New York City Marathon: Guaranteed Start for 15+ Club Members
New York Road Runners (NYRR) rewards marathon runners for their exceptional perseverance. For runners who complete the New York City Marathon for the 15th time or more, the greatest benefit is promotion to the elite 15+ Club. This membership guarantees the option to secure a paid, yet certain, bib number in future editions of the marathon, eliminating the need to participate in the annual lottery. This guaranteed entry applies to anyone who crosses the finish line of the New York Marathon for the fifteenth time in their career.
Related article: this topic is an expansion of the article on Streakers. I invite you to read about the runners who are making history: Streakers at the New York City Marathon: Runners Who Are Making History.
The New York City Marathon, famous for its five-borough course, is considered the largest and one of the most difficult marathons in the world to gain entry to. The event attracts over 50,000 participants annually, marking the culmination of the running season for thousands of amateurs. The possibility of guaranteed entry is therefore an invaluable reward for veterans for years of loyalty to this demanding route.
Leaders by Number of Completed NYC Marathon Runs After 2025
| Runner | Last Finish | Number of Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| Men | ||
| Dave Obelkevich (M82) | 2025 | 49 |
| K Tucker Andersen (M83) | 2025 | 47 |
| David Laurance (M73) | 2025 | 47 |
| Women | ||
| Connie Brown (W81) | 2025 | 45 |
| Jillian Lazaridis (W80) | 2025 | 41 |
| Admas Beiligne (W72) | 2025 | 37 |
| Catherine Shott (W65) | 2025 | 37 |
The leader in this classification is Dave Obelkevich, who has 49 completed runs after the 2025 New York City Marathon. Obelkevich also holds the longest streak of consecutive finishes, totaling 48. Connie Brown leads the women’s classification with 45 completed marathons and a streak of 44 consecutive starts.
Runners who complete the New York City Marathon for the 15th time are eligible for a guaranteed, paid entry (non-complimentary entry) in future years.
Summary
Membership in the 15+ Club is the key to a guaranteed start for the most dedicated marathoners. These veterans are required to pay the standard entry fee during the designated registration period to utilize their guaranteed spot. This unique distinction, awarded by the NYRR, actively ensures that those who are making the race’s history can seamlessly continue their annual tradition in the metropolis.
Related NYC Marathon Information
- New York City Marathon 2025: Race Report
Relive the 2025 atmosphere: key moments, winners, and the biggest emotions accompanying the finish in New York.
- New York City Marathon: Impact on the Local Economy
Financial analysis showing how an event of this scale generates millions of dollars and supports thousands of jobs in the New York region.
- New York City Marathon 2025 with a Record of 59,226 Finishers
Details of the historic marathon edition in which a new record was set for the number of people who completed the 42.195 km distance.
- New York City Marathon 2025 Results
Official times and summary of results, broken down by men’s and women’s elites and age categories.
- New York City Marathon 2025: Course Elevation Profile
Detailed analysis of the climbs and descents on the route, crucial for runners’ strategic planning.
Source: New York Road Runners
