Marathon FAQ
Application/Registration
Can I apply to run the 2011 race?
The application to run in 2011 closed in April, and the field was selected on Marathon Opening Day, April 27. However, you can still gain entry through one of many charities.
How do I run with a charity?
Visit our charities page for general information on charities. From there, you can link to our list of more than 200 official charities. Be aware that many charities fill quickly; almost all are closed out by mid-September.
When can I apply to run in 2012?
The date of the opening of the 2012 application has not been announced. The drawing will be held in late April 2012. The date for the 2012 marathon is Sunday, November 4, 2012.
Where and when do I pick up my race number?
Entrants must pick up their race numbers and other materials in person with acceptable photo identification (see below) at the ING New York City Marathon Health and Fitness Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, Hall 3E, 11th Avenue at 35th Street, during the following hours:
Thursday, November 3 | 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:00 p.m.)
Friday, November 4 | 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:00 p.m.)
Saturday, November 5 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
We do not mail race numbers, distribute them at New York Road Runners, or give them out on race day.
You must bring your printed registration card (which will be e-mailed to you in mid-October) to pick up your number. Residents of the United States and Puerto Rico must show a state or federal government-issued photo identification card, such as a U.S. driver's license, D.M.V. photo ID card, or passport. Non-U.S. residents, including Canadian residents, are required to show a passport (except residents of Puerto Rico; see above); national identification cards are not accepted.
How do I find my race number, start corral, and start time?
Assignments for race number, start corral, and wave start are based on the previous and/or predicted times provided on the race application. This information is available on your profile link.
Training
Do you have a training program?
Yes! The first-ever fully customized New York Road Runners Official ING New York City Marathon Training Program is a dynamic plan, available in 16-week and 12-week versions, that draws from our unparalleled knowledge of the marathon course and incorporates insights from our massive database of marathon finishers to create a tailor-made training regimen. The Official NYRR ING New York City Marathon Training Program is available now. We also offer training through NYRR's Team for Kids, which gives you expert coaching, VIP treatment on race day, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment throughout your 26.2-mile journey as you raise funds to get kids moving; and at NYRR Running Classes where you can learn proper pacing, race strategy, injury prevention, and more at twice-weekly sessions, held in Central Park.
Getting to NYC/Accommodation
Visit our Travel/Hotel page for information on getting to NYC and accommodations for your visit.
Check our Race Week Schedule to help plan your and your family's time in NYC in November.
Race Week
What is there to do during race week?
Race week begins on Sunday, October 30, and continues through Monday, November 7. Visit our Race Week Schedule, and check as race week approaches, as the schedule is subject to change. Your friends and family can learn more about race-week activities when they sign up for our Friends and Family Connection e-newsletter.
How do I get to the expo?
Free shuttle buses will operate to and from select hotels and transit hubs, including Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. The schedule and locations will be available after September 1. There is also public transportation to the Javits Center via the M34 and M42 bus routes. Visit mta.info for information. For driving directions and parking information, see javitscenter.com.
Race Day
How do I get to the start?
Official transportation to the start is free to all entrants, but each entrant must select a departure location and a time in order to receive an Official Transportation assignment. The online selection deadline was July 31. Entrants who missed the deadline and wish to take Official Transportation to the start will be able to select their transportation at the expo. Plenty of options remain, and no runner will be denied Official Transportation.
Athletes with disabilities (AWDs) will receive separate instructions regarding their special Transportation at expo check-in.
Official Transportation information and application
What time is the start?
Official start times are as follows:
- Wheelchair Division starts at 8:30 a.m.
- Handcycle Category and certain AWDs start at 8:55 a.m.
- Wave 1 (including other AWDs) starts at 9:40 a.m.
- Wave 2 starts at 10:10 a.m.
- Wave 3 starts at 10:40 a.m.
Please note that start times are subject to change.
Can my family and friends come with me to the start?
