Long-distance running has blossomed in popularity over the last few years, and the New York City Marathon is one of the reasons why. Races in major cities allow runners a unique, exclusive tour of the sights in a way no one else can do. NYC stands out for its scale and history, as well as the unmatched energy. Find out how you can take part in this iconic race!
The History and Significance of the NYC Marathon
The first New York City Marathon took place in 1970. The course at that time was a loop several times around Central Park. Participation from both athletes and spectators was modest, with only 127 competitors and 100 spectators.
Over time, the event evolved. Organizers managed to secure a much more exciting and public route that included all five boroughs as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Corporate sponsorship also helped increase the race’s fame, facilities, and participation. Today, it’s formally known as the TCS New York City Marathon.
New York City is known for being progressive throughout history, which is evident even in the marathon’s development. The inaugural race included women (although only one woman, Nina Kuscsik, ended up participating), even though it was against the official rules. In 1971, the official rules stipulated that women could compete as long as they didn’t run at the same time as the men. But the NYC Six, a group of female athletes, protested despite the resulting penalty to their race times. However, it led to the abolishment of that rule the very next year.
Today, the NYC Marathon is the largest in the world, with the most runners and spectators of all the world marathons every year.
finishers in the race
spectators line the streets
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NYC Marathon Course
The NYC Marathon course is one of the most famous in the world. It passes through all five historic New York boroughs, giving a sense of pride for locals and awe for visitors. Getting familiar with what to expect in the marathon route is a vital part of preparation and training for athletes getting ready to run in the Big Apple.
Course Overview
Naturally, the marathon course is 26.2 miles long per the official marathon standards. It begins on Staten Island and ends in Central Park. Runners cross famous bridges and pass through dozens of neighborhoods along the way.
The course itself offers a balanced marathon experience.
The beginning section is technically challenging, featuring an ascent that lasts for over 1 kilometer (about ¾ of a mile). This tough start can cause runners to start too fast accidentally, and the downhill on the other side can tempt runners to try to make up time. However, this first hurdle should be a slower-paced warm-up and recovery; you can make up time on the more level sections ahead.
In the next section, the elevation is rather even, with the biggest obstacle being bottlenecks where the three starting corridors merge. Afterward, more bridges bring more uphill running, and the lack of spectators in those stretches tests runners’ mental and emotional endurance.
Once the course returns to Manhattan, the elevation again levels out, and athletes are met with the “wall of sound” where spectators again line the streets. In the final stretch, runners have to finish with a final big climb up 5th Avenue. On any other day, the incline would be hardly noticeable, but after running for 22.5 miles, the 2% gradient feels much more challenging.
After making it up the hill, the route turns into Central Park, which is filled with “rollers,” short, sharp hills. Runners should take care to maintain sure footing. Finally, runners cross the finish line in the greenery of the famous park.
Key Landmarks Along the Route
Often referred to as “the best way to see New York City,” the marathon route takes runners through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Athletes pass by many famous monuments along the way. Here are some of the main features you can look forward to on your run:
- View of the Statue of Liberty from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: Runners are the only people who typically get to cross this stunning bridge on foot, allowing them to have an amazing view of Lady Liberty for encouragement.
- Sunset Park South Historic District: See the iconic brownstone and brick townhouses.
- Greenwood Cemetery Gate: This Gothic Revival gate is a magnificent landmark from the 1860s.
- Williamsburgh Savings Bank: The Renaissance Revival-style architecture makes this building stand out.
- View of the Empire State Building: While on the Pulaksi Bridge, runners can get a great view of the world-famous Art Deco skyscraper.
- Queensboro Bridge: Runners cross this famous bridge as they travel to Manhattan.
- Gracie Mansion: The country house, built in 1801, is the official home of the Mayor of New York City and has seen many renowned guests over the years.
- St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic Church: The Italian Renaissance-style church easily stands out among the other buildings.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: This abstract facade is world-famous.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): Another famous museum, the Beaux-Arts style is iconic.
- Plaza Hotel: One of the most world-famous hotels.
