# New York runners criticise rising fees and tougher marathon entry rules

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/new-york-city-marathon-runners-slam-organizers-for-money-grab-after-controversial-rule-change/
- Published: 2026-10-28T21:29:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T21:48:02+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16246143/NYC-Marathon-runners-slam-organizers.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Art, Culture, World

## Key points

- Runners say New York Marathon costs are pricing people out.
- The 9+1 programme requires nine races and one volunteer event.
- Applications exceeded 240,000 as NYRR defended its approach.

## Summary

New York Road Runners is facing criticism that higher fees and changes to its 9+1 entry programme are making the New York City Marathon harder for ordinary local runners to access. The debate comes as demand for places rises and the race marks 50 years on its five-borough course.

The 9+1 programme requires runners to complete nine qualifying races and volunteer at one qualifying event, while keeping an NYRR membership active through December 2026, costing $63.45 a year. Marathon entry costs $269.66 for members and $333.11 for non-members; applications rose from 185,000 in 2020 to more than 240,000 this year, with record numbers rejected. NYRR chief executive Rob Simmelkjaer says the non-profit prioritises accessibility over maximising revenue, while some runners say fees and race sell-outs make participation increasingly difficult.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.