The New York City Marathon is one of the most popular and anticipated marathons in the world. The 2023 event will take place on November 5th, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., with over 50,000 runners trekking through the five boroughs. Being eligible to participate in this time-honored tradition is no small feat, and there are numerous ways to secure a spot besides your running time. Here’s everything you need to know on how to qualify for the NYC Marathon:
Lottery Drawing
Applying to the non-guaranteed general entry drawing occurs between February 8th and 22nd, and the actual lottery takes place on March 1st. Entries are filed through three categories: NYC metro-area applicants, National applicants, and International applicants. Metro area applicants must be residents in and within 60 miles of New York City. You must have provided a valid credit card, future expiration date, and charge authorization to be selected.
9+1
In order to complete the 9+1 program, you must register and complete nine qualifying races in 2023 in addition to volunteering at one +1 qualifying opportunity. There are more than thirty in-person races and three virtual races that are eligible for credit under this program. Completing the 9+1 program makes you eligible for guaranteed entry into the 2024 New York City Marathon.
Time Qualifying Standards
All qualifying times must at least be as fast as the posted times on the official New York Road Runners (NYRR) website. Eligible times will depend on your age and sex category and must be run at an event that has a certified half-marathon or full-marathon course.
Race courses must also be certified by USA Track and Field, the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), or a national governing body for distance running for the country in which the race is held. The qualifying window was between January 1 and December 31, 2022. Runners who did not gain entry during that period were automatically moved into the drawing.
Charities
Participants can earn guaranteed entry and choose to run on behalf of a gold, silver, bronze, or community-level charity partnered with the NYRR. There are over twenty charities to read up on and select from in NYRR’s “Charities” section. Be sure to browse through their websites for the next steps and more information.
NYRR Team for Kids
Running with Team for Kids (TFK) not only ensures you a place in the 2023 marathon, but it also contributes funds that support local youth and community programs. Participants will be eligible for world-class running events, access to professional coaches, training plans, and support from the broader TFK community. Although registration is now closed for this year, you can still train with TFK if you have already entered the marathon.
Cancellation in 2022
Participants who canceled their entry into the marathon of last year in accordance with the appropriate guidelines are eligible to claim entry into this year’s event. Entry into the 2023 event must be secured during the application window (between February 8th and February 22nd. All TCS New York City Marathon fees are nonrefundable, and you may not reenter the current year's race after you've canceled your entry.
International Tour Operators
International participants can purchase a “travel package”, guaranteeing entry through an official International Tour Operator (ITO). Travel packages can only be booked through the NYRR’s official ITOs on their website, which includes a complete list of all the authorized International Tour Operators. A travel package typically includes a hotel booking and/or a flight to New York City.
NYRR Virtual Racing
In order to be eligible for the 2023 marathon, runners in the virtual race division must successfully complete the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon (Guaranteed Entry) option offered to participants. Capacity is limited so the policy is first-come, first-served and NYRR members must pay a $155 fee while non-members pay $180.
Completed 15-Plus
Runners who complete their fifteenth New York City marathon are eligible for guaranteed entry in upcoming events. Entry must be claimed during the claim period between February 8th and February 22nd. Completed runs do not necessarily have to be consecutive.
Resolutions from 2020
As the 2020 New York City Marathon was canceled, runners who registered to participate that year and had opted for guaranteed entry into the 2023 race between February 8th and February 22nd were able to secure their place during the application window. This is the last year resolution runners are able to claim guaranteed entry.
5K and 10K Memberships
NYRR members at the 5k and 10k levels are awarded automatic entry into the New York City Marathon due to their continued support of the organization’s goals. Members are also eligible for other benefits that can be discussed through contacting philmembership@nyrr.org.
