The TCS New York City Marathon is considered to be one of the most popular races of the year. Each Fall, tens of thousands of runners flood the streets of NYC. But next year, things may not be the same, as enforcing strict rules for the race is making it more complicated for the runners to enter.

With over 200,000 applications from around 150 countries for a limited number of non-guaranteed spots, the race’s acceptance rate has sunk to just 2–3% in 2025. And that makes the race statistically harder to get into than top universities like Harvard. And that figure only applies to the open lottery. After all, most of the 55,000+ spots are reserved for time qualifiers, charity runners, and guaranteed NYRR programs. The acceptance rate has been dropping really fast. In 2022, 84,000 people applied, and 12% got the chance to run. In 2023, the acceptance rate was 5% and in 2024, it was 4%. With the rising popularity, the decreasing acceptance rate is no surprise. 

So, is getting into the NYC Marathon significantly tougher than getting into the Ivy League class of 2025 (applications received in 2021)? The acceptance rate in the Ivy League schools for the class of 2025 ranged from 2.6% to 6.7%. And that for the class of 2029 is around 2.8% to 6%. While the Ivy League’s acceptance rate remains the same across the past five years, that for the NYC Marathon has kept steadily decreasing.

Back in 1970, the New York City Marathon began with just 55 contenders running in a loop around Central Park. And the entry fee? Only a dollar! But today, it has evolved into a billion-dollar powerhouse, with entry fees costing $315. In 2024, the New York Road Runners, the non-profit organization responsible for the success of the marathon, generated a mind-boggling revenue of $117 million. And this came through entry fees, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and media deals.  

But is there any other way to participate in the NYC Marathon? What about the aspirants who want a guaranteed entry into the race? 

How do you participate in the NYC Marathon?

As mentioned earlier, the obvious way to run in the New York City Marathon is to run as part of a non-profit organization. Despite that, there are a few other alternatives. But these alternatives are equally demanding.

First up, the NYRR extends an invitation to the fast runners who meet the time qualifying standards at the Fred Lebow Half Marathon, United Airlines NYC Half, Maybelline Women’s Half, RBC Brooklyn Half, or the TCS NYC Marathon. And if the number of qualifiers exceeds the available spots, NYRR admits the fastest runners in each age and gender category. 

Meanwhile, local New Yorkers can earn a bib through NYRR’s 9+1 program. Here, they have to complete nine NYRR-scored marathons and volunteer in one shift in the calendar year. Showcasing a serious commitment can get you a guaranteed entry. Furthermore, NYRR’s official charity partners also offer guaranteed entries and VIP perks in exchange for meeting minimum fundraising requirements. And these requirements often need several thousand dollars. 

But there’s a good piece of information for non-US residents. They can bypass the lottery entirely by booking through an Official International Tour Operator, which bundles a guaranteed race entry with travel and accommodation services. Of course, it’s a pricier approach. But it’s also straightforward. Each route demands either exceptional speed, significant time and race commitment, or financial resources. So, while the lottery may feel like luck, many runners treat these alternatives as strategic, attainable plans. But no matter the path, earning a spot in the NYC Marathon demands dedication and unwavering determination. Have you participated in the NYC Marathon?