Preparing for the NYC Marathon 2026
Training for any marathon requires dedication, patience, and lots of planning. On the athletic side, runners need to ensure they train effectively so they can complete the race at their realistic pace, without injury.
On the administrative side, they need to ensure they understand the application and registration process, as well as the rules. It’s also important to get familiar with the day-of procedure, so you can navigate the starting line with confidence.
Registration Process
Registration for the NYC Marathon takes place in February, and there are many different entry pathways for runners to pursue. This is great for having lots of opportunities, but it can also be rather confusing.
The entry pathways are sorted into three categories: non-guaranteed entry, guaranteed entry, and "other" (purchasing an entry, charity), which we’ll explain below.
Here’s the essential information you need to know about the different pathways for joining the New York City Marathon.
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The window for non-guaranteed, guaranteed, and claims entries opened on February 4 and closes on February 25, 2026.
Runners can still secure a place through charities after closure.
Drawing (Lottery) & NYRR-Member Second Chance Drawing
The most common way for hopeful runners to get into any marathon is through the lottery system. This is a non-guaranteed entry pathway.
The NYC Marathon creates 3 drawing pools: “NYC metro area” applicants, “National” applicants (U.S. residents), and “International” applicants. It’s estimated that the lottery gives applicants about a 3% chance of selection.
Members of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) who are not selected in the initial drawing are automatically entered into a second drawing.
Runners are charged the entry fee only if they are selected in the lottery.
In 2026, the entry fee is $269.66 for NYRR members and $333.11 for non-NYRR members.
TCS New York City Marathon 9+1 Membership Program (NYRR Members)
Runners can secure a guaranteed entry by being active members of the running community in NYC. To qualify, runners must:
- Have an active NYRR membership as of December 31 of the previous year (so for 2026, they needed to have had the membership by Dec. 31, 2025)
- Run and complete at least 9 qualifying races in the previous year
- Volunteer at at least 1 qualifying opportunity in the previous year
For the 2027 NYC Marathon, the qualifying running events include:
- NYRR Al Gordon 5K (February 28)
- NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K (March 1)
- 2026 United Airlines NYC Half (March 15)
- Run as One 4M Presented by JPMorgan Chase + 1.4 Mile Health Walk (April 12)
- RBC Race for the Kids 4M Presented by NYRR + 1 Mile Family Walk (April 19)
- Maybelline Women’s Half (April 26)
- NYRR Mindful 5K (May 2)
- NYRR BK 5K (May 5)
- 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half (May 16)
- Mastercard New York Mini 10K – Women’s Race (June 6)
- Citizens Queens 10K (June 20)
- Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run 4M (June 27)
- Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank (June 28)
- 2026 TCS New York City Marathon (November 1)
- Virtual Resolution Run 5K (TBD)
- Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 5K (TBD)
- Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K (TBD)
Virtual runs require runners to sign up for the “premium tier” entry and use the Strava app.
More events may be added throughout the year, so be sure to keep up-to-date on opportunities on the official NYRR website. You can also find all the volunteer opportunities on the website; keep in mind that volunteer spots usually fill up fast and far in advance, so make plans as soon as you can!
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The NYC Marathon offers a Duo Exhibition, which allows runners to participate while pushing a teammate in a specialized wheelchair. For more information, visit the official NYRR website.
Virtual Guaranteed Entry
If you participate in and complete the virtual TCS NYC Marathon at the Guaranteed Entry Tier, you will receive a guaranteed entry offer for the next year’s marathon (non-complimentary).
The virtual NYC Marathon application period usually lasts for about 1 week in June. Runners are selected for the virtual races through a drawing, just like for the in-person race.
Time-Qualifying Standards
Elite runners can secure a guaranteed entry when they meet the NYC Marathon qualifying times. The window for achieving the times is the prior year, so for the 2026 Marathon, that was January 1 to December 31, 2025.
