"With 59,226 finishers in 2025, the New York City Marathon is the biggest in the world. Starting on the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Staten Island to Brooklyn, the marathon passes through all five of New York City's boroughs before steering toward the famed Central Park finish line. The cheering crowds are legendary, the shiny finisher medal is highly coveted, and the racing experience is forever memorable."
"Unfortunately, all the things that make the New York City Marathon wonderful, also make it very popular. So popular that of the thousands of runners who enter the lottery this year trying to earn a spot, only about one percent actually secured a bib. And while there are other ways to get in beyond the lottery, it still leaves thousands of runners without a place on the starting line in November."
"While you're waiting to get into NYC next year, there are plenty of other marathons you could run this year that keep you involved in the hype of fall marathon season. Here, a dozen worthy expeditions held within a week of the 2026 New York City Marathon. Even if you lost the NYC lottery, fear not, because this fall could still hold your new favorite 26.2."
The New York City Marathon is the world's largest marathon, featuring 59,226 finishers who start at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and traverse all five boroughs before finishing in Central Park. The event's legendary crowds, coveted finisher medals, and memorable experience make it highly desirable. However, its popularity creates significant barriers to entry, with only approximately one percent of lottery applicants receiving bibs. Beyond the lottery, limited alternative entry methods exist. For runners unable to secure NYC spots, numerous alternative marathons occur within a week of the NYC Marathon date, offering comparable fall marathon season experiences and opportunities to achieve marathon goals.
Read at Runner's World
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