No. Official Transportation is for marathon entrants only, and there is no spectator viewing at the start. Encourage your friends and family to watch the five-hour NBC4 New York show, to purchase the ING New York City Marathon mobile app (available race week) with live streaming and runner tracking, and to follow the race-week action online at tv.nyrr.org.
Are there pace teams in the race?
Yes. You can learn about ING Runner’s Nation Pace Teams Presented by Timex at the expo. Led by experienced marathoners, the teams are open to runners looking to achieve the following finish times: 3:15, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50, 5:00, 5:15, and 5:30. Pace teams will be available at all wave starts. Participation is free.
What's the course like?
In 1976, the New York City Marathon revolutionized road racing by taking to the streets of New York's five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The course, essentially the same today, unites dozens of culturally and ethnically diverse neighborhoods, crosses five bridges, and finishes in world-famous Central Park. More than two million spectators crowd the sidelines, cheering for the runners the entire way. Check out course information, the course map, and an elevation chart, and stay tuned for information and maps of the finish and post-finish areas.
What fluids and refreshments are available along the course?
Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water will be available at the start and at official fluid stations every mile beginning at mile 3–more than 1.6 million cups! Gatorade G Series Pro sports drink will be available at official fluid stations every mile beginning at mile 3 (except at mile 17). Fluids will be dispensed in recyclable cups; all cups dropped along the course will be recycled. The Poland Spring Hydration Zone—two blocks of a Poland Spring environment including water stations and music—will be located at mile 17 on First Avenue. Sponges soaked with water will be available at the Poland Spring Hydration Zone as well.
At the PowerGel Energy Zone at mile 18, assorted flavors of PowerGel will help you hurdle “the wall” and energize you to the finish. More information.
Information on refreshments at the start and finish will be available in September.
What entertainment is there along the course?
Info about entertainment during race week, at the start, along the course, and at the finish will be available in October.
What is the weather likely to be?
Average temperatures from past New York City Marathons:
- Average high: 62°F/17°C
- Average low: 47°F/8°C
- Mean average: 55°F/13°C
How can my family and friends watch me during the race?
Stay tuned for our Spectator Guide, launching in September. Also, encourage your friends and family to watch the five-hour NBC4 New York show, to purchase the ING New York City Marathon mobile app (available race week) with live streaming and runner tracking, and to follow the race-week action online at tv.nyrr.org. Your friends and family can learn more about spectating and following your progress when they sign up for our Friends and Family Connection e-newsletter.
How can I meet up with my friends and family at the finish?
Stay tuned for information about the finish and post-finish areas.
What if I have to drop out?
If you need to drop out for any reason, look for a volunteer ham radio operator wearing an orange hat or report to the nearest medical aid station (after every water station). Your information will be forwarded to the finisher area. If you have not completed the whole course, don't go through the finish chutes, or you will be disqualified and barred from future ING New York City Marathons. Instead, enter Central Park at West 72nd Street to claim your baggage after 7:00 p.m.
What should I do if the invitation code I received from my charity is not working?
Please contact the charity office at charities@nyrr.org.
How do I register my charity as one of your official charities?
Please contact the charity office at charities@nyrr.org.
Miscellaneous
What if I have to cancel?
Entrants who cancel their entry for the ING New York City Marathon 2011 following instructions will be eligible for guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon 2012. All fees are non-refundable. If you cancel for 2011 and wish to enter the 2012 race, you will still need to apply and pay the entry fee as well as applicable fees. Accepted entrants may cancel as many years in a row as they wish. Once you have canceled, you cannot be reinstated into the ING New York City Marathon 2011.
Handcycles and other athletes with disabilities (AWDs) entered in 2011 through Achilles International (Achilles) who cancel are not eligible for guaranteed entry in a future year unless entered by Achilles in that year.
More information and instructions.
How can my company become an official sponsor?
Learn about becoming a sponsor.
How do I sign up for media credentials?
Please contact the media office at media@nyrr.org.
