The Olympics? Done and dusted! The Chicago Marathon? In the rearview! But guess what? Something even more exciting is coming up—the legendary New York Marathon! Officially called the TCS New York City Marathon, this epic race spans a whopping 26.2 miles through all five boroughs of NYC. It’s the biggest marathon in the world, with over 53,000 finishers in 2019 and nearly 100,000 people trying to get in back in 2017!

This year, they’re celebrating the 54th anniversary of this awesome race on Sunday, November 3. Runners will hit the pavement for hours, and last year’s champ, Tamirat Tola, set the bar high with an incredible time of two hours, four minutes, and 58 seconds. As they zoom through the city, fans will be out in full force, cheering with cowbells, whistles, and some hilarious signs. It’s not just about speed; it’s a full-on city party! So, if someone’s thinking about joining in on the fun, here’s how much it costs to run in the New York Marathon!

Dollars on the track

According to a report from 2016, the cost to qualify for the New York Marathon really varies from person to person. With this race being super popular in the running community, more folks want to sign up than the marathon can handle. So, if someone’s aiming for that coveted bib, they’ll need to earn it through a few different methods, like qualifying by time or winning a spot in the lottery.

Typically, entry fees hover around $250, making it a commitment for aspiring marathoners. And hold up—don’t forget about the gear! Runners will need good running shoes, sweat-proof clothes, and plenty of other running essentials, which can rack up to around $320. Training? That’s a must, because your feet won’t be the only thing feeling the burn after tackling those 26.2 miles!

Now, this year’s marathon costs are expected to rise, thanks to inflation and some new demands. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is asking the New York Road Runners, who organize this iconic race usually held on the first Sunday of November, to cough up roughly $750,000 for using the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This bridge connects Brooklyn and Staten Island and is named after the first European explorer to sail into New York Harbor.

The MTA argues that this fee represents the lost toll revenue when the bridge is closed for the marathon. But the Road Runners aren’t having it; they point out that the marathon actually boosts transit ridership and generates about $427 million for the city, giving a huge lift to tourism and the economy. With all this buzz, some people have come forward to share their stories for this year’s New York Marathon!

Runner’s journey for New York marathon

When Siobhán O’Donnell set her sights on this year’s New York Marathon, she knew it would be an unforgettable experience. Slated for November 3rd, the event is expected to draw over 50,000 runners from around 130 countries, with last year’s finishers reaching 51,402. However, the thrill of the Big Apple comes with a hefty price tag, especially for overseas entries.

For O’Donnell, a spirited 57-year-old from Malahide, the goal was to run alongside her husband, Tony. They explored their options: partnering with a charity, entering the lottery with only a five percent chance, or chasing a competitive qualifying standard. Ultimately, they looked at New York’s International Tour Operators (ITO), where the cheapest package from Ireland started at a jaw-dropping €4,576, excluding flights and extras.

O’Donnell broke down the costs, revealing that the race entry alone was €579 each, totaling €1,158. The hotel charges were another shocker—€1,709 per person for a minimum of four nights at the Westin Grand Central. With flights adding around €1,200, their entire trip approached €6,000. Faced with such steep prices, they decided to hold off on their New York Marathon dreams, keeping it on their bucket list for a future, more budget-friendly adventure. It seems like, in addition to sore feet, the wallets are in for a serious workout!