New York City Marathon 2025: How to Cancel Your Entry and Transfer It to 2026
Canceling your participation in the TCS New York City Marathon 2025 can be a tough decision, but thanks to the clear policies of the organizer – New York Road Runners (NYRR) – the process is well-defined and offers a chance to return the following year. This article outlines how to cancel your entry, who qualifies for a guaranteed spot in 2026, and what exceptions apply.
When Can You Cancel Your Entry?
Runners have two options to cancel their registration:
• Online – until 11:59 PM ET on Saturday, November 1, 2025 via your NYRR account.
• In person – during the TCS New York City Marathon Expo presented by New Balance (October 30 – November 1, 2025).
Important: Registration fees are non-refundable, and once canceled, you cannot re-register for the same year.
Guaranteed Entry in 2026 – Who Qualifies?
If you cancel your entry in 2025 (and did not cancel in 2024), you may apply for a guaranteed spot in 2026. To do so:
• You must register and pay the entry fee during the application window from February 4 to 25, 2026.
• You are not automatically entered – you must actively apply.
Note: You cannot cancel two years in a row and expect another guaranteed spot.
Different Participant Types – Different Rules
• General entry runners – standard cancellation and guaranteed entry rules apply.
• Charity program participants – must contact their organization directly. If fundraising requirements are met, they may qualify for 2026.
• International tour operators – cancellation does not grant guaranteed entry for the following year.
• Team for Kids (TFK) and Team for Climate (TFC) – may cancel and receive guaranteed entry, but must fulfill 2025 fundraising commitments.
• Athletes with disabilities (AWD) – standard rules apply, but Duo Team Exhibition requires contact with the NYRR AWD team.
• Pregnant and postpartum women – have an extended cancellation policy allowing guaranteed entry in one of the next three NYRR races.
Key Takeaways
• Cancellation is not an automatic transfer – you must actively apply for the next year.
• Fundraising commitments do not carry over – they must be fulfilled in the year they were made.
• Some groups (e.g., international operators) are not eligible for guaranteed entry after cancellation.
Looking for more information about the New York City Marathon? Check out other articles on WorldMarathoner.com
• What the TCS New York City Marathon 2025 Finisher Medal Looks Like – A Symbol of Effort and Pride
• New Balance Finisher Collection – Stylish Keepsakes for NYC Marathon 2025 Participants
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Until when can I cancel my marathon entry?
Online cancellation is available until November 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. You can cancel in person at the Expo from October 30 to November 1.
Will I receive a refund for the registration fee?
No. All registration fees are non-refundable, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Does cancellation guarantee me a spot in the 2026 marathon?
Yes, but only if you cancel in 2025 and did not cancel in 2024. You must actively apply and pay the entry fee in February 2026.
Can I cancel two years in a row and still have a guaranteed spot?
No. Guaranteed entry is granted only once – you cannot cancel in both 2025 and 2026 and expect a spot in 2027.
How do I cancel if I registered through a charity organization?
You must contact the organization directly. If you meet the fundraising requirements, you may receive a guaranteed spot in 2026.
Do participants registered through an international tour operator have guaranteed entry after cancellation?
No. Cancellation through a tour operator does not grant guaranteed entry for the following year.
Do pregnant or postpartum women have different cancellation rules?
Yes. NYRR offers an extended cancellation policy that allows guaranteed entry in one of the next three NYRR races.
Source: New York City Marathon