The best events to earn your qualifying time at are NYRR races. In 2025, these events were eligible for achieving a qualifying time:
- 2025 Fred Lebow Half Marathon
- 2025 United Airlines NYC Half
- 2025 Maybelline Women's Half
- 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half
- 2025 TCS New York City Marathon
Note that only these specific half marathons are accepted; any other half marathons will not be considered.
There are also a limited number of spots for athletes who achieved their qualifying time at non-NYRR races. To be considered, the runners’ events must meet certain conditions:
- The event must be certified by USA Track and Field, Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), World Athletics, or a similar body.
- The event must make the chip time data available on its website.
- The race must be a full, outdoor marathon (no half marathons).
If there are more applicants than there are available spaces, only the fastest runners per gender and age group will be selected due to field size limits. Applicants with verified times who are not selected will be automatically entered into the lottery drawing.
For 2025, the qualifying times were:
| Age Group | Men - Marathon | Men - Half Marathon | Women & Non-Binary - Marathon | Women & Non-Binary - Half Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:53:00 | 1:21:00 | 3:13:00 | 1:32:00 |
| 35-39 | 2:55:00 | 1:23:00 | 3:15:00 | 1:34:00 |
| 40-44 | 2:58:00 | 1:25:00 | 3:26:00 | 1:37:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:05:00 | 1:28:00 | 3:38:00 | 1:42:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:14:00 | 1:32:00 | 3:51:00 | 1:49:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:23:00 | 1:36:00 | 4:10:00 | 1:54:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:34:00 | 1:41:00 | 4:27:00 | 2:02:00 |
| 65-69 | 3:45:00 | 1:46:00 | 4:50:00 | 2:12:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:10:00 | 1:57:00 | 5:30:00 | 2:27:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:30:00 | 2:07:00 | 6:00:00 | 2:40:00 |
| 80+ | 4:55:00 | 2:15:00 | 6:35:00 | 2:50:00 |
The Boston Marathon is the only World Major Marathon that requires runners to submit a qualifying time. Find out more about how to get into the Boston Marathon.
Completed 15-Plus
Athletes who have completed at least 15 NYC Marathons are granted guaranteed entry. They must still pay the entry fee. The offer must be claimed during the entry period window.
Athletes must be at least age 18 by race day.
Cancellation in 2025
Entrants who successfully registered for the 2025 TCS New York Marathon but then canceled (through the official channels) are given guaranteed entry for 2026. They must pay the entry fee and claim their spot during the entry period. This offer extends to runners who canceled due to pregnancy and postpartum. Runners cannot cancel and defer their entries two years in a row.
NYRR Team for Kids (TFK)
Secure a place through this charity option! The TFK Premium Experience, TFK Premium Experience Plus, TFK Community Champion, and TFK General Entry tiers allow athletes to purchase their place and donate to charity.
These options tend to be very expensive, ranging from a $3,00 fundraising commitment to a $10,000 one, plus sign-up and registration fees.
If you’ve already secured a place in the race but want to join the cause, you can also join as a pledger.
Currently, there are no remaining spots in the guaranteed entry tiers.
It's really meaningful to me … On this course, on this challenging course, on this really unique marathon, it means a lot to win a seventh time.
Marcel Hug, professional athlete
NYRR Team for Climate
Information about how to sign up as a fundraiser for Team for Climate 2026 is yet to be released. More information will likely be available at the beginning of March, after entries through the drawing and guaranteed places have been verified.
This option is solely for those who have not secured entry through another means. You do not need to be an NYRR member to apply.
5K and 10K Philanthropic Members
Members of the NYRR at the Philanthropic levels receive guaranteed entry to the marathon. They also earn VIP runner hospitality and guaranteed entry into the United Airlines NYC Half and the RBC Brooklyn Half.
Members who sign up for the annual membership at the $5,287.50 or $10,575.00 tier are eligible.
November 1, 2026 9:00 am
Race Day!
Charities
Runners can sign up to pledge certain amounts to official charities for a guaranteed entry spot.
The official charity partners for 2026 have not yet been released, but are expected in the spring. Charities usually support causes like children’s needs, medical causes including cancer and mental illness, homelessness, animals, and the environment.
