The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most difficult World Majors to get into. If you are planning to run through the five boroughs in 2026, you need to act fast. The application window is short, and unlike some other races, there is no "second chance" draw later in the year.
The 2026 race is set for Sunday, November 1, 2026. You can enter the lottery starting February 4, 2026, and the window closes on February 25, 2026. They'll announce results on March 4, 2026. For the official application and all the details, head to the TCS New York City Marathon website.
Don't risk missing the window. The dates shift slightly each year. Set up a BibsAlert to get an email the moment the application page goes live.
How to Enter the 2026 NYC Marathon
There are four main ways to secure a spot in the NYC Marathon: the general lottery, time qualification, charity entry, or the 9+1 Program.
1. The General Entry Drawing (The Lottery)
For most runners, this is the primary way in. The lottery itself is free to enter, but you'll need to authorize your credit card for the full race fee upfront. You only get charged if you're selected in the drawing. Make sure your card expires after March 2026, or the charge will fail and you will lose your spot.
Applications open February 4 and close February 25, 2026. The drawing happens on March 4, 2026. They divide applicants into three pools: NYC metro area residents (within 60 miles), national applicants (U.S. residents outside the metro area), and international applicants.
2. Time Qualification
If you're fast enough, you might not need luck. But the rules depend on where you ran your qualifying time.
Your qualifying time needs to come from a certified race run between January 1 and December 31, 2025. If you hit the standard at an NYRR race like the Fred Lebow Half, NYC Half, or Brooklyn Half, you're guaranteed entry. Just claim it between February 4 and 25, 2026.
Things get trickier if you qualified at a different marathon like Chicago, Berlin, or CIM. Those spots aren't guaranteed, and the application window closes earlier on February 11. Here's the important part: it's not first-come, first-served. If more people apply than spots available, NYRR picks the fastest runners in each age and gender category relative to the qualifying standard. So whether you apply on day one or the last day makes no difference.
3. Charity Entries
If you miss the lottery in March, charity spots are a reliable backup. Some charities like NYRR Team for Kids start taking registrations as early as October 2025, while most partner charities open up after the lottery results come out in March.
Fundraising minimums usually sit around $3,000 to $5,000, though popular charities or spots that open later in the season might ask for more.
4. The 9+1 Program
Local runners have another option: the 9+1 Program. Run 9 qualifying races and volunteer at 1 race during 2025 and have an active NYRR membership as of Dec 31, 2025, and you get guaranteed entry for 2026. Just make sure to claim it between February 4 and 25, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information, check out the official NYC Marathon FAQ.
When do I find out if I got in?
The drawing will take place on March 4, 2026. You will likely see a charge on your credit card before you receive the acceptance email.
Can I transfer my entry?
No. The NYC Marathon does not allow transfers to other runners. You may be able to defer to 2027, but you will likely have to pay the entry fee again.