If you were hoping to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon through the lottery, you might want to rethink who you’re praying too because New York Road Runners announced that only about one percent of applicants were accepted through the 2026 lottery, after more than 240,000 runners applied from over 160 countries.
Yes – One percent.
For context, your odds of getting into the race this year through the lottery were arguably worse than getting struck by lightning depending. And yet, people keep applying, and hoping.
The Lottery Odds Are Getting Tighter
While exact acceptance numbers fluctuate year to year, the trend is unmistakable.
Do a quick Google search and you’ll see a decade ago, the NYC Marathon lottery acceptance rate hovered closer to 15–18 percent.
But on the last few years, those odds have steadily tightened as the race’s global popularity has surged. In 2022 the acceptance rate was roughly 12 percent, dropping to around 10 percent in 2023 and an estimated 7–8 percent in 2024.
By 2025 it had fallen to under five percent, and for 2026 the odds now sit at just one percent; a striking reflection of how dramatically demand for the race has grown.
And it’s happening while the race itself hasn’t changed much structurally.
The NYC Marathon still caps participation around the same total number of runners, meaning the only thing really growing is the number of people trying to get in.
Thank the Running Boom
Last year the New York City Marathon reclaimed its crown as the largest marathon in the world, with more than 59,000 runners finishing the race.
And the demand behind that start line has exploded over the last few years as running participation surged during the pandemic. Many thought it was a temporary spike like the bike industry saw but demand hasn’t wained, it’s only grown.
Strava’s year in sport 2025 report says running club communities continued to surge, with new clubs increasing 3.5x in 2025 compared to the previous year and that Gen Z is heavily driving this trend, with 75% more likely than Gen X to cite race/event participation as their primary motivation for exercise.
All of this is adding to the fact that marathons globally are selling out faster than ever., and races that once felt attainable through a simple lottery are now approaching Taylor Swift concert-ticket levels of scarcity.
New York being the clearest example.
The Marathon Everyone Wants
There’s a reason the demand is this intense. Running New York isn’t just a race, it is New York City! You get the The Verrazzano Bridge start, the prestige of running the five boroughs and the First Avenue party with just as many drunk revelers as runners. It’s a bucket-list event for runners globally.
The New Reality of Major Marathons
The crazy part is New York isn’t alone.
Across the Abbott World Marathon Majors — Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, and New York — demand has reached historic levels.
London recently saw more than 840,000 people apply for its ballot. Chicago and Berlin fill up almost instantly.
Boston doesn’t even do a lottery, they’ve just upped the qualifying standard (BQ). For the 2026 race, 24,362 of the 33,249 (73%) qualified applicants were accepted, requiring a cut-off time of 4 minutes and 34 seconds faster than the standard the year before. But to drop times by 4+ minutes is just insane!
The point is: qualification times are getting faster every year and the marathon boom isn’t fading, it’s accelerating.
So What Can You Do?
First. Do a different marathon. They’re not World Majors but there are hundreds of marathons happening globally. Don’t feel the NEED to put all your eggs into the Majors basket.
If you’re hell bent on one, you’ve still got a shot. Here are a few reliable ways you can secure a bib; each having their own trade-offs.
Run for a Charity
One of the most common paths into the NYC Marathon is through the race’s official charity program. Hundreds of organizations receive guaranteed entries in exchange for fundraising commitments.
Downside: Consider how much time you have as this route isn’t easy as most charities require raising anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000; but it’s also one of the most meaningful ways to run the race. You’re not just chasing a finish line but committing to raising money for causes that matter. We did this in 2009 and it was an incredible way to really make sure you commit to doing your best.
These are just some of the more well-known charity but the full list can be found here.
Team in Training (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) – This is the org. we raised money for. Truly an incredible experience and they help with training programs.
Team for Kids (NYRR’s flagship charity)
Fred’s Team (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Qualify with a Time
The second route is earning a time qualifier.
Each year NYRR sets qualifying standards based on age and gender. Hit that mark at a certified race and you can secure entry without relying on the lottery.
Downside: How fast are you? Times are getting exceedingly faster and they often fill up quickly once registration opens. On average, the qualifying times are as follows: Men (18–34): Full Marathon 2:53:00 and Women (18–34): Full Marathon 3:13:00.
For many runners, qualifying becomes its own multi-year carrot that you’re always chasing. It can be a grind and bring as much disappointment as success.
Run the 9+1 Program
If you live in the New York area, the NYRR 9+1 program is one of the most reliable paths into the race and maybe the most rewarding.
You complete nine qualifying NYRR races and one volunteer event within a calendar year and you earn guaranteed entry the following year. For local runners, it’s almost become a rite of passage. So many friends we know how gone this route.
Downside: Nine qualifying races in a calendar may be too much for some. You’d hate to hit seven and start rearraning your life to hit 9. But again, how much do you want to run New York?
More details here.
Travel Packages
For international runners or those looking for a simpler route, official NYRR travel partners offer guaranteed entries bundled with hotels and travel arrangements.
Downside: It’s the most expensive option, but also the least stressful.
Information on travel partners can be found here.
Are Majors Worth It?
That’s like asking if spending $10K+ to race in the Ironman World Championship is worth it. Everyone has their own thing and sometimes money is not the end all be all but hell yea it is. For most, these are the ultimate goal.
Some will say, “just compete locally or support small races!” And we do agree, you should do both of those things, but there is something magical about flying into a city where people from the world are descending. The vibes, the positivity. You just can’t beat it.
And there is no better feeling like getting that email that says, You’re In.
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