How to Register for the New York Marathon – A Step-by-Step Guide

Open the official NYRR registration page today and create your account to begin. This first move locks your profile and lets you track registrations across years. Plan to complete this in one sitting, as missing fields or invalid emails delay the process and could push you past the window.

Choose your route: a charity entry with a philanthropic partner requires you to commit to fundraising, while a standard entry goes through a lottery or guaranteed spot via nonprofit programs. A number of charity slots stay reserved each year, so your chances depend on your backing and how much you might raise. This could influence your decision; review the list of entry routes to see which path fits you best. From years of history, the format remains similar. If you register for charity, ensure your commitment is solid before you begin.

Prepare your personal details: legal name, date of birth, emergency contact, and a medical disclosure. You must confirm your age group, which includes brackets such as 45-49 and 60-64, to ensure correct results and communications. You may need to provide evidence from your medical provider if requested; the site does require verification and does require accuracy. Upload or enter a valid ID if the site requests verification; this step helps with bib assignment and start corral placement.

The history of the event shows growth in participation every decade; check the official calendar for exact deadlines each year. There were times when spots sold out in minutes, so act quickly when the window opens. Typical steps include submitting forms, paying the registration fee, and receiving a confirmation email. Keep your login details handy to avoid extra delays; most registrants experience a smooth process when they complete all fields and payments on the first try.

After you register, plan your training from 18 to 20 weeks out and set a weekly mileage goal that ramps from 20 miles to 40+ miles as the race approaches. On race week, review bib pickup locations and times, usually at the Javits Center or nearby venues, and confirm you have your photo ID, medical info, and your number bib with you. On the streets of NYC, leave extra time for security lines and bag checks.

For philanthropic entries, line up your fundraising plan early. Charities often require you to commit a fundraising threshold, which is worth your effort if you have a realistic plan to reach it. Use a schedule that includes daily and weekly targets and track progress on the charity page; donors may match contributions, increasing the overall amount you can raise and the impact of your running effort.

If you miss out on a guaranteed or charity slot, stay prepared: join the waitlist, monitor registrations, and consider applying next year. Use your age group data to pick a plan that matches your current abilities; the history of the event shows many runners return with improved times after a season of focused training.

Choose Your Entry Route: General Entry, Lottery, Guaranteed Entry, or 9+1 Program

Register for General Entry now to lock in a fast, straightforward path with a clear window and predictable fees.

General Entry allows marathoners to join on a first-come, first-served basis during the official opens window. This route keeps your dream alive with minimal guesswork; however, slots are limited, and the line can move quickly, so be ready to register the moment it opens. If you miss it, you might try the Lottery later or pivot to Guaranteed Entry or the 9+1 Program. Find the avenue that fits your schedule, travel plans, and heart for volunteering.

Route options at a glance

Since the 22nd edition of the race, options have varied across years, and the 40-44 age group often finds tailored paths through Guaranteed Entry or 9+1. If you’re weighing costs, note that fees differ by route and are charged per entry plus any charity or NYRR memberships. You could travel from a city trip to a weekend break, but plan ahead to take advantage of the best window and avoid last-minute stress. The choice you make now sets the pace for your next miles and the finish line ahead.

Understand the 9+1 Program: Eligibility, Volunteer Requirements, and Application Window

Verify you meet the 9+1 criteria now; registrations open on the 22nd for eligible New York City residents who seek coveted marathon bibs. The operator handles onboarding, and ticking off each criterion confirms your eligibility; you should commit to their program by joining 1 year of volunteering with NYRR organizations and supporting related donations where possible. This method keeps you aligned with every step and makes registering straightforward.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must be a New York City resident and meet the 9+1 criteria: complete 9 NYC Marathon finishes and contribute 1 year of volunteering with NYRR organizations. This path earns a coveted, guaranteed entry and bibs for the marathon. Maintain your NYRR profile and meet every milestone to stay eligible, and consider donations that support participating programs to build credit for your community work.

Application Window and Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer requirements include 1 year of service with NYRR organizations, with a set minimum of shifts across participating events. The 22nd window opens registrations; open the NYRR portal, then register by providing your details, confirming eligibility, and ticking the boxes for volunteering and marathon experience. The process takes a few minutes, and you will know the result within a short period if you meet their criteria. If selected, you receive bibs and a clear plan on event parking near the start area; donations support these programs, and credit is given for your participation.

Set Up Your NYRR Profile: Personal Data, Medical Info, and Contact Preferences

Open your nyrrs profile now to lock in Personal Data, Medical Info, and Contact Preferences before you register for nycm. Everyone should have accurate details on file, and the window to update stays open through the final check. Start in the Personal Data tab: enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, and an emergency contact. Include your preferred language to speed communications on race day. The official setup also flags age groups like 40-44 or 60-64, so double-check these fields to ensure you’re placed correctly. These steps were designed to be straightforward and will bridge the gap between you and race organizers.

Medical Info: add allergies, medications, chronic conditions, and any accessibility needs. This data remains in the nyrrs system and is accessible to medical teams and event staff when help is required. If you train with a pacer or partner organizations, note any special considerations so volunteers know how to assist. You can attach a physician’s note or clear medication list; this can speed on-course care and ensure sound decision-making during a crisis.

