How to Enter the New York City Half Marathon

Run 21.1 km through the heart of New York, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, emerge onto Times Square while it is still closed to traffic, then finish in Central Park… Organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR), the United Airlines NYC Half is far more than a half marathon. It is one of the most prestigious races in the United States, a deep dive into American running culture and one of the most sought-after events of the spring, usually held in March. But with huge demand, securing a bib is anything but easy. Lottery, loyalty programs, time qualifications, charity entries, tour operators… Here is the complete guide to entering the New York City Half Marathon.✓ How do you enter the New York City Half Marathon? Here is how to secure a bib and when to apply.

A race through New York’s most iconic neighborhoods

The United Airlines NYC Half attracts more than 28,000 runners from around the world every year. It offers one of the best courses for discovering the city that never sleeps. The race starts in Brooklyn, crosses the East River via the famous Brooklyn Bridge, the only race to cross the bridge, runs along Manhattan and passes through Times Square, which is closed to traffic only twice a year, before a spectacular finish in Central Park.

At the elite level, NYRR puts together a serious field. The race regularly draws major names from the American and international running scenes, attracted by New York’s aura and its appealing prize money, with $20,000 for the men’s and women’s winners. Running a NYRR event adds a little magic to any challenge, in a country where the sport is deeply woven into the culture.

Every way to secure a United Airlines NYC Half bib: lottery, qualifying times, 4 Out of 6, charity and tour operators.

The standard route: the lottery

For most runners, entry is through the non-guaranteed lottery, much like the major international marathons.

➜ Application window: October 21 to November 11, 2025
➜ Lottery date: November 20, 2025

Applicants are divided into three separate categories:
➜ Residents of the New York metropolitan area
➜ U.S. residents outside NYC
➜ International applicants

To find out whether you have been selected, check your NYRR account online and keep an eye on your bank account: your card will be charged automatically and your NYRR status will change to “Accepted.” If your payment fails, you will have a short window to resolve the issue. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Other ways to secure a bib

The good news is that there are several ways to bypass the lottery.

The “4 Out of 6” program for NYRR members
NYRR members who complete four qualifying races in 2025, from a designated list, earn guaranteed entry to the 2026 edition. Be warned: you must then claim your place between October 21 and November 11, 2025. Miss that deadline and the entry is forfeited.

Qualifying times
NYRR offers a limited number of bibs to runners who record a qualifying time at a World Athletics-certified half marathon or under their local federation’s rules, between October 21, 2024 and October 20, 2025.
There are two scenarios:
➜ Qualifying through an NYRR race: guaranteed entry
➜ Qualifying outside NYRR: limited places, with priority given to the fastest times in each age group

If too many applications are received, only the fastest times will be accepted. The remaining applicants are moved into the general lottery. It works on the same principle as the major Marathon Majors, including the New York Marathon, which is also organized by NYRR.

Charity partners
Entering through an official charity partner guarantees a bib in exchange for a fundraising commitment.
Key programs include Team for Kids, NYRR’s long-running charity program, and environmental initiatives such as Team for Climate. It is a great way to give your New York project a wider purpose. Most charities require runners to raise $1,500.

International tour operators (ITOs)
For international runners, this is often the simplest and most convenient option. Official agencies such as Marathon Tours & Travel offer packages that include accommodation, often in Times Square or Manhattan, guaranteed race entry, logistical support and VIP access on race day. Expect to pay around $1,050 for a three-night package, excluding the bib, which costs approximately $275 extra. It is more expensive, but you are buying peace of mind along with guaranteed entry.

NYRR Race Free (financial assistance)
NYRR is known for its inclusion and access initiatives. The organization offers an assistance program that allows eligible runners facing financial hardship to receive free entry. Applications generally open in October for the following year.

Entry fees, cancellations and deferrals

A bib costs $142.76 for NYRR members and $169.20 for non-members. Entry fees are non-refundable. Deferring your entry to the following edition may be possible under certain conditions, before the deadline in mid-March. A bib obtained through a previous cancellation cannot be deferred a second time. In other words, make sure your schedule is solid.

Why is the New York City Half so popular?

Running a half marathon is a major achievement in itself. But running the New York City Half is a unique experience for many reasons:
✔ An iconic urban course
A finely tuned NYRR production
A genuine American running tradition
A perfect early-season date
An electric atmosphere

You get the idea: the United Airlines NYC Half is not just another half marathon. For many American runners, it is a rite of passage. A full-scale test before the fall marathon. A suspended moment in a city that never does anything by halves.

Key facts – New York City Half Marathon 2026

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Participants: 29,000 runners expected
Total elevation gain: approximately 150 m, with a hilly course
Average temperature: 5 to 10°C
The goal: an ideal course for the experience
Price: from $142.76

The bottom line: which strategy should you choose?

You want to try your luck ➜ Enter the lottery as soon as it opens on October 21.
You are a regular NYRR member ➜ Target the 4 Out of 6 program.
You have a fast time ➜ Try to qualify.
You are coming from abroad and want certainty ➜ Use a tour operator.
You want to run for a cause ➜ Sign up through a charity partner.

Like the New York Marathon, the New York City Half is in huge demand. Places fill quickly, but NYRR offers several programs to help runners secure a bib. You still need to plan several months ahead to make sure you get a place. One thing is certain: crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise and striding into Times Square is an experience every runner should have at least once.

✔ Find all the entry details for the New York City Half Marathon.