New York City's iconic marathon is one of the most coveted running events in the world, but for thousands of aspiring finishers, securing a spot has become a daunting task. In a move that has left many runners scratching their heads, the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization behind the marathon, has announced plans to introduce a new lottery system for entry. The decision comes as the marathon's popularity continues to soar, with over 100,000 applicants vying for just 20,000 available spots in recent years. For runners who have been shut out of the traditional lottery, the new system promises to offer another chance at competing in the city's five-borough course, but will it be enough to satisfy the growing demand for entry?


Want to Run the N.Y.C. Marathon? You May Have to Enter Another Lottery.  The New York Times