Contact Preferences: pick how you want to receive updates–email, SMS, or push alerts–and verify your primary phone and two backup contacts. Mark an emergency contact and share consent for changes and reminders about events and meeting times. This helps you join events, programs, or packages when announced by nyrrs or nycm officials. Some perks, like training guides or resources for participants, are sent through your chosen channel.

Security and maintenance: your data is stored securely in the nyrrs system and protected by standard encryption. You control edits: update personal data, medical details, or contact prefs anytime, and changes take effect on the next login window. You can review and export your profile if needed. Note that some information (emergency contacts, medical notes) stays visible to official staff during events. If you miss a change window, use the 22nd reminder to fix it. Some events or training programs may be free; check official notices.

Complete Online Registration: Account Creation, Entry Type Selection, and Secure Payment

Create your account now to secure your place in the New York Marathon. Enter your full name, date of birth, country, and a valid email; set a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if offered. You can manage entries for yourself and add family members later through the same account, including age bands such as 50-54 or 65-69. If you plan a trip that includes a flight, note that in your profile so arrival and packet pickup align with your schedule.

On the Entry Type Selection screen, choose the race you intend to run: marathon, half-marathon, or other supported options. The system clearly shows price and capacity for each entry, and you can switch types later if your plan changes. If you join as a member of a partner club or organization, apply the group line to link your entries and share benefits with others; this helps your participants and keeps the list organized.

Proceed to Secure Payment through a trusted gateway. The platform supports credit or debit cards, apple pay, and other common methods; all data is encrypted and processed through PCI-DSS standards. You can pay for multiple entries at once; the total shows with a plus sign for each entry. After payment, you receive a confirmation window with a unique registration ID. The official источник provides security notes and payment guidance you can review if needed.

To lock your spot in the biggest weekend event, complete payment promptly, since entries can fill quickly. You can invite fellow participants to join through your account, making it simple to coordinate group trips and hotel stays. This approach suits any major trip, whether you arrive by flight or combine the race with sightseeing in New York.

After You Register: Confirmation, Bib Pickup, Transfers, and Race Week Timeline

Confirm your registration immediately by opening the confirmation email and saving your unique bib QR code. The message, which arrives after payment, links to the runner portal where you can read your events, review registrations, and check the latest updates. Keep this information handy, because the ticking clock before race week means every detail matters.

1. Confirmation and Access

   • Your confirmation shows your name, bib number, and a QR code. The portal also confirms which events you’re registered for and any add‑ons you selected.
   • Read the details carefully to know required documents, pickup windows, and transfer rules. Only official channels provide the most up‑to‑date guidance.
   • Print or save the QR code and bib number; this guarantees smooth check‑in at the expo. If you’ve been using a travel plan, park options, or a hotel package, keep those confirmations handy as well.
   • At the expo, you can pick up your packet, ask staff questions, and grab a snack such as an apple while you orient yourself around sponsor booths and program tables.

2. Bib Pickup

   • Bib pickup opens at the expo the week of the race. Bring a government photo ID and either your confirmation email or bib number to verify identity.
   • If someone else will collect your bib, they need a signed pickup authorization and their photo ID; you can set this up in the runner portal in advance.
   • If you lose access to your QR code, print a fresh copy from the portal or have staff reissue it after identity verification.
   • Arrive early to avoid queues; designated parking near the expo area helps you move quickly between booths. This is especially useful when the general schedule is tight and every minute counts.

3. Transfers and Changes

   • Transfers to another person or name are allowed through the official portal in the transfer window. Accepted requests go through a verification step to prevent errors.
   • A transfer fee is charged and appears in the payment summary. The exact amount is shown before you confirm the transfer, and charges post to the original registrations but are you charged only once per transfer.
   • Both parties must accept the transfer in the portal; after acceptance, the bib is linked to the new runner’s profile and the update reflects in your account.
   • Check deadlines in the portal; transfers may be restricted close to race week, so plan ahead to avoid being locked out.

4. Race Week Timeline

   • The NY event sits among iconic races in the U.S., like chicago, with a wide expo, charity programs, and fan events. General guidance is available in the app and through official emails, so read updates carefully.
   • Expo and packet pickup run several days before race day; plan to arrive with enough time to explore sponsor booths, bag‑drop instructions, and course logistics. Follow posted park and traffic advisories to avoid delays.
   • Volunteer options appear in the portal; if you want to help on course or in the finish area, apply to volunteer and review shifts, rules, and gear requirements.
   • Carbo‑load events, gear check stations, and charity fundraisers are listed in the schedule. If you participate in a charity program, ensure your fundraiser materials are attached to your profile before race week.
   • On race morning, arrive early, drop your gear at the correct bag check, and head to your corrals. The race day plan includes security checks, corrals, and start times that are posted in your packet and app; keep an eye on the clock because every minute counts.
   • After you finish, collect your medal at the iconic finish area and plan your post‑race meetups. If you’re driving, check for posted parking guidance near the park and plan a pickup route that minimizes backtracking.