Last Chance: 2026 New York City Marathon Ballot Closes Tomorrow

There is no more kicking the can down the road on this one. The entry ballot for the 2026 New York City Marathon shuts tomorrow, and Irish runners who want a realistic shot at a place need to have everything sorted now.

The race itself takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026, sending runners on a full 42.195km journey through all five boroughs before the long run into Central Park. It remains the largest marathon on earth and one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which explains why demand is fierce every single year.

Deadline Approaching Fast

New York Road Runners run the general non guaranteed entry draw, and the clock is almost out.

• Ballot opened on 4 February 2026
• Ballot closes tomorrow, 24 February 2026
• Results released on 4 March 2026

All applications are submitted through the NYRR website. There is no staggered release of results. Everyone finds out on the same day. If you are lucky enough to be accepted, your card is charged automatically soon after, so there is no room for hesitation at that stage.

Entry Fee Reality Check

The organisers have not yet confirmed the official entry fee for 2026, but recent history gives a clear idea of what runners should expect.

For the 2025 edition:

• NYRR members paid in the region of $255 USD
• International non members paid roughly $350 USD

Most Irish applicants fall into the international non member bracket, making that higher figure the sensible one to plan around. With payment taken automatically after acceptance, having funds available in advance is not optional.

If the Ballot Does Not Fall Your Way

Missing out in the draw does not automatically close the door on New York.

Time qualification
Runners who hit the required standards in an eligible race can secure a guaranteed place during the same February entry window.

Charity places
Official charities offer guaranteed bibs in return for fundraising commitments. This is a common route for overseas runners looking for certainty rather than chance.

Travel partner packages
Approved international tour operators provide guaranteed entry combined with accommodation and support. These cost more overall but remove the stress of the ballot entirely.

What To Do Tonight

If New York is genuinely on the agenda for 2026, tonight is about basic admin. Log into your NYRR account, confirm your details are correct, and make sure your payment method will not fail if acceptance comes through next week.

The New York Road Runners website remains the only source worth trusting for final rules, confirmations, and updates as the deadline arrives.

If this marathon has been sitting on the wish list for years, this is the last chance to put a proper application in before the door closes.