So, you’ve watched the New York City Marathon before — maybe even know a few folks who’ve crossed that iconic finish line in Central Park. Now, you’re feeling the itch to get in on the action yourself.
I get it. There’s something undeniably electric about being part of the world’s largest marathon, cruising through five boroughs with over 50,000 other runners and roughly a million spectators cheering you on.
But here’s the catch: getting in isn’t as simple as showing up in your favorite running gear and stretching out on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
You’ve got options — some easier than others — and the lottery is probably the most notorious of them all.
The Drawing: Luck of the Draw (Literally)
Ah, the drawing. Equal parts hope and heartbreak. It’s the most accessible and simultaneously the most elusive way to secure your spot. You throw your name into the mix, cross your fingers, and hope the running gods smile upon you. Spoiler alert: they usually don’t.
For the 2025 race, more than 165,000 hopefuls entered the lottery. Only about 4% snagged a spot. Yep, you read that right. Your chances are slimmer than finding an open treadmill at the gym on January 2nd.
The window to enter the 2025 lottery opens in February, and winners are drawn in March according to New York Runners. It’s a nerve-wracking wait. If your name gets picked, you’ll need to cough up the entry fee — a cool $315 for U.S. residents who aren’t members of the New York Road Runners (NYRR).
Pro Tip: The Three Pools
Entrants are divided into three separate pools:
Why does this matter? Because some pools are more competitive than others. You can’t game the system here, but knowing your odds is good.
Second-Chance Drawing for Road Runners Members
Alright, so you didn’t cut the initial lottery. You’re probably somewhere between disappointed and irrationally convinced the universe has it out for you. I get it. The lottery is brutal. You watch your phone like it’s going to deliver a life-changing text message, and then — nothing. Nada. Back to square one.
But wait — there’s a glimmer of hope. NYRR has your back with a little thing called the second-chance drawing.
Think of it as the universe hitting you with a “Wait, I might’ve made a mistake” text after ghosting you. It’s a shot at redemption, and while it’s not exactly a golden ticket, it’s certainly better than nothing.
Here’s how It Works
If you’re a NYRR member and your name didn’t make the first cut, you’re automatically thrown into the second-chance drawing pool.
Now, let’s be real: this doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a spot — not by a long shot. But it does give you a little extra lottery love.
The twist? It’s not automatic. (Yeah, they don’t make anything easy.) Instead of just getting an email that says, “Congrats! You’re in!” you’ll get a code within a week of the initial drawing.
Think of it as a last-minute invite to a VIP event — but you still have to RSVP. You take that code, head over to the NYRR website, and lock in your registration before someone else snatches it.
Odds? Not Great, But Better
Now, the organization claims that your chances are about double in the second-chance drawing compared to the first one.
Let’s pause here to acknowledge how oddly comforting and frustrating that statement is. Like, twice the odds of practically nothing is still practically nothing, right?
But hey, it’s something. The math may not be wildly comforting, but it’s better than zero.
Think of it like finding a gas station with slightly cheaper prices on a cross-country road trip — it’s not a monumental difference, but you’ll still take it.
Why They Do It
NYRR knows that the odds are stacked against runners in the initial drawing, and they’re trying to give their loyal members an extra shot.
It’s like a little nod to say, “Hey, we see you putting in those miles at our races throughout the year.” It’s also an attempt to keep folks from feeling disillusioned and giving up entirely.
Fundraising Your Way In: Climate Team or Charity Run
If you’re not the lucky lottery winner and speed isn’t exactly your strong suit, don’t sweat it — fundraising your way into the NYC Marathon might just be your golden ticket.
Plus, you get to feel like an absolute rockstar, running for a cause while chasing your marathon dreams.
Let’s break down the options and figure out which one vibes with your spirit (and your wallet).
Team for Climate: Run for the Planet
Alright, eco-warrior, this one’s for you. Running the NYC Marathon while giving back to the planet? Sign me up!
You can join the Road Runners’ Team for Climate and run knowing your sweat equity is funding carbon offsets for the race. It’s like planting trees with every mile.
Here’s the catch — and it’s a big one. You’ve got to raise at least $3,000 to claim that bib according to NYRR. Not exactly pocket change, but hey, saving the earth doesn’t come cheap.
