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Runners, start your engines: applications for the 2015 New York City Marathon are here!
Everyone who intends to run the marathon must fill out the application by Feb. 15, except for those applying to run for charity or people living outside the U.S. who wish to enter through International Travel Partners. You can apply for non-guaranteed entry, guaranteed entry, as an athlete with a disability and more on the marathon's website.
It can be tough to gain a highly-coveted spot in the NYC marathon, but you can apply to gain a numbered racing bib of your own through the lottery drawing, or non-guaranteed entry. Your chances aren't too great—last year just 9,170 of the more than 77,000 applicants, or about 12%, were granted a slot through the lottery—but it's still worth a try! All applicants pay an $11 non-refundable processing fee, and if you are one of the lucky ones selected, the credit card you provide will be charged the full race fee once you are chosen from the drawing in March; $216 for members of New York Road Runners, $255 for non-members and $347 for non-U.S. residents. Entry fee includes your place as a runner, a goody bag with a shirt and program magazine, transportation to the start of the race and finisher materials, like a shiny new medal.
Types of runners with guaranteed entry include NYRR members who completed the 9+1 program, or ran in 9 qualifying races and volunteered at one in 2014; time qualifiers; runners who have completed 15 previous NYC marathons (some would call members of this group questionably insane); and more. Check out the whole list here.
And remember, you have just ten months left to train...