying times. Do you need to qualify for the NYC Marathon? No! But if you happen to be as fast as the qualifying time standards for the race, why waste time on the NYC Marathon lottery?
Be an Elite Runner
If you’re an elite runner, you will most likely receive an invitation to run the NYC Marathon. Good for all elite athletes, because they don’t have to deal with the NYC Marathon lottery or any other ways to get into the NYC Marathon.
Claim a Deferred Entry
I have had to defer entry before. Luckily it wasn’t NYC, but the way it works is the same.If you claim a deferred entry for the NYC Marathon, all you have to do is to pay the entry fee again and then you have your entry for the upcoming NYC Marathon.
How much does it cost to run in the New York City Marathon?
Now you’re wondering what is the entry fee for the NYC Marathon. It is for U.S. residents (those who live in the United States or the District of Columbia) and NYRR members $255; for Non-members: $295 and for Non-U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories): $358.
Sabrina Wieser is a running expert based in New York City and the founder of Runningbrina - She is a USATF Level 3 and IAAF Level 5 Endurance Certified Coach and experienced marathon runner. She completed over 35 long-distance races and helped over 200 clients to cross their personal finish line.
Her expertise in enhancing running performance through training and nutrition has been recognized by many within the running community and different media outlets such as Huffington Post, the Dr Oz Show and adidas running.
Sabrina Wieser is a running expert based in New York City and the founder of Runningbrina - She is a USATF Level 3 and IAAF Level 5 Endurance Certified Coach and experienced marathon runner. She completed over 35 long-distance races and helped over 200 clients to cross their personal finish line.
Her expertise in enhancing running performance through training and nutrition has been recognized by many within the running community and different media outlets such as Huffington Post, the Dr Oz Show and adidas running.
