When Michael Conway lined up for the New York City Marathon on Sunday, his expenses related to the event had already reached several thousand dollars. At 30 years old and based in Brooklyn, Conway invests heavily in his running, owning multiple pairs of shoes costing at least $160 each for different training purposes, as well as purchasing hundreds of dollars’ worth of fuel gels annually. Entry into the New York City Marathon requires participation in numerous qualifying races, adding further costs. Even spectators seeking a view of the finish line in Central Park faced a $60 fee for access to bleachers.
Conway’s experience reflects a broader trend among amateur runners who are increasingly investing significant sums in gear, race fees, club memberships, and nutrition products. Once regarded as an accessible sport, marathon running—particularly in New York—has become costly for many participants.
This year, nearly 250,000 runners entered the lottery for a spot in the marathon, but only about 2,400, roughly 1 percent, secured places through this method. The limited number of available bibs results in steep competition, a challenge compounded by the city’s fixed geographic constraints.
Entry to the race is divided among various categories. Thousands of bibs are allocated to runners who meet specific qualifying times, while about 25 percent are reserved for participants who raise funds for charity. This leaves relatively few opportunities for other runners to gain access. One notable path has been the Road Runners’ 9+1 program, which requires completing nine races and one volunteer activity to qualify.
However, this program underwent significant changes in June. Beginning in 2028, participation will be determined by lottery rather than race completion, with an initial $99 fee to join the program and additional charges for each qualifying race entry. Many runners, including Conway, have criticized this policy, viewing it as an added financial burden. Conway estimated his costs to complete the nine races this year at around $350, describing the new system as forcing participants to pay multiple fees for the opportunity to enter the marathon.
The New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organizing body, contend that they have worked to keep the marathon affordable. They highlight that the $255 entry fee for members has remained unchanged for ten years and note that Mayor Zohran Mamdani has provided 350 free spectator tickets for the finish line area. NYRR emphasized its commitment to broadening access and maintaining affordability for the running community.
New York is not alone in confronting surging demand for marathon spots. In June, organizers of the London Marathon announced plans to extend their 2027 race over two days to accommodate more runners.
Despite the financial challenges, runners like Conway suggest that marathoning does not require premium gear or expensive entry fees. “There’s nothing stopping me from going to Central Park tomorrow morning and running 26.2 miles,” he said, underscoring the option to pursue running independently outside of organized events.