© TCS New York City Marathon
When to Register for the 2026 New York City Marathon?
Every year, the New York City Marathon generates extraordinary excitement among runners from around the world. A legendary race, an electric atmosphere, and an iconic course through the city’s five boroughs — the NYC Marathon is about far more than just chasing a time. Yet behind the dream lies a well-known reality for marathoners: getting a bib for New York requires planning, strategy, and a clear understanding of the available entry paths.
So, when should you register for the 2026 New York City Marathon?
In 2026, the race will take place on November 1. Here’s everything you need to know — dates, options, and key information — to make sure you don’t miss your chance to run the 2026 NYC Marathon.
✓ When to register for the 2026 New York City Marathon: all the key dates you need to know.
| The New York City Marathon: the ultimate marathon dream
With its unmatched energy, flawless organization, legendary course, and global reputation, the New York City Marathon goes far beyond a standard road race. As a flagship event of the World Marathon Majors, it welcomes nearly 55,000 runners each year and turns New York into a massive city-wide celebration, fueled by hundreds of thousands of spectators. From Staten Island to Central Park, passing through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan, every mile tells a story and delivers an intensity few races can match. What began in 1970 as a small race inside Central Park with just a few dozen participants has grown into one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.Today, standing on the NYC Marathon start line is both a sporting achievement and a logistical challenge. Demand is enormous, spots are limited, and securing entry requires careful planning. For many runners, the New York City Marathon represents the ultimate goal — a once-in-a-lifetime dream that becomes achievable only by knowing the right dates and choosing the right registration strategy.
© TCS New York City Marathon
© TCS New York City Marathon
© TCS New York City Marathon
© TCS New York City Marathon
© TCS New York City Marathon
| How can you enter the 2026 New York City Marathon?
➜ The Lottery
The lottery is the most well-known, but also the most unpredictable, way to enter. Every year, hundreds of thousands of runners from around the globe apply for a chance to secure a bib. Applicants are divided into three separate pools: NYC Metro Area residents, U.S. residents outside the NYC area, International runners. Each pool has its own drawing, with selection odds varying by category. If selected, your registration is automatically confirmed and the entry fee is charged. While this method is simple, the odds remain low due to the race’s immense popularity.
➜ Time Qualification
The NYC Marathon also offers guaranteed entry to runners who meet strict time qualification standards, defined by NYRR (New York Road Runners) according to age and gender. Qualifying times must be achieved during certified races within a specific time window. Runners who qualify at NYRR events receive automatic entry, while those qualifying at external races are placed in a limited pool, with bibs awarded to the fastest applicants if demand exceeds availability. This route is best suited to performance-driven runners who can plan their season around a clear time goal.
✓ Marathon qualifying standards by age and gender
| Groupe d’âge | HOMME | FEMME | NON-BINAIRE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2h 53min 00sec | 3h 13min 00sec | 3h 13min 00sec |
| 35-39 | 2h 55min 00sec | 3h 15min 00sec | 3h 15min 00sec |
| 40-44 | 2h 58min 00sec | 3h 26min 00sec | 3h 26min 00sec |
| 45-49 | 3h 05min 00sec | 3h 38min 00sec | 3h 38min 00sec |
| 50-54 | 3h 14min 00sec | 3h 51min 00sec | 3h 51min 00sec |
| 55-59 | 3h 23min 00sec | 4h 10min 00sec | 4h 10min 00sec |
| 60-64 | 3h 34min 00sec | 4h 27min 00sec | 4h 27min 00sec |
| 65-69 | 3h 45min 00sec | 4h 50min 00sec | 4h 50min 00sec |
| 70-74 | 4h 10min 00sec | 5h 30min 00sec | 5h 30min 00sec |
| 75-79 | 4h 30min 00sec | 6h 00min 00sec | 6h 00min 00sec |
