Lottery Entry

Random selection process for oversubscribed races like NYC Marathon and London Marathon.

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Understanding Lottery Entry

Many of the world's most popular races use lottery (random selection) systems because demand far exceeds available spots. You submit an application during a registration window, and your name is either drawn or not — regardless of your running ability, previous participation, or how fast you click "register."

Major lottery races include the New York City Marathon (~60,000 applicants for ~20,000 lottery spots), London Marathon (~500,000 applicants for ~50,000 spots), and Tokyo Marathon (~300,000 applicants for ~38,000 spots). Acceptance rates vary from 5% (London, Tokyo) to 15–20% (New York, Berlin).

Some races improve your odds with loyalty programs: if you're rejected, you get better odds the following year. Others have separate entry pathways: qualifying times, charity fundraising, travel packages, or club entries. Understanding all available entry methods is key to planning your racing calendar.

Key Facts: Lottery Entry

Key facts and insights about lottery entry that every endurance athlete should know.

Major lottery races

Major lottery races: NYC Marathon, London Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, Berlin Marathon

London Marathon acceptance rate

London Marathon acceptance rate: approximately 3-5%

NYC Marathon

NYC Marathon: ~20,000 spots via lottery out of ~60,000 applicants

Some lotteries have "rollover" odds that

Some lotteries have "rollover" odds that improve after each rejection

Pro Tips: Lottery Entry

Apply to every lottery you're interested in — you can always defer or DNS if you get into too many

Have a backup race plan in case lottery results don't go your way

Charity entries guarantee a spot but require fundraising ($3,000–$5,000+ typical minimum)

Check if your running club has guaranteed entries — many clubs receive race allocations

Frequently Asked Questions About Lottery Entry

You can try again next year (some races give you better odds for each rejection), pursue a charity entry, look for guaranteed entry through travel packages or running clubs, or choose a different race. Many runners have "Plan A" (lottery) and "Plan B" (guaranteed-entry backup race) for each season.

Application fees are usually non-refundable. If you're selected and pay the full entry fee, deferral policies vary by race. Some (like NYC) offer deferral to the following year; others do not. Check the specific race's policy before entering the lottery.