NYRR 9+1 Program Changes for 2027: New Drawing, Fees & How It Works
For years, 9+1 was the most dependable way for local runners to get into the TCS New York City Marathon. Starting with the 2027 program year, you have to win a drawing just to attempt it. Here is what changed, how the new race selection process works, who is affected and what it now costs.
9+1 has a gatekeeper now.
Under the old system, any NYRR member could run nine qualifying races, volunteer once and earn guaranteed entry to the next year's NYC Marathon. The hard part was getting into the races. Popular NYRR races sold out in minutes, and a large share of each field was runners working toward 9+1.
In August 2026, New York Road Runners capped the program. Members now enter a free 9+1 eligibility drawing. More than 15,000 are selected each year, pay $99 for a 9+1 Pass and then complete the familiar nine races and one volunteer opportunity. NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer framed the goal simply: the hard part of 9+1 should be running the races, not registering for them.
The short version: if you are finishing 9+1 in 2026, nothing changes. If you want to start 9+1 now, you needed to win the October 1, 2026 drawing, and completing the 2027 program earns entry to the 2028 marathon.
9+1 Changes at a Glance
| Detail | New 9+1 system |
|---|---|
| Entry into the program | Free, member-only 9+1 eligibility drawing |
| Membership requirement | Active NYRR membership by September 16, 2026, kept through drawing day |
| Drawing application window | September 17 to 29, 2026 |
| First drawing | October 1, 2026 |
| Members selected | More than 15,000 |
| Cost if selected | $99 9+1 Pass, including processing, charged automatically |
| Program year | 2027 calendar year |
| Requirements | Nine qualifying races and one qualifying volunteer opportunity |
| Race access | New Passholder Race Selection Process, up to six in-person race opportunities |
| Virtual races | Up to three eligible virtual races can count |
| Reward | Guaranteed, non-complimentary entry to the 2028 NYC Marathon |
| Runners completing 9+1 in 2026 | Unaffected; still earn guaranteed entry to the 2027 marathon |
| Other entry routes | Drawing, time qualifiers, charity and others unchanged |
What the Changes Mean for You
| Your situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Completing 9+1 in 2026 | Still eligible for 2027 NYC Marathon entry |
| Selected in the October 2026 drawing | Complete 9+1 in 2027 for 2028 entry |
| Not selected | Cannot earn standard 2027 9+1 credit |
| Missed the application deadline | Wait for the next drawing or use another entry route |
| Race Free participant | May qualify for a complimentary pass |
| Eligible 12- to 14-time NYC finisher | Special access to a paid pass without the drawing |
What Changed and Why
Three things changed.
1. You need to be selected before you start. 9+1 is no longer open to every member. It is a two-step process: win the eligibility drawing, then complete the requirements.
2. There is a fee to participate. Selected members are charged $99, including processing, to become 9+1 Passholders. Entering the drawing itself is free.
3. Passholders get a structured path into races. Instead of fighting every other member for registration, Passholders go through a new race selection process. Details are in the next section.
Why NYRR did it
NYRR's stated reason is access. Demand for 9+1 had grown so much that the races and volunteer slots runners needed were becoming a bottleneck, for 9+1 runners and everyone else trying to run NYRR races. NYRR says 9+1 has provided a pathway to the marathon for more than 200,000 members over the years, and its membership is now close to 100,000.
NYRR designed the new system to make completing 9+1 more predictable by helping Passholders secure race entries throughout the year. The drawing is the new hard part.
How the New 9+1 Race Selection Process Actually Works
This is the biggest practical change for Passholders, and it is the part most coverage skips.
According to NYRR, before each quarterly registration period, Passholders receive a survey asking which races they can run. NYRR then matches Passholders with available race entries based on their preferences and each race's capacity.
| Registration period | Race opportunities through selection |
|---|---|
| January–March | 1 |
| April–June | 1 |
| July–September | Up to 2 |
| October–December | Up to 2 |
| Total in-person opportunities | Up to 6 |
| Eligible virtual races | Up to 3 |
Six in-person opportunities plus three virtual races gets you to nine. Two things to understand:
- Opportunities are not completions. You still have to register when offered, show up and finish. A missed race is a lost opportunity.
- The math is tight. If you rely only on the selection process, six in-person races and three virtual races leaves no margin. If you miss one, you will need to find another qualifying race through regular member registration. That is why the new advance registration window for all members matters.
The Three Virtual Races That Count
NYRR identifies three virtual events that can count toward 9+1 in 2027:
- Virtual NYRR Resolution Run 5K (early January)
- Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 5K (around early June)
- Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K (late November)
You must register for the Premium tier of each virtual race to receive 9+1 credit. Not every NYRR virtual race counts, and a free-tier entry does not count.
The three-race cap is deliberate. 9+1 is a local program built around NYRR's in-person race calendar, and the cap keeps at least six of your nine credits on the streets of New York.
Treat the virtual races as your buffer, not your plan. Run all three, and run them early in each window, so a single missed in-person race does not sink your year.
Who Is Affected?
