Marathon Magic

Inspired by pictures from the New York City Marathon this past weekend and wondering how you can get into next year’s race?

While New York Road Runners, the non-profit that puts on the NYC Marathon every year, hasn’t yet announced details on all the possible entry methods for next year, there is one way you can apply today if you’re a U.S. resident and are at least 18 years old.

But you have to act fast since the sweepstakes closes tomorrow!

Here’s what you need to know: RallyUp, a fundraising platform, and New York Road Runners is currently running a sweepstakes where 10 folks will win a free, guaranteed entry to the 2025 race.

There are two ways to enter the sweepstakes:

1. Donnate to New York Road Runners
2. Submit a free entry form without donating to New York Road Runners

Below is more info on each approach.

Donate to New York Road Runners

With this approach, your donation amount dictates how many entries you get into the sweepstakes. In theory, the more you donate, the higher your chances of winning.

• If you donate $50, you get 10 entries into the sweepstakes (i.e., your name is placed in the pool 10 times, which increases your chances of winning).
• If you donate $100, you get 30 entires.
• If you donate $200, you get 70 entires.
• If you donate $400, you get 150 entires.

The benefit with this approach is two-fold: Your donation to New York Road Runners helps them “provide world-class events and free youth and community programs” while also giving you the opportunity to secure a free entry to the 2025 marathon. Submit your donation and enter the sweepstakes today.

Submit a free entry form without donating to New York Road Runners

If donating to New York Road Runners is not possible at the moment, you can still enter the sweepstakes with no purchase necessary. Here’s how:

• Request the free entry form through this site.
• You’ll then get a link to the entry form via email, which is pretty short (name and address).
• Once you’ve filled out the form, you need to save it as PDF and either email it to entries@rallyup.com or physically mail it to the address provided.

Lots of steps, yes, but if you win, it’s a free entry to next year’s race!

All sweepstakes entry forms must be received by tomorrow, November 7, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. Winners will be selected on November 11 and contacted by November 12.

Check out the official rules and regulations before applying as there are certain age requirements for certain states. For instance, if you live in Alabama and Nebraska, you have to be at least 19 years old to apply. If you live in Mississippi, you have to be 21 to apply. If you live in any other state, including the District of Columbia, you have to be at least 18 at the time of entry.

Good luck!