International Tour Operators
Runners who do not live in the United States full-time can buy an experience with an official tour operator for a guaranteed entry. These tour operators typically handle hotel reservations and offer assistance with navigating the Expo and race day travel. The registration period for 2026 is currently closed.
Qualifying Times and Standards
All the major marathons allow elite runners a better chance of securing a spot or a guaranteed entry if they prove to be among the fastest marathon runners.
The NYC Marathon promises guaranteed places for runners who have earned a qualifying spot at one of the NYRR races throughout the year. Only a limited number of runners who achieve their time at an eligible non-NYRR race are available.
Serious runners should try their best to meet the qualifying times, ideally at one of the NYRR events. If they are achieving their time through a different race, they need to aim for the fastest time possible to stay at the top of the ranks within their age and gender category to avoid being cut if there are more applicants than available spaces.
Training Tips and Resources
Effective training for marathons is well-planned and designed to build endurance and conditioning gradually. Runners should aim to begin training at least 20 weeks in advance. Slowly increasing mileage at a safe and proven rate is the best way to improve stamina without injury.
Training usually consists of different types of exercises, including long runs for endurance, short, fast runs for speed and efficiency, and strength exercises for conditioning and joint stability.
Recovery days and nutrition are equally vital. Working with a personal trainer can help you develop the perfect plan for your current fitness level and marathon day goals. They can ensure that your training regimen and nutrition plan are safe and effective.
Having an enjoyable, safe experience on race day also requires developing a plan for hydration and pacing on the marathon course. An experienced trainer will be able to help you determine which pace you should aim for at which times on the track, as well as when to have water and/or an energy drink or gel.
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Being a lifelong New Yorker, this is the best day in the best city. I cry about what beauty comes out on this day, and bringing out the best in every borough in every New Yorker.
Liz Healy, marathon enthusiast
2027 TCS New York City Marathon Registration
Marathons are not spur-of-the-moment events. Most runners begin planning their participation a year or more in advance. This is vital for coming up with a primary and secondary entry plan, raising funds (especially for charity places), making travel arrangements, and proper training.
Though the official dates for the 2027 entry timeline have not yet been released, we can speculate on how the timeline will look based on previous years.
Here is the estimated registration timeline for the 2027 NYC Marathon:
January 1, 2026
Earliest Date for a Qualifying Time Event
Runners must complete an event for the Time-Qualifying entry pathway no earlier than this date.
9+1 Program Window Begins
Runners who want to gain entry via the 9+1 Program can start planning which events they will compete in and volunteer at.
Late-October, 2026
NYRR Team for Kids Applications Open
Runners can secure a place through this charitable option.
December 31, 2026
Last Day to Open NYRR Membership
Runners who want to gain entry through the 9+1 Program must open their NYRR membership by this date.
Last Day for 9+1 Program
Athletes must have completed all 9 events and 1 volunteer opportunity in 2026.
Last Day for Qualifying Time
This is the last date a runner can complete an eligible event for a valid qualifying time.
Early-February, 2027
Application Window Opens
The application window for the drawing and all guaranteed-entry pathways will be open for most of February.
Mid-February, 2027
Non-NYRR TQ Applications Close
Applications for Qualifying Times achieved at non-NYRR events close early.
Late-February, 2027
Application Window Closes
The application window for all other types of entry besides charity close.
March, 2027
Applicants Notified
By early March, applicants will receive notice of acceptance or non-acceptance into the race.
Spring, 2027
Charity Partners Announced
Runners can join an official charity and pledge a substantial donation amount to secure a guaranteed entry.
NYRR Team for Climate Applications Open
This charitable option allows runners to secure a guaranteed place.
June, 2027
Begin Training
If you haven’t already, begin a training program by mid-June.
Mid-September, 2027
Last Day to Submit Updated Times
Runners can submit race times on their registration to be sorted into a faster corral. If you secure a faster time between your registration date and this update deadline, you can submit your new time to possibly be bumped into a faster corral.
November 7, 2027
Tentative Date: NYC Marathon 2027
Race day!