You are finishing 9+1 in 2026
Nothing changes. Complete your nine qualifying races and one volunteer opportunity in 2026, keep your membership active through December 31, 2026, and you earn guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2027 NYC Marathon on November 7, 2027.
If you are behind, the deadline is still the end of 2026. Check your 9+1 progress in your NYRR account now and look at the remaining race calendar this week, not in December.
You won a 9+1 Pass in the October 1 drawing
You are a 2027 Passholder. Complete nine qualifying races and one qualifying volunteer opportunity during the 2027 calendar year, and you earn guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2028 NYC Marathon.
You entered the drawing and were not selected
Without a 2027 9+1 Pass, you generally cannot use the standard 2027 9+1 program to earn guaranteed entry into the 2028 marathon. Your routes to the 2027 and 2028 races are the general drawing, time qualification, charity and the other options covered in our complete NYC Marathon entry guide. Expect another 9+1 eligibility drawing in fall 2027 for the 2028 program year, though NYRR has not confirmed future dates.
You did not enter the drawing
Same as above. The 2026 drawing is closed. To enter a future one, you will need an active NYRR membership before that drawing's membership deadline.
You are a 12-, 13- or 14-time NYC Marathon finisher
NYRR has reserved an allotment of passes for runners approaching Streaker or 15+ finisher status. According to NYRR, the exception covers runners who have completed the NYC Marathon:
- 12 times and are running the 2026 marathon
- 13 times
- 14 times
Eligible runners can access the 2027 and 2028 9+1 programs without entering the eligibility drawing. These passes are not complimentary. You still pay for the pass, the race fees and the marathon entry fee.
You participate in NYRR's Race Free program
NYRR says it will reserve complimentary 9+1 Passes for Race Free participants.
Old 9+1 vs New 9+1
| Detail | Old 9+1 (through 2026) | New 9+1 (from 2027 program year) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can participate | Any active NYRR member | Members selected in the eligibility drawing |
| Participation cap | None | More than 15,000 selected per year |
| Program fee | None | $99 9+1 Pass |
| Requirements | Nine qualifying races and one volunteer opportunity | Nine qualifying races and one volunteer opportunity |
| Race registration | Same as every other member | Quarterly Passholder race selection, up to six in-person opportunities |
| Virtual races | Eligible virtual races counted | Up to three eligible virtual races (Premium tier) |
| Reward | Guaranteed entry to the following year's marathon | Guaranteed entry to the following year's marathon |
| Marathon entry fee | Paid separately | Paid separately |
The core requirement and the reward timing did not change. What changed is the door in front of the program and how you get into the races once you are through it.
What 9+1 Really Costs Now
The $99 headline is not the full cost. To earn a 2028 marathon entry through 9+1, budget for:
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| NYRR membership | Must stay active through the drawing and the program year |
| 9+1 Pass | $99 including processing, charged automatically if selected |
| Six in-person race fees | Vary by race; members receive discounted entry |
| Three virtual races | Premium tier required for 9+1 credit |
| Volunteer opportunity | No cost, but it takes a morning |
| 2028 marathon entry fee | Paid when you claim your entry; for reference, the 2026 member fee was reported at $269.66 |
Before you commit
- The charge is automatic. If you entered the drawing and were selected, NYRR charges the $99 to your payment method on file.
- Plan on fees being final. The pass and race fees are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred or deferred. Optional refund protection, where offered at checkout, may cover qualifying circumstances. Read the terms before you buy.
For a local runner, this is still far cheaper than a charity entry, which requires at least $3,000 in fundraising, or an international tour package. The real cost is time: nine race efforts and a volunteer shift across a calendar year.
How to Complete 9+1 as a Passholder
If you won a pass, congratulations. Now do not waste it.
1. Answer every selection survey quickly and honestly
Before each quarter, you will get a survey asking which races you can run. List every race you can genuinely make. More options give NYRR more room to match you, and a race you accept and skip is a wasted opportunity.
2. Block the virtual race windows now
Put the Resolution Run, Global Running Day and Run for Thanks windows in your calendar today. Register for the Premium tier each time.
3. Book the volunteer shift early
Volunteer slots fill too. The classic 9+1 mistake is finishing nine races by September and then scrambling for a volunteer opportunity in November. Book it in the first half of the year.
4. Build a backup race
With six in-person opportunities and three virtual races, you have no margin. Use member advance registration to add at least one extra qualifying race as insurance, especially in the fall.
5. Keep your membership active
Your membership must stay active through the program year. Turn on auto-renew or set a reminder.
6. Treat the races as training, not chores
Use the races deliberately. A spring half marathon is a fitness check. A 10K in the summer heat is a tempo run with a bib on. Not every race needs to be a hard effort, and few should be.
7. Track your progress
Check your 9+1 status in your NYRR account after every race. A result that does not register correctly is far easier to fix in May than in December.
Missed the Drawing? Your Other Routes to NYC
Missing the 9+1 drawing hurts, but it is not the end of your NYC plan. NYRR says every other entry route is unchanged:
- General drawing: free to enter, though only about 1 percent of applicants were accepted for 2026.
