Qualifying for the NYC Marathon can be done through several established paths, including time qualifiers, guaranteed entry programs, charity entries, and the lottery. Here’s a concise guide to the main routes and what you’d need to know.
Quick path overview
- Time qualifiers (standard marathon times) for non-New York Road Runners (NYRR) events, valid within the qualifying window.
- Guaranteed entry programs run by NYRR (e.g., 9+1, 4 out of 6, Virtual 6) or similar road-runners-based schemes.
- Lottery entry via the official NYC Marathon lottery.
- Charity/offset programs or other special entries tied to fundraising or partnerships.
- Special legacy routes (e.g., completing the race a certain number of times) may offer guaranteed future entry.
Time qualifiers
- You can qualify by posting a marathon finish time at a certified event that meets the published standard for your age and gender.
- Qualifying times must be achieved during the qualifying window (typically January 1 of the previous year through December 31 of the year before the race). Net time (chip time) is used, not gun time.
- Note: Starting in 2025, there have been changes to which results count for qualification depending on the event type and residency; always verify the current year’s official standards, since they can shift year to year.
Guaranteed entry programs (NYRR)
- 9+1 Program: Run 9 NYRR qualifying races and volunteer at 1 NYRR event within a calendar year to gain guaranteed entry.
- 4 Out of 6 Program: Complete a subset of NYRR races in a year to earn a guaranteed entry, typically tied to participating in both races and volunteering.
- Virtual 6/other programs: Some virtual or alternative paths may exist, offering guaranteed entry upon meeting specific participation or fundraising criteria.
- These programs are designed for regular NYRR members and usually reset each calendar year.
Lottery entry
- The NYC Marathon offers a lottery for non-guaranteed spots. Applications typically open early in the year with selections announced later.
- Eligibility is open to international, national, and local applicants, with winners granted entries after paying the entry fee where applicable.
- Due to high demand, chances are relatively slim, but many runners successfully gain entry through the lottery or additional second-chance mechanisms.
Other routes
- Charity entries: Many runners enter through charity partners, pledging fundraising commitments in exchange for a bib.
- Legacy/15+ finishes: Some runners qualify by meeting longevity criteria (e.g., completing the marathon multiple times), which may confer guaranteed entry in future years, depending on the policy in effect.
Practical next steps
- Check the official NYC Marathon (NYRR) site for the current year’s exact qualifying times, window dates, and all entry routes.
- If aiming for time qualification, identify certified marathons soon and target a plan to hit the standard within the window.
- If you’re a frequent NYRR participant, review the 9+1 and 4 Out of 6 requirements and start planning qualifying races and volunteering opportunities now.
- Consider joining a charity program if a guaranteed entry or fundraising alignment fits your goals and budget.
If you’d like, share your age, gender, and whether you’re already a NYRR member, and I can tailor the options to your situation and provide a concrete, year-specific plan.
