2026 TCS New York City Marathon drawing day sees record 240,000+ applicants for 50th anniversary race

Today is Drawing Day for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, and thousands of runners are waiting to see if they get selected. The drawing decides who gets a spot in the race if they applied without guaranteed entry, according to NBC New York. This year is historic because more than 240,000 people applied, which is the highest ever, according to New York Road Runners (NYRR). Applications came from over 160 countries, showing the marathon is loved worldwide.

The demand has skyrocketed, said NYRR, stating that it will be 20 percent higher than 2025, and only about 1% of applicants will be accepted. That means it is extremely competitive. The 2026 race will take place on Sunday, November 1. Last year’s marathon (2025) became the largest marathon in the world, with 59,226 finishers. The event is organized by New York Road Runners, a nonprofit that hosts 60 races every year, including this marathon. Last year turned out to be the largest marathon in the world, with 59,226 finishers.

The event is organized by New York Road Runners—a nonprofit that hosts 60 races every year, including this marathon—-with this year’s race slated for Nov 1, 2026. The 2026 race is extra special because it marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course.The five-borough course was first run in 1976 to celebrate America’s Bicentennial and to uplift the city. The marathon started in 1970 inside Central Park with just 55 finishers. Today, it brings nearly 60,000 runners and more than two million spectators.

How to know if you got in

If your credit card is charged the full race fee, that means you are accepted, according to NYRR. The charge may appear before you receive the email. All applicants will get an email by the end of the day, whether accepted or not. You can also check your NYRR account, where your status will say “Accepted” if you got in. If you did not get selected in the general drawing, you are automatically entered into a second-chance drawing.

Other ways to get entry

Some runners already got guaranteed entries through programs like:

• NYRR 9+1 Program
• NYRR Virtual Racing
• Time Qualifiers
• NYRR Philanthropic Membership
• Streakers (15+ marathon finishes)

For non-NYRR time qualifiers, only the top 10% were accepted, and runners had to be 22 minutes and 52 seconds faster than the standard time.

Official charity partner program

Runners can enter by raising money through the Official Charity Partner Program. This year, the program expanded to 670+ charities, the most ever. NYRR aims to raise over $100 million for charities in 2026. Around 60% of partner charities are based in New York City.

In 2025, a record $80 million was raised for charities, including $38.4 million for NYC-based charities, according to NYRR. Since 2006, the charity program has raised nearly $700 million.

Across the Boroughs Sweepstakes

Starting March 5, runners who did not get in can enter the Across the Boroughs Marathon Sweepstakes. Two grand prize winners will get free entry to the marathon and all six NYRR Five-Borough Series races. Ten runner-up winners will get free marathon entry. Sweepstakes entries close March 19, and winners will be announced by March 26.

The Six Five-Borough Series races include:

• RBC Brooklyn Half
• Citizens Queens 10K
• New Balance Bronx 10 Mile
• NYRR Staten Island Half
• NYRR Manhattan 10K
• United Airlines NYC Half

Member-Only Second Chance

Around 24,000 eligible NYRR members who didn’t get selected are automatically entered into a Member-Only Second-Chance Drawing. Up to 2% of those members will be accepted. Members will be notified by email before the end of the day.

International runners

International runners can book through official International Tour Operators (ITOs). There are 100+ approved tour operators in 50 countries, according to NYRR. These packages include guaranteed race entry and travel support.

NYRR team for climate

Runners can also apply through NYRR Team for Climate. This program supports sustainability and helps reduce the race’s carbon footprint. Applications open in April during Earth Month. Since launching in 2024, the program has raised over $1.6 million, including $640,000+ in 2025.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most competitive and popular races ever, with record demand, global participation, and major anniversary celebrations, according to NYRR and NBC New York.

FAQs

Q1. How do I know if I got selected for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon?

You will know you are selected if your credit card is charged the full race fee, you receive a confirmation email, or your NYRR account status shows “Accepted,” according to New York Road Runners.

Q2. How many people applied for the 2026 NYC Marathon drawing?

More than 240,000 runners from over 160 countries applied, but only about one percent will get selected, according to New York Road Runners.