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NYC Marathon Lowers Entry Qualifying Times

  • By Duncan Larkin
  • Published Oct. 13, 2011
  • Updated Oct. 13, 2011 at 9:58 AM UTC
Runners will have to significantly speed up if they want guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon beginning in 2013. Photo: N.Y. Habitat

Standards have tightened dramatically.

Runners will have to significantly speed up if they want guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon beginning in 2013. Photo: N.Y. Habitat

The New York Road Runners have issued one message to those interested in a sure entry to the ING New York City Marathon: speed up. According to a release on their Web site, the race’s governing body stated that beginning in 2013 a 30-year-old male would have to run 2:45 to be assured a guaranteed entry–a full 10-minute reduction from the current standard. For a 40-year-old woman the standard drop is more significant: she will have to run 3:10 as opposed to 3:38.

“We’ve noticed people want a competitive race and people are just getting faster in general as people become more dedicated to the sport,” said Drea Braxmeier, a NYRR spokeswoman.

The rule changes apply also to the unfortunate runner who didn’t earn a lottery slot for three years in a row. Previously, these runners were guaranteed that their fourth try would be successful, but this practice is now being phased out.

“We’re not trying to lessen the field at all,” Braxmeier said. “At this point it’s just trying to make it fair for everyone.”

For More: Wall Street Journal

FILED UNDER: New York City Marathon / News TAGS: / / / / /

Duncan Larkin

Duncan Larkin

Duncan Larkin is the news editor at Competitor.com and a freelance journalist who’s been covering the sport of running for over five years. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. His first running book, RUN SIMPLE, was released last July.