- Member second-chance drawing: NYRR members who miss the main drawing get a second, member-only draw. Your membership must be active by the day before the drawing application opens.
- NYRR time qualifier: meet the standard at an eligible NYRR marathon or half marathon for guaranteed entry.
- Charity: official charity partners require at least $3,000 in fundraising per runner.
- Team for Kids and Team for Climate: NYRR's own fundraising teams.
- International tour operators: for runners who are not full-time U.S. residents.
- Virtual guaranteed entry, Philanthropic Membership and 15+ legacy entry.
Every route, with dates, qualifying times and odds, is in our complete NYC Marathon 2027 entry guide.
Read the NYC Marathon 2027 Entry Guide →
Coach Neil's Take: Is 9+1 Still Worth It?
Yes, if you won a pass and you live close enough to race in New York regularly. Here is how I would think about it by runner type.
The local runner with a pass
This is still the best-value guaranteed route into NYC. Ninety-nine dollars plus race fees is a fraction of what charity or a tour package costs, and a year of NYRR races is a decent training structure in its own right. Answer the surveys, lock in the virtual races and build a backup race.
The fast local runner
If you are within reach of the NYRR qualifying standard, look hard at qualifying at an NYRR half marathon. That is a guaranteed-entry route that does not depend on any drawing, and a single good morning beats a full year of logistics. Run 9+1 if you have the pass, but chase the qualifier too.
The local runner without a pass
You are back to the same toolkit as everyone else: the drawing as an NYRR member for two bites, plus charity or a time qualifier. Make sure your membership is active before next fall's 9+1 drawing so you have another shot at a pass.
The runner outside New York
9+1 was always a stretch for you, and the new system does not change that. A tour operator, charity entry or the virtual guaranteed-entry tier is a better use of your energy.
Whatever route you take, the bib is only half the job. NYC is five bridges, a long First Avenue drag and rolling Central Park miles. The training should start long before November.
The Other NYRR Membership Changes
The 9+1 drawing was part of a wider membership update announced in August 2026:
- Member Plus is gone. NYRR eliminated the Member Plus tier, saying it wanted a more equitable registration experience.
- Advance registration for all members. Every member can register for most non-drawing NYRR races two days before the general public, starting with the October 14, 2026 launch for January to March 2027 races.
- More benefits promised. NYRR says it will introduce additional member benefits over the next year.
Planning to Run NYC?
Whether you get in through 9+1, a qualifier, charity or the drawing, your training should account for New York's bridges, rolling terrain and challenging final miles.
Read our NYC Marathon training guide for a borough-by-borough course breakdown.
Get My Free NYC Marathon Training Preview →
Built around your goal time, current fitness, and New York's five bridges and rolling terrain.
NYRR 9+1 FAQ
What is the NYRR 9+1 program?
9+1 is an NYRR member program. Complete nine qualifying NYRR races and one qualifying volunteer opportunity in a calendar year, and you earn guaranteed, non-complimentary entry to the following year's TCS New York City Marathon.
What changed with 9+1 for 2027?
Starting with the 2027 program year, members must be selected in a free 9+1 eligibility drawing and pay $99 for a 9+1 Pass. More than 15,000 members are selected each year, and Passholders get races through a new quarterly race selection process.
When was the 9+1 drawing?
The first 9+1 eligibility drawing took place on October 1, 2026. Applications ran September 17 to 29, 2026, and members needed an active membership by September 16.
How much does the 9+1 Pass cost?
$99, including the processing fee, charged automatically if you are selected. Entering the drawing is free. Membership dues, race fees and the marathon entry fee are separate, and fees are generally non-refundable.
How does the Passholder race selection process work?
Before each quarterly registration period, Passholders fill out a survey about which races they can run. NYRR matches them with available entries: one race in January to March, one in April to June, up to two in July to September and up to two in October to December, for up to six in-person opportunities.
Do virtual races count toward 9+1?
Up to three. The Virtual NYRR Resolution Run 5K, Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 5K and Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K count when you register for the Premium tier.
Which NYC Marathon does the new 9+1 program lead to?
Completing the 2027 program earns guaranteed entry to the 2028 TCS New York City Marathon.
I am completing 9+1 in 2026. Am I affected?
No. Runners completing 9+1 during 2026 still earn guaranteed entry to the 2027 marathon under the existing rules.
What if I was not selected in the 9+1 drawing?
Without a pass, you generally cannot use the standard 2027 9+1 program to earn 2028 entry. You can still enter the NYC Marathon through the general drawing, the member second-chance drawing, time qualification, charity, tour operators and other routes.
Are there exceptions to the drawing?
Yes. Race Free participants may receive complimentary passes. Runners who have finished the NYC Marathon 13 or 14 times, or 12 times and are running the 2026 race, can access paid passes for the 2027 and 2028 programs without entering the drawing.
Does 9+1 make the NYC Marathon free?
No. 9+1 earns non-complimentary entry, which means you still pay the marathon entry fee when you claim your place.