What to know about the 2026 NYC Marathon lottery
Meet the man who runs marathons for foster cats
Every year, Dr. Peter Soboroff runs a solo marathon to raise money for senior cat rescues. He joined Dan Bowens on Newsroom Live and brought Thomas, who was recently brought to the shelter for euthanasia. Funds raised by Dr. Soboroff will help rescue cats like Thomas!
NEW YORK - The New York City Marathon lottery is now open for runners hoping to secure a spot in the 2026 race.
SKIP TO: Were you selected? Here’s what to know
By the numbers:
For the second consecutive year, New York Road Runners received more applications than ever before for the TCS New York City Marathon drawing, with 240,000+ applicants from more than 160 countries—a near-20 percent increase from 2025.
Today, runners will learn their 2026 application status, with only about one percent of applicants accepted.
"This year’s marathon is extra special as it marks 50 years of the five-borough course," said New York Road Runners CEO, Rob Simmelkjaer.
Three applicant pools
TOPSHOT - Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge before competing in the 52nd Edition of the New York City Marathon on November 5, 2023. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images) ( )
What we know:
For this year’s race, non-guaranteed general entry drawing applications were submitted during a three-week registration period from Feb. 4–25.
Available spots will be filled through separate drawings in three groups:
- NYC metro area: Residents within 60 miles of New York City
- National: U.S. residents outside the metro area, including Puerto Rico and U.S. territories
- International: Non-U.S. residents
- Member-only second chance
Eligible NYRR members who apply to the general drawing will automatically be entered into a member-only second-chance drawing on March 4.
Membership must be active as of Feb. 3 and remain active through drawing day.
Payment details
Dig deeper:
Submitting an application authorizes NYRR to charge a non-refundable entry fee if selected.
Applicants may withdraw before the drawing. Once accepted, runners are automatically charged. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, and NYRR does not reconfirm selections in advance.
Athletes with disabilities
Athletes with disabilities who do not have guaranteed entry must apply through the non-guaranteed drawing.
For more information, see the official website here.
Were you selected? Here’s what to know
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 2, 2025: More than 55000 runners participate the 54th TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2, in New York City, United States. (Photo by Selçuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Runners who were not selected in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon drawing still have several ways to secure a spot in the Nov. 1 race.
- Official Charity Partner Program: New York Road Runners’ Official Charity Partner Program offers guaranteed entries for runners who commit to fundraising for participating nonprofits.For the marathon’s 50th anniversary of the five-borough course, NYRR expanded the program to include more than 670 charities. About 60% of the charities are headquartered in New York City. The 2026 charity program opens today, and runners can search participating organizations to find one to support. See charities here.
- Across the Boroughs Marathon Sweepstakes: Starting March 5, runners who did not gain entry through the drawing or other methods can enter the Across the Boroughs Marathon Sweepstakes.Two grand prize winners will receive complimentary entry to the 2026 marathon and all six NYRR Five-Borough Series races. Ten runner-up winners will receive free entry to the marathon. See sweepstakes here.
The entry period runs through March 19 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Winners will be announced by March 26.
When is the NYC Marathon 2026?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: In this aerial view, runners compete as they cross over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge during the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on November 03, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images) (NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: In this aerial view, runners compete as they cross over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge during the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on November 03, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images))
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will take place Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. The race runs through all five boroughs and is considered one of the most inclusive sporting events in the world.
The Source: This report is based on information from the TCS NYC Marathon.