The idea for a marathon in New York City originated from a conversation between Ted Corbitt, the founding president of New York Road Runners (NYRR), and George Spitz, a board member of the club. Spitz then approached Manhattan borough president Percy Stutton, who took the idea to Mayor Abraham D. Beame.
Vincent Chiappetta, then president of New York Road Runners, and running enthusiast Fred Lebow organized the inaugural New York City Marathon in 1970. Real estate investors and developers Lewis and Jack Rudin sponsored the event; their father, Samuel, was an avid long-distance runner. The race had only 127 competitors, 55 finishers, and around 100 spectators.
For the first few years, the marathon’s course consisted of several loops around Central Park. In 1976, the course was changed to traverse all five boroughs in honor of the United States Bicentennial. The race was a huge success, and the course has covered all five boroughs ever since, beginning in Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island and ending in Central Park in Manhattan.
The New York City Marathon was held in September during its early years, but it moved to October in 1976. Starting in 1986, the event was moved to November. Since its inception, the marathon has been held every year, except for in 2012, when it was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy, and in 2020, when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past five decades, the New York City Marathon has grown to become the largest marathon in the world, with more than 50,000 finishers, including professional and amateur runners, and nearly two million spectators.
Due to the marathon's popularity, most participants are selected via a lottery system divided into three pools: the NYC metro area pool includes residents of New York City and those living within 60 miles of the city; the national pool includes U.S. residents, including those from Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories; the international pool includes non-U.S. residents. The drawing is usually held in early March.
There are also several ways to earn guaranteed entry:
- The 9+1 program for NYRR members who complete nine qualifying races and volunteer at another qualifying race.
- NYRR 5K and 10K philanthropic memberships.
- Running with one of the NYC Marathon’s official charity partners.
- The NYRR Team for Kids and NYRR Team for Climate programs.
- Through an official international tour operator (for international participants).
- Meeting time qualifying standards at a specified NYRR race.
- Participating in 15 previous New York City Marathons.
The marathon also has special programs for wheelchair users and ambulatory runners with disabilities.
In addition to the main race, marathon week includes other events such as the New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, the NYRR Night of Champions benefit, a 5K run, and other events and activities for runners and spectators alike.
