New York City Marathon 2026: Lottery Rules
The New York City Marathon is one of the most sought-after and prestigious running events in the world. Many people begin their journey with this iconic race by participating in the lottery, which each year determines who will stand at the starting line in Staten Island. Below you will find a comprehensive overview of the current lottery rules for 2026, key dates, the division of participant pools, and details for athletes with disabilities.
When and how to enter the drawing?
To enter the lottery for the TCS New York City Marathon 2026, you must submit your application between February 4 and February 25, 2026. The drawing itself will take place on March 4. It is important to observe these dates closely, as applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered — this is the first step in the fight for a coveted place in the marathon.
Pool division: location matters
The lottery divides candidates into three pools, each with its own drawing:
• NYC metro area – residents of New York City and surrounding areas (within 60 miles of the city).
• National – other U.S. residents, including people from Puerto Rico and dependent territories.
• International – candidates from abroad, including Poland and Europe.
Each pool guarantees fair chances to candidates — not only locals but also international runners. The selection is made by the organizer’s electronic system, making the process transparent and democratic.
Additional chances: NYRR Member-Only Second-Chance Drawing
Members of New York Road Runners (NYRR) who paid their membership fees before February 3, 2026, and remain active on the drawing day have the opportunity to participate in an additional drawing. This so-called second-chance drawing can ultimately increase your chances of starting the marathon. You only need to apply for the main lottery, meet the membership criteria, and the system will automatically include you in the additional pool.
Fees and payment organization
Once your spot is drawn, NYRR automatically charges the entry fee from the provided credit or debit card. The card must be valid at least through March 2026, and sufficient funds must be available. The organizer recommends contacting your bank in advance to remove any blocks on international transactions for that day. If payment fails, you have until March 6 to resolve the issue and update your information. After that date, unused places will be forfeited.
You can withdraw your lottery application only until the moment of the drawing. Once the organizer accepts your application, the entry fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Rules for athletes with disabilities
Athletes with disabilities can also participate in the lottery: both runners on foot and those using wheelchairs (pushrim, handcycle). The organizer emphasizes that participants must be able to complete the distance independently. The presence of official guides or support runners who do not assist the athlete in movement is allowed. An exception is the Duo Team Exhibition program for duos: a healthy person (Pusher) runs with a disabled person (Pushee) in a dedicated racing wheelchair, after a separate application process.
Tips for candidates
• Consider NYRR membership to increase your chances.
• Ensure your payment card is valid through March 2026, has sufficient funds, and no transaction blocks.
• If you are a runner with a disability, familiarize yourself with the AWD category rules.
• Follow NYRR announcements as dates may change.
Looking for more information about the NYC Marathon?
If you want more advice, inspiration, or practical information about the New York City Marathon, visit the section dedicated to this marathon on the website. There, you will find reports, news, and training tips to help you prepare effectively for the race.