| 80 ans et plus | 4h 55min 00sec | 6h 35min 00sec | 6h 35min 00sec |
✓ Half marathon qualifying standards (NYRR races only) by age and gender
| Groupe d’âge | HOMME | FEMME | NON-BINAIRE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 1h 21 min 00sec | 1h 32 min 00sec | 1h 32 min 00sec |
| 35-39 | 1h 23 min 00sec | 1h 34 min 00sec | 1h 34 min 00sec |
| 40-44 | 1h 25 min 00sec | 1h 37 min 00sec | 1h 37 min 00sec |
| 45-49 | 1h 28 min 00sec | 1h 42 min 00sec | 1h 42 min 00sec |
| 50-54 | 1h 32 min 00sec | 1h 49 min 00sec | 1h 49 min 00sec |
| 55-59 | 1h 36 min 00sec | 1h 54 min 00sec | 1h 54 min 00sec |
| 60-64 | 1h 41 min 00sec | 2h 01 min 00sec | 2h 01 min 00sec |
| 65-69 | 1h 46 min 00sec | 2h 12 min 00sec | 2h 12 min 00sec |
| 70-74 | 1h 57 min 00sec | 2h 27 min 00sec | 2h 27 min 00sec |
| 75-79 | 2h 07 min 00sec | 2h 40 min 00sec | 2h 40 min 00sec |
| 80 ans et plus | 2h 15 min 00sec | 2h 50 min 00sec | 2h 50 min 00sec |
➜ NYRR Programs
New York Road Runners offers several loyalty programs that provide guaranteed entry to the marathon. The most famous is the 9+1 Program, which requires runners to complete nine NYRR races and volunteer at one NYRR event during the year preceding the marathon. Other options include the 4-Out-of-6 Program and Virtual 6, which reward consistent participation in NYRR events — including virtual races. These programs demand commitment over time but offer a structured and reliable path to securing a bib.
➜ Charity Entries
Runners can also enter the NYC Marathon through an official charity program. Participants commit to raising a minimum amount of funds for one of NYRR’s partner charities. In return, the organization guarantees race entry. This option is especially popular as it adds meaning to the marathon journey and allows runners to race for a cause. Charity bibs also provide a secure path into the race, but availability is limited and often allocated several months in advance — making early planning essential.
➜ Official Travel Operators
For international runners — especially those traveling from Europe — using an official NYRR tour operator is a popular turnkey solution. These authorized agencies offer packages that include a guaranteed bib, accommodation, and sometimes transportation or additional services. While this option is more expensive, it provides maximum security and simplifies logistics for a marathon as complex as New York. It’s also ideal for runners who want to combine their race with sightseeing and travel in the United States.
➜ Special Status and Guaranteed Entries
Some runners qualify for guaranteed entry through specific statuses:
- Runners who have finished the NYC Marathon 15 times or more
- Elite and sub-elite athletes, invited based on high performance standards
While these cases are rare, they are official entry paths recognized by the race organizers.
| When does the 2026 NYC Marathon lottery open?
The lottery remains the most popular and accessible entry option. Each year, NYRR receives over 200,000 applications for the New York City Marathon lottery. While this massive demand adds to the race’s legendary status, it also makes securing a bib increasingly challenging. Applicants are placed into a pool based on their residency:
- NYC Metro Area (within 60 miles)
- U.S. residents outside NYC
- International residents
Each pool has its own independent drawing.
For the 2026 New York City Marathon, lottery registration will open on February 4, 2026, and close on February 25, 2026.
The drawing will take place on March 4, 2026. If selected, your entry fee will be charged automatically and your registration confirmed. If not, you’ll still have the option to pursue one of the alternative entry paths outlined above.
Registering for the New York City Marathon requires organization, foresight, and strategy. Given the race’s global popularity, knowing the key dates and preparing your registration plan well in advance is essential. Make sure to mark the lottery opening date for the 2026 edition, and in the meantime — happy training, and good luck on your journey to the NYC Marathon start line.
✔ Everything you need to know about registering for the New York City Marathon