What to Expect on Race Day
In the three days leading up to race day, athletes will need to attend the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. The Expo is usually held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but the official announcement for 2026 has not yet been released.
Runners must pick a time slot in advance to pick up their materials. They must also attend the Expo in person with a photo ID and their runner confirmation form. After that’s sorted out, runners can mentally prepare for Sunday.
The start line is located on Staten Island, at Fort Wadsworth. You may bring the official clear bag you received at the Expo, but bear in mind there is no bag check system; you’ll either need to carry all your items or leave them behind.
Water, Gatorade, toilets, and medical aid are available at every mile after mile 3 (miles 5, 7, and 9 do not have hydration stations).
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Race Day Schedule
Runners should report to the start line well before their wave leaves. The first category to begin is the Men’s Professional Wheelchair Division at 8 AM, and the first non-professional runners will set out at 9:10 AM sharp.
The wave schedule for race day is:
| Wave | Race Numbers | Corrals Open | Corrals Close | Wave Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 500-16219 | 8:10 AM | 8:45 AM | 9:10 AM |
| 2 | 16220-26786 | 9:05 AM | 9:25 AM | 9:45 AM |
| 3 | 26787-39336 | 9:45 AM | 10:00 AM | 10:20 AM |
| 4 | 39337-52969 | 10:25 AM | 10:40 AM | 10:55 AM |
| 5 | 52970-71000 | 11:00 AM | 11:15 AM | 11:30 AM |
Athletes will need to organize themselves into the proper corral and channel, either Blue, Orange, or Pink. You can switch to a slower corral, but not to a faster one.
Runner’s times are calculated net times, based on when they cross the start and finish lines.
Runners will be allowed to continue until 10 PM (10.5 hours after the Wave 5 starts). Those who cross the line after 10 PM will not be recorded as official finishers.
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Notable Performances and Records
While the NYC Marathon isn’t the fastest course, it’s still world-famous. Not restricted to world records and fastest times, the NYC Marathon’s history is full of incredible stories about all types of runners. Here are just some of the amazing performances that exemplify what New York is all about.
1978 - 1988: The Legacy of Grete Waitz
Norwegian athlete Waitz astonished the running world and put the spotlight on the New York City course with her numerous achievements over the years.
In her first-ever run in NYC, she set the world record for women’s marathon times with a time of 2:32:30.
The next year, 1979, she beat her own time and became the first woman to ever run a marathon in under 2.5 hours; her time was 2:27:33.
In 1980, she outdid herself again, completing the marathon in 2:25:41.
From 1978 to 1988, she won 1st place in the marathon 9 times.
2025: The Closest Finish in History
Two Kenyan men’s runners found themselves vying for first place at the finish line. Benson Kirputo and Alexander Mutiso had been close well before the finish, but when Mutiso got a burst of energy, he started challenging for first place. In the end, they finished with just 0.03 seconds between them (Kirputo in first), marking the closest time challenge for a victor in any marathon’s history.
2025: Helen Obiri Sets a New Course Record
Kenyan runner Obiri shaved off almost three whole minutes from the existing women’s course record time to secure a 2:19:51 finish. Notably, she achieved a gruelling pace to outrun her biggest opponents. She completed a 5:04 mile, followed by a 4:48 mile to pull ahead. This was her fourth World Major Marathon title.
If you're passionate about running, the NYC Marathon is simply a must. To prepare, make sure you train well in advance and make proper arrangements for registration and travel. Getting into the marathon is extremely competitive, so you might need to save up for a few years to afford a paid entry. One thing is certain: you won't regret your experience running through the streets of NYC!
References
- New York City Marathon 2025: Elevation Profile - World Marathoner. (2025). https://worldmarathoner.com/en/new-york-city-marathon-2025-elevation-profile
- NYC Marathon Landmarks. (2023). In ArcGIS StoryMaps. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1fe352158b754dbbad3f854f468284a8
- Ok. (n.d.). TCS New York City Marathon. TCS New York City Marathon logo. https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon
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