NYC Marathon?'s

I ran it in 2003, which was a warm one. I had a qualifying time for a guaranteed entry so I didn't have to sweat it out in the lottery. They post qualifying times on their website if you think you can go that route. The lottery process is explained in detail on the website as well. I forget when the deadline for entering is...sometime in spring...but check the site. Pretty straightforward. You enter online and pay the entry fee. They assign you an entry number (not your bib number) and when your entry is accepted you can check the website to see your name in the database. Then you just wait for the magical lottery drawing day. They are pretty quick about posting who gets in.

As far as other logistics....we flew out there on Thurs afternoon and did the expo on Friday. We stayed near Times Square and were not too far from the Public Library where the bus pickup was. I spent too much time looking at the sites before the race, so next time we go I'll build in more time after the race for sightseeing.


Again, the website at www.nycmarathon.org has tons of info to help you out. Good luck. New York is a great experience.

I went to the NY site and got this link to the 2005 entry procedure....http://www.nycmarathon.org/entrantinfo/appolicy.php

The 2006 process will be pretty similar.

Edited by Birkierunner 2005-11-07 12:53 PM

Personally, I think the lottery system for NYC sucks. They get so many people that sign up for it that it's now somewhere around 40% or less that actually make it through the lottery. If you want to run the race with friends, and none of you meet the qualifying times, you're basically screwed as far as everyone getting in. Unless you're REALLY lucky. I know quite a few groups where one of 2 - 4 people got in. Makes it kind of tough to do a marathon with friends, never mind splitting hotel costs, etc.

The registration period last year was open through May or so (somewhere around there) and you found out the if you got in or not in June.

I was thinking about doing NYC, but I think I'll opt for a more runner friendly, as least from the registration process, race.

Can't you sign up as a "team?" I know other Marathons that have lotteries allow you to do that. The whole group is then either in or out.

Not for NYC. Not sure any marathons let you do that anymore, though I know Marine Corps used to allow that (they no longer do). Which other ones use a lottery?

I heard that your chances in the lottery depend on your geographic location. Is this true??
 i.e. you're more likely to get it in if you live in north carolina versus new york.
thanks.

Not sure but the only person from here (NY) that i know who applied was denied the lottery. They said tho that if he was willing to pay $1000 thye'd give him a number! Honestly gotta confirm that number but that's what i recall.
Mark

Registration opens January or February and closes June 1st (or thereabouts). IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU ENTER! All you get is a chance in the lottery. They pick the entrants around July 1st.

Entry is guaranteed if you meet the qualifying standards, or run in 9 or more NYRR road races the year before. Foreign and US lotteries are separate.

Now, supposedly, geographic location does not matter. Yet, it appears that a higher percentage of people from states outside the metro area get in. (Hey, more $$ if you're staying in a hotel, eating dinners in the city, etc.) For me, I live in NJ - Got in on my first try in '02, didn't get in last year, got in this year. So, 2 outta 3 ain't bad. In general though, I believe it's greater than a 1 in 3 chance to get in.

Mind you, it is a tough course. Crowded throughout, hot (the last few years at least, including this year), hilly. Don't expect to PR. I'd say 95% of the runners I talked to after the race finished ~30 minutes off of their goal. Including some who normally run sub 3:00.

But, nothing, nothing, nothing beats the start. You get chills hearing the cannon followed by Sinatra's "NY, NY". The energy is incredible.