Additional entry methods for 2025 TCS New York City Marathon open today, including Official Charity Partner Program, which in 2024 raised a record-breaking $70 million
New York, March 5, 2025—Nonprofit New York Road Runners (NYRR), the producer of 60 annual adult and youth races, including the TCS New York City Marathon, announced that it has received more than 200,000 applications for today’s 2025 marathon drawing—the most applicants in event history and a 22 percent increase in applications from 2024. New York Road Runners has seen unprecedented demand for its races, with the TCS New York City Marathon experiencing significant increases in application demand each year since the pandemic. Runners from more than 150 countries will learn their application status today for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, the world’s largest marathon. About two to three percent of the more than 200,000 applications will be accepted.
Taking place Sunday, November 2, the TCS New York City Marathon is the BEST DAY in New York City and takes athletes on a 26.2-mile journey across all five boroughs. The iconic race is one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world, with the first and the final finishers running the same course on the same day. Last year, the TCS New York City Marathon set an event record and became the largest marathon in history with 55,643 finishers.
“The TCS New York City Marathon is a special event that brings together people of all backgrounds with participants as young as 18 and as old as 87 from more than 150 countries, all united by the transformative power of running,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, NYRR. “More than ever, people want to experience the magic of the TCS New York City Marathon, and we are excited to offer multiple entry methods through our general entry drawing, Official Charity Partner Program, NYRR Team for Climate, Member-Only Second Chance Drawing, the NYRR marathon sweepstakes, and via International Tour Operators.”
For this year’s race, non-guaranteed entry general drawing applications were submitted during a two-week registration period from February 11 to February 25. Thousands of runners were also able to claim their guaranteed entries during this period through a range of entry methods, including NYRR’s 9+1 program, NYRR Virtual Racing, Time Qualifiers, NYRR Philanthropic membership, and runners who have completed 15 or more New York City Marathons. Further showcasing incredible demand, NYRR accepted the top 25 percent of non-NYRR marathon Time Qualifiers, meaning athletes needed to run at least 13 minutes and 20 seconds faster than their initial qualifying standard for gender and age group.
Those who do not receive entry through the drawing still have a chance to run the TCS New York City Marathon through a variety of entry methods.
TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program
To support other nonprofits’ missions and services, New York Road Runners’ Official Charity Partner Program gives organizations the opportunity to raise funds by offering guaranteed entry to the TCS New York City Marathon for athletes who fundraise on their behalf.
During the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, thousands of charity runners raised a record $70 million in support of causes and missions important to them. Since its inception in 2006, athletes in the Official Charity Partner Program have raised nearly $600 million for 1,000+ worthy causes.
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program launches today with a record of more than 600 charities participating.
NYRR Team for Climate
In 2024, New York Road Runners announced NYRR Team for Climate as a new entry method for the nonprofit’s three marquee races, the TCS New York City Marathon, United Airlines NYC Half, and RBC Brooklyn Half. In 2025 NYRR Team for Climate runners will raise money to deliver a more environmentally friendly racing experience for all. Funds raised by NYRR Team for Climate will be used for both carbon insetting, with investments in projects that reduce the total emissions generated by NYRR’s events and operations, and carbon offsetting by partnering with global climate solutions leader Anew Climate to purchase verified carbon offsets for improved forest management projects. This initiative is part of the nonprofit’s long-term strategic plan to achieve Net Zero by 2040 and ensure future generations have access to clean air and a healthy world in which to run. The TCS New York City Marathon became the first major marathon to have a race entry method tied to sustainability efforts. Nearly 250 runners participated in the inaugural NYRR Team for Climate during the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, raising nearly $800,000 and offsetting the entire carbon footprint of the race (based on measurement of the 2023 event). Athletes will have the opportunity to fundraise with NYRR Team for Climate for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon with applications opening in April.
NYRR Member-Only Second-Chance Drawing
For the second year, an NYRR Member-Only Second-Chance Drawing will also be held to increase member access to races. Approximately 20,000 NYRR members who meet the eligibility criteria and applied to the non-guaranteed general entry drawing will automatically be entered into the NYRR Member-Only Second-Chance Drawing, which also occurs today, with up to three percent accepted. Members who are selected in the Second-Chance Drawing will be informed via email of their selection before the end of the day after both drawings have concluded.
TCS New York City Marathon Free Race Entry Sweepstakes
Launching on March 8, athletes can also enter for a chance to win up to two complimentary guaranteed entries to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon through NYRR’s new sweepstakes.
A total of 10 winners will be selected from the pool of eligible sweepstakes entrants, with five grand prize winners each receiving two complimentary entries to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon—one for themselves and one for a friend—and five runner-up winners receiving one complimentary entry to the race for themselves.
The entry period ends March 22, and winners will be announced by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
International Tour Operators (ITOs)
International runners—those who are not full-time residents of the United States—can enjoy a seamless TCS New York City Marathon experience by booking through one of NYRR’s official International Tour Operators (ITOs), which offer travel packages and guaranteed entry into the race. With more than 100 approved operators across 50+ countries, international runners will receive dedicated support and expertise as they travel to and explore New York City before running the TCS New York City Marathon.
About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million New Yorkers annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
