New York City Marathon returning at full capacity

After a 2020 cancellation and restrictions in 2021 due to COVID-19, the New York City Marathon will return to full capacity of 50,000 runners this Nov. 6, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced Thursday.

The marathon is the largest in the world, according to the NYRR. 

“Every year, runners from all over the world come to New York City because there’s no better race than the New York City Marathon,” Mayor Eric Adams (D) told NYRR, adding, “This race is the strongest proof of New York’s unrelenting spirit and determination, and we are proud to announce that, this year, we’ll be back at full capacity. With 50,000 runners competing in November, the city that never sleeps will be where champions are made.” 

Last year, the capacity of runners was split into about half its regular size in order to keep things more safe amid coronavirus concerns. The NYRR notes that now many venues at the event will be back to their pre-pandemic state.

The 2022 New York City Marathon will require all participants to be fully vaccinated.

The NYRR will hold a drawing for who will get to apply to partake in the marathon on March 30, with the deadline to enter the drawing being March 23. 

Those who were selected to race in 2020, but could not due to the event’s cancellation, will have the option to run in this year’s marathon for no cost, as will those who were selected in 2021 but were unable to come due to travel concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Last year’s marathon served as an uplifting and unifying moment for New York City’s recovery as well as a symbol of renewed hope, inspiration, and perseverance,” said race director Ted Metellus. 

“This November, we are excited to have runners from all over the world fully return as we come together to deliver one of the best days in New York.”