Among the most common questions from readers who visit to learn about the New York City Marathon are: How can I enter the New York City Marathon? or How can I qualify for the New York City Marathon?
Here are the basics, as defined by the ING New York City Marathon on the official race site, with estimated revisions for 2009 race entry. Visit the official site for updates.
Who can apply?
Anyone who will be 18 or older on race day may apply for entry. The starting field will consist of entrants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states. Only one application per person, please. Any fees processed due to individuals submitting duplicate applications are non-refundable.
Please note: Handcycle applications will only be accepted from persons who have been active bona fide members of Achilles Track Club since January 31, 2007.
Lottery Applications
Lottery applications from individuals with a U.S. address will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on June 1. Non-U.S. lottery applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on May 1.
Because the number of applicants will exceed the number of spaces available, we will not be able to accept all applicants. NYRR will hold the random lottery drawing typically in early June.
Most international entrants come through our Official International Travel Partners [ITP], so only a portion (including athletes with disabilities) will be selected through a lottery drawing in mid-May.
Guaranteed Entry Options
Those who are eligible for guaranteed entry must still apply. Guaranteed entry applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2008. (An exception will be granted for runners wishing to run the NYRR Grand Prix Half-Marathon Presented by Continental Airlines: Brooklyn on May 3 and use that time to qualify for guaranteed entry.)
The following groups are eligible for guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon 2009:
- • Members of New York Road Runners since January 31, 2008, who completed at least nine NYRR-scored, qualifying races during the calendar year 2008. Handcycles seeking entry under this provision must also be active bona fide members of Achilles Track Club since January 31, 2008. [Also see Guaranteed Entry for NYRR Members]
- • Entrants in the ING New York City Marathon 2008 who canceled prior to the race. Athletes with disabilities seeking entry under this provision must have been accepted in the 2008 marathon through a lottery.
- • Those who have completed 15 or more New York City Marathons.
- • Those who have applied but been denied entry for the last three years in a row (2006, 2007, and 2008), and who haven't secured entry through alternative methods.
If you meet the above requirements, special instructions will be sent in January. (If you don't receive the instructions by February, apply with the regular lottery application. After you apply, send an e-mail to marathonmailer@nyrr.org with a short note mentioning why you qualify for guaranteed entry - Runners who meet the following qualifying time standards* on any certified course:
Marathon Half-Marathon Marathon Half-Marathon
Men 2:55:00 1:23:00 3:10:00 1:30:00
Women 3:23:00 1:37:00 3:38:00 1:44:00
Veterans (Age 50+)** Veterans (Age 60+)**
Marathon Half-Marathon Marathon Half-Marathon
Men 3:30:00 1:40:00 3:45:00 1:48:00
Women 3:52:00 1:50:00 4:13:00 2:00:30
Veterans (Age 70+)**
Marathon Half-Marathon
Men 4:00:00 1:55:00
Women 4:35:00 2:11:00
* All times must be run at, or faster than, the posted time.
** Your age on the day of the qualifying race.
You must have met the appropriate qualifying time between January 1, 2008, and May 1, 2009. (An exception will be granted for runners wishing to run the NYRR Grand Prix Half-Marathon Presented by Continental Airlines: Brooklyn on May 3 and use that time to qualify for guaranteed entry.) Include the race name and date with your application or email marathonmailer@nyrr.org with the race information after you apply.
for more, visit www.ingnewyorkmarathon.com
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