The idea is to make your run more meaningful, and if you’re passionate about the environment, it’s worth the hustle. You’ll feel good knowing your 26.2 miles are making a difference, not just to your legs but to the planet itself.
But let’s be real — fundraising that much money can feel like its own kind of marathon. You’ll probably be sliding into every friend’s and family member’s DMs with your fundraising link, hitting up your coworkers, and maybe even hosting a bake sale. (Brownies for a bib? Absolutely.)
Team for Kids: Running with Heart
Join Team Tuesday’s for the 2025 NYC Half Marathon! Limited spots available on our charity team for the March 16, 2025 race – Make your miles more meaningful by running for Tuesday’s Children! Contact keri@tuesdayschildren.org for details.#nychalf #nychalfmarathon #charityrun pic.twitter.com/jDxttsWnxu
— Tuesday’s Children (@Tuesdayschldrn) October 19, 2024
Now, if you’re all about the community vibe and want to support young runners, Team for Kids is the way to go. You’re looking at a $2,620 fundraising minimum, which, while still substantial, feels a little more approachable. The money goes toward youth and community running programs, helping get kids active and moving — a pretty solid cause if you ask me.
Plus, Team for Kids runners get some sweet perks like coaching support and race-day amenities. Imagine crossing the finish line knowing you helped a bunch of kids find their love of running — it’s like passing the torch to the next generation of marathoners.
And let’s be honest, the extra motivation on those training runs doesn’t hurt either.
The best part? You’re part of a team. You’ll have a whole crew of like-minded, charity-driven runners cheering you on.
Fundraising becomes more of a community effort, and you’ll probably find yourself swapping stories and encouragement with fellow team members. It’s like a big, sweaty, goal-driven family.
Charity Bibs: Choose Your Cause
If climate change or youth programs aren’t your thing, don’t worry — there’s a whole roster of charities to choose from.
Each has its minimum (usually between $3,000 and $5,000), so pick one that tugs at your heartstrings.
The official list of charities for 2025 hasn’t dropped yet, but it’s usually packed with organizations doing incredible work across a range of causes — from healthcare and education to social justice and animal rescue.
You get to pick a mission that resonates with you, and people are more likely to support your fundraising efforts when they know it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about.
International Runners: Book a Tour Package
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If you’re not from the U.S., things get a little more straightforward — but also pricier. Book a marathon package through an approved international tour operator, and your spot is locked in.
These packages typically include a combination of flights, hotels, and race entry. It’s the all-inclusive resort experience but with more sweat.
Speed Your Way In: Qualifying Times
Think you’re fast enough to sidestep the lottery? Show off your speed with a qualifying time from a 2024 race. Unlike Boston, where pace is non-negotiable, New York gives a bit more flexibility.
Priority goes to NYRR race times, but you can use other certified races as well — just make sure they’re verifiable online.
Here’s the kicker: time-qualifier slots are first-come, first-served for non-NYRR times, so don’t snooze on submitting your application in February.
Legacy and Loyalty: Long-Term Strategies
If your marathon dreams are long-haul rather than short sprint, a few more routes might be worth considering:
The 15-Times Club
Run the marathon 15 times (yes, you read that right), and you’re basically in for life. Okay, maybe not for life, but definitely for future years. It’s the marathoner’s equivalent of a loyalty punch card — except you’re punching your legs repeatedly.
The 9+1 Program
If you live in or near NYC, this is your best bet for guaranteed entry in 2026. Run nine eligible races and volunteer at one qualifying event (usually another race) in the same calendar year.
Is It Worth It?
@newyorknico New York Marathon 2024. #nyc #marathon ♬ Agape – Nicholas Britell
Absolutely. The NYC Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s an experience that sticks with you for life.
Even the process of getting in — all the hustle, the anxiety of waiting, the endless planning — it’s all part of the journey.
Sure, it’s not the easiest marathon to get into, but that just makes it sweeter when you finally do.
So, go ahead. Try your luck. Fundraise your heart out. Push for that qualifying time. Whatever your route, when you finally cross that finish line and hear the crowd roaring, it’ll all be worth it.
Catch you on the course.
