You can qualify for the New York City Marathon by running an eligible race within your age and gender category’s time standard. But a fast finish isn’t the only way to get a bib: the NYC Marathon also offers entry through a lottery, charity partners, NYRR’s 9+1 program, and official international tour operators.
For the 2027 TCS New York City Marathon, the time-qualifying window runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026. Here’s how the main entry routes work.
NYC Marathon Time Qualification: How It Works
Time qualification depends on three things: your age, your gender category, and where you run your qualifying race.
NYRR evaluates your official net time, also called chip time. Your age group is based on your age on November 7, 2027, the marathon’s race date.
There’s also a crucial distinction between NYRR races and races organized by someone else:
- Eligible NYRR races: Meeting the qualifying standard earns guaranteed entry, which you must claim during the designated period and pay for.
- Non-NYRR races: Meeting the standard makes you eligible to apply for a limited number of places. It does not guarantee acceptance.
If applications exceed the available non-NYRR places, NYRR selects the fastest applicants within each age and gender category. Source: NYRR time qualification rules
What Are the NYC Marathon Qualifying Times?
The table below shows the full-marathon standards for 2027 entry. You must run at least as fast as the listed time.
| Age on race day | Men | Women | Nonbinary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–34 | 2:53:00 | 3:13:00 | 3:13:00 |
| 35–39 | 2:55:00 | 3:15:00 | 3:15:00 |
| 40–44 | 2:58:00 | 3:26:00 | 3:26:00 |
| 45–49 | 3:05:00 | 3:38:00 | 3:38:00 |
| 50–54 | 3:14:00 | 3:51:00 | 3:51:00 |
| 55–59 | 3:23:00 | 4:10:00 | 4:10:00 |
| 60–64 | 3:34:00 | 4:27:00 | 4:27:00 |
| 65–69 | 3:45:00 | 4:50:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 70–74 | 4:10:00 | 5:30:00 | 5:30:00 |
| 75–79 | 4:30:00 | 6:00:00 | 6:00:00 |
| 80+ | 4:55:00 | 6:35:00 | 6:35:00 |
NYRR also publishes half-marathon standards, but those times are accepted only from eligible NYRR half marathons. Check the official qualifying table and category policies before choosing your race.
Can You Qualify at Any Marathon?
For a non-NYRR time-qualifier application, you need a result from a certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window. Your result must be verifiable online.
You’ll need to submit the race name, official chip time, and a link to your results. A personal GPS recording is not sufficient, and non-NYRR half-marathon times do not qualify.
Before registering for a qualifying attempt, confirm the course’s certification with the race organizer. Source: NYRR non-NYRR qualifier requirements
Other Ways to Enter the NYC Marathon
Enter the Lottery
The non-guaranteed general entry drawing allows runners to apply without meeting a qualifying time. Selection is not guaranteed. As of October 30, 2026, application dates for the 2027 drawing have not been announced.
Run for Charity
Official Charity Partners offer guaranteed entry tied to their fundraising requirements. NYRR’s Team for Kids is another fundraising route. Review each program’s commitments before registering.
Complete NYRR’s 9+1 Program
For 2027 marathon entry, NYRR members can earn a place by completing nine qualifying NYRR races and one qualifying volunteer event during 2026, with an active membership by December 31, 2026.
You must still claim your entry and pay the registration fee. If you’re planning to start 9+1 in 2027 for the 2028 marathon, check the updated rules: access to that program is changing to a member drawing and 9+1 Pass system. Source: NYRR 9+1 program updates
Book an Official International Tour Package
Runners who are not full-time U.S. residents may secure guaranteed entry through an Official International Tour Operator. Packages may include accommodations or flights.
Find current availability and application announcements on NYRR’s 2027 marathon entry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a qualifying time to run the NYC Marathon?
No. Time qualification is one entry route. You can also enter through the drawing, an official charity, the 9+1 program, or an eligible international tour package.
Does running a qualifying time guarantee entry?
At an eligible NYRR race, meeting the standard earns guaranteed entry that you must claim and pay for. At a non-NYRR marathon, the standard only makes you eligible to apply for limited places.
Can a half-marathon time qualify you?
Yes, if you meet the relevant standard at an eligible NYRR half marathon. Half-marathon results from other organizers are not accepted for non-NYRR time qualification. Source: NYRR qualifying rules
When can you apply for the 2027 NYC Marathon?
As of October 30, 2026, NYRR has not announced the general drawing, guaranteed-entry claim, or non-NYRR time-qualifier application dates. Check the official entry page for updates.
Choose Your Entry Route
Start by checking your age-group time standard and whether your qualifying race is eligible. If time qualification isn’t your preferred route, explore the lottery, charity programs, or 9+1 requirements. Whichever path you choose, track the application deadlines: earning eligibility still requires completing the entry process.