The largest marathon on earth is also among the hardest to get into. Plan ahead to secure your spot.
Whether you raced the 2025 New York City Marathon or watched from the sidelines, the excitement of the event lives on. If you’re already imagining yourself on the Verrazzano Bridge next year, you’re not alone, thousands of runners begin planning long before registration opens.
The NYC Marathon attracts more than 50,000 finishers yearly, making it the largest marathon in the world. But despite the huge field, it remains one of the toughest races to enter. In 2025, only about 2–3% of non-guaranteed drawing applicants were accepted.
Here’s every official way to secure your spot for the 2026 NYC Marathon, with clear explanations and clickable anchor-text placeholders.
Get Picked in the Entry Drawing (Lottery)
The drawing is the most well-known — and most competitive — way to enter the race. Runners submit a free application during a short window in February, and NYRR notifies them in early March. With more than 200,000 applicants in 2025 and only a tiny acceptance rate, the odds are steep.
You can apply through the NYRR lottery portal.
NYRR members also receive access to a second-chance drawing, so joining NYRR Membership may slightly increase your chances.
Run With Team for Kids
One of the most reliable routes to guaranteed entry is fundraising for Team for Kids. This NYRR charity team supports youth running programs nationwide. To secure a marathon bib, runners pledge to raise roughly $3,000.
Team for Kids provides coaching resources, community events, training support, race-day amenities, and a guaranteed entry — as long as you meet your fundraising minimum. More than 4,000 runners join the marathon this way each year.
Run With a Charity Partner
In addition to TFK, NYRR partners with dozens of nonprofits that buy blocks of guaranteed entries. Runners who join these teams commit to fundraising, typically between $2,500 and $4,000.
Once the list is published, you can review and contact organizations directly via NYRR Charity Partners. This is one of the best last-minute options if lottery and other programs don’t work out.
Book Through an International Travel Partner
Runners living outside the U.S. can secure guaranteed entry by booking with an NYRR-approved International Travel Partner. Packages vary by country but typically include a marathon bib, hotel accommodations, and logistical support.
This option is ideal for international athletes who want a stress-free, all-in-one travel experience.
Be an NYC Marathon Streaker
If you’ve completed 15 or more NYC Marathons, you’re eligible for lifetime guaranteed entry. Full details are available on NYC Marathon Streaker Entry.
This is NYRR’s way of recognizing long-term commitment to the race.
Qualify on Time
Time qualification is one of the most respected — and challenging — ways to earn a bib. To qualify for 2026, you must hit the NYRR time standard at an NYRR-organized race during 2025. Only select NYRR races count, and if too many runners meet the standard, only the fastest in each age group will be accepted.
You can read the full rules under NYRR Time Qualifier Standards.
2026 Men’s Standards (Marathon / Half-Marathon)
Age 18–34: 2:53:00 / 1:21:00
Age 35–39: 2:55:00 / 1:23:00
Age 40–44: 2:58:00 / 1:25:00
Age 45–49: 3:05:00 / 1:28:00
Age 50–54: 3:14:00 / 1:32:00
Age 55–59: 3:23:00 / 1:36:00
Age 60–64: 3:34:00 / 1:41:00
Age 65–69: 3:45:00 / 1:46:00
Age 70–74: 4:10:00 / 1:57:00
Age 75–79: 4:30:00 / 2:07:00
Age 80+: 4:55:00 / 2:15:00
2026 Women & Nonbinary Standards (Marathon / Half-Marathon)
Age 18–34: 3:13:00 / 1:32:00
Age 35–39: 3:15:00 / 1:34:00
Age 40–44: 3:26:00 / 1:37:00
Age 45–49: 3:38:00 / 1:42:00
Age 50–54: 3:51:00 / 1:49:00
Age 55–59: 4:10:00 / 1:54:00
Age 60–64: 4:27:00 / 2:02:00
Age 65–69: 4:50:00 / 2:12:00
Age 70–74: 5:30:00 / 2:27:00
Age 75–79: 6:00:00 / 2:40:00
Age 80+: 6:35:00 / 2:50:00
Complete the NYRR 9+1 Program
For New Yorkers, the 9+1 Program is one of the most guaranteed and predictable entry methods. To qualify for 2026, you must:
– Finish nine NYRR races in 2025
– Volunteer at one NYRR event
– Maintain an active NYRR membership
Complete all three, and you automatically earn a guaranteed bib.
Use Your 2025 Canceled Entry
Runners who canceled their 2025 marathon entry under NYRR’s official rules receive guaranteed non-complimentary entry for 2026. The policy is outlined under NYRR Cancellation Rules.
You’ll still need to pay the 2026 entry fee, but your bib is guaranteed.
Complete the Virtual TCS NYC Marathon
Runners who register for and finish the Virtual TCS NYC Marathon in 2025 earn guaranteed (paid) entry to the in-person event in 2026. This is a strong option for athletes who don’t live near New York.
Hold a 5K or 10K NYRR Membership
NYRR offers premium memberships that include guaranteed entries. You can learn more about these options under NYRR Membership Levels. These packages are limited and sell out quickly, so early signup is key.
Enter as an Elite or Sub-Elite Athlete
Professional and near-professional runners can request entry directly via NYRR’s elite athlete services. Details can be found on NYRR Professional Athletes. This applies only if you’re fast enough to realistically compete for prize money.
