The New York City Marathon, held each year on the first Sunday in November, is one of the most iconic races in the world. Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the NYC Marathon offers runners an amazing 26.2-mile journey through the Big Apple’s five boroughs, where each area has a distinct character and incredible energy. For many, it’s a bucket-list race due to its incredible course, challenging terrain, and electric atmosphere.

One of the NYC Marathon’s defining features has always been its incredible crowd support. The city’s communities come out in full force, celebrating the runners and showcasing NYC’s diversity and vibrant spirit. Signs, costumes, music, and people shouting runners’ names and ringing their cowbells add to the magic of the day. The crowd energy is so legendary that if you find yourself struggling, the cheering can help push you through the tougher sections, especially on First Avenue and in Central Park when it gets especially tough.

If you spectated the marathon in person in NYC, or from your couch on TV and had FOMO, here’s how you can get a spot for the 2025 race. Warning: Even though there are around 50,000 runners, it’s still extremely complicated and difficult. Last year, only 4% of applicants got a spot!

There are nine different ways you can get in:

1. Be a super speedy, elite runner.

Wait? This isn’t you? Then read on.

2. Qualify based on time

If you’re not quite an elite runner, but you’re still very fast, it’s possible that you might be able to time qualify for the NYC Marathon. The times you’ll need to reach for 2025 entry can be found here.

3. Enter the ballot. 

If you’re like me and you’re not a super speedy elite runner or a time qualifier, you’re going to need to enter the ballot with the masses. Applications usually open at the end of February and are open for about a month. About a month after that, the drawing takes place and runners are notified by email. You’ll also find the entry fee of approximately $300 immediately deducted from your bank account or credit card so be sure you want to commit before you apply! If you’re a member of the NYRR it’s a little cheaper, and if you’re coming from overseas, it’s a little more expensive – check the pricing before you click ‘enter’!

4. Run with one of the official charities.

If you’re looking to raise money for charity, you could apply for a spot through one of NYC Marathon’s official charity partners. Team for Kids is the main charity,  but just after the main ballot drawing, the other charities will be announced and you can apply to them directly for a bib and to raise funds. To learn more about the charity route, check out the NYRR charity partner programme page.

5. Have already run 15+ NYC marathons.

Are you a NYC Marathon rockstar who has run the marathon 15+ times? If that’s you, then you are entitled to guaranteed entry to keep that amazing record going. Learning more here. If you’re just in awe of these people, like me, you can see the list of streakers here.

6. Used a deferred entry from a previous year.

If you weren’t able to take up your spot in the 2024 NYC Marathon, you may be able to take your place on the starting line in 2025. Check this link to see if you’re eligible.

7. Participate in NYRR’s 9+1 Program.

It’s possible to get entry into the marathon through the 9+1 programme. This programme is more accessible for residents of the tri-state area than people who live further away because it requires you to run 9 races and volunteer at at least one. You’ll also need to be a NYRR member. To learn more, check out the NYRR 9+1 page.

8. Live abroad, and book your trip through an NYRR international travel partner.

Runners coming to NYC from abroad can gain a spot by joining an international tour operator. This method can be very expensive, and the price varies depending on where you’re coming from. The best part though, is that you won’t need to think about a thing because everything from the flight, hotel, meals and sightseeing will be organised for you.

9. Have run the virtual race in 2023.

Since the pandemic, the NYC Marathon has run a virtual option every year. I ran this in 2022 and it was an awesome opportunity to train and be accountable, without the stresses and cost associated with an in-person marathon (see my post on that here). If you signed up for the virtual marathon in 2023, ran it, and had the guaranteed entry option, you’ll be able to register for the in-person race in NYC in 2025!

Today’s marathon in NYC looked incredible. The weather was perfect, the elite race was so exciting, and the masses of runners behind them were amazing. If the race inspired, check out the NYC Marathon’s website and figure out how you can snag yourself a spot for 2025. If NYC is a little far away geographically for you, or you’re so inspired to run a marathon that you can’t wait for NYC, check out some of these amazing European options.  A US version of this blog is coming soon for all my US based friends.

Finally, if you’re not ready to run a marathon, but you’d love to be involved and support all the runners and charities during race week and on the actual day, take a look at the different opportunities with the NYRR. Volunteering at a marathon is a lot of fun and so rewarding!

How have you managed to get a spot in the NYC Marathon? Do you have any tips for excited and impatient runners?