"If you are one of the 240,000 runners who registered for the New York Marathon 2026 lottery, your chances of success are likely even lower than hitting your favorite number in roulette," Canadian Running Magazine humorously commented.

Runners cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge during the New York City Marathon 2024. Photo: The Guardian

On 4/3, New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced the much-anticipated lottery results for the 2026 season. Organizers stated they received applications from over 160 countries, but only about 1% of registered individuals secured an entry.

Last year, the New York City Marathon reclaimed its title as the world's largest marathon from the London Marathon, with over 59,000 runners finishing in Central Park. The surge in registrations is attributed to a global running wave, following 2025 which set numerous records for participation in running events.

The 2026 race is scheduled for 1/11 and will mark 50 years since the course first traversed the city's five boroughs in 1976.

For those unsuccessful in the lottery (approximately 99% of applicants), the opportunity to participate is not entirely closed. Organizers confirmed that over 40,000 other entries can still be allocated through various methods, with achieving qualifying times being the most common.

Additionally, runners can secure entries through NYRR programs, such as the 9+1 program (participating in nine races and volunteering at one event) or the organization's virtual race series.

The public lottery remains the simplest registration method, similar to throwing your name into a hat, but it is also the most competitive path. This year, the application period lasted three weeks, from 4/2 to 25/2. Typically, the lottery registration period is announced a few weeks after the previous year's race concludes.

Due to the limited number of entries, even athletes who meet qualifying times are not guaranteed participation. NYRR indicated they had to adjust the standards, accepting only about 10% of the fastest athletes within the qualifying group. This means runners needed to run at least 22 minutes and 52 seconds faster than the initial standard.

For example, women aged 18 to 35 aiming to secure a spot at the 2026 starting line must complete a marathon in under three hours. This standard is even more stringent than that for the Boston Marathon.

For those who were unlucky in the lottery round, several other options remain, including registering through charity programs, the NYRR Team for Climate, a second-chance lottery for NYRR members, or international tour operators partnered with the race.

Benson Kipruto (left) narrowly defeated Alexander Mutiso at the New York City Marathon 2025. Photo: Reuters

The New York City Marathon is one of the 7 major races, held annually in New York City, US. The course runs through all five boroughs of the city: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan.

Organized by New York Road Runners, the event has been held annually since 1970. The race has only been canceled two times: in 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy and in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The current course record for men belongs to Ethiopian athlete Tamirat Tola with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds (2023), and for women, Kenyan athlete Hellen Obiri holds the record with 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds (2025).

Hong Duy (according to Canadian Running Magazine)