When Do I Find Out If I Got Into the NYC Marathon? A Tale of Patience and Hope
So, you’ve taken the plunge and entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon. You’ve envisioned yourself crossing the finish line, draped in a finisher’s medal, surrounded by cheering crowds. But now, the agonizing wait begins. When do you actually find out if your dreams of conquering the five boroughs will become a reality? Let’s break it down.
The Lottery: A Game of Chance (and Refreshing Your Email)
The NYC Marathon lottery is as thrilling as it is nerve-wracking. You submit your application, hit send, and then... nothing. Days turn into weeks, and you find yourself obsessively checking your email, convinced that the acceptance letter is just around the corner. Trust us, we’ve been there.
Pro Tip: Don’t check your email every five minutes. It’s bad for your mental health. And your inbox.
The Date: Mark Your Calendars (But Don’t Get Too Excited)
The NYC Marathon lottery results are typically announced in March. Yes, March. So, if you’re reading this in January, you’ve got some time to kill. Plenty of time to start training, right? Wrong. Don’t get ahead of yourself. We repeat: Don’t get ahead of yourself.
What If I Don’t Get In? Don’t Panic (Yet)
If you don’t get lucky in the lottery, don’t despair. There are other ways to run the NYC Marathon. You can try to qualify through a qualifying race, enter the charity program, or simply keep trying your luck in the lottery. Remember, even the most seasoned runners have been rejected from the lottery at some point.
How to Handle the Wait
- Distract Yourself: Immerse yourself in other hobbies, binge-watch your favorite show, or try a new recipe.
- Visualize Success: Imagine yourself crossing the finish line. Positive thinking can be powerful!
- Start Training (Maybe): If you’re feeling optimistic, you could start a gentle training plan. Just be prepared to adjust if you don’t get in.
How To...
- How to increase my chances of getting into the NYC Marathon? While there’s no guaranteed way, running other NYRR races can boost your chances.
- How to prepare for the NYC Marathon lottery? Stay calm, manage your expectations, and have a backup plan.
- How to handle disappointment if I don't get in? Take a deep breath, explore other running goals, and remember there's always next year.
- How to celebrate if I get in? Scream, jump, and immediately start planning your race strategy (just kidding, maybe wait a bit).
- How to stay motivated during the wait? Set smaller running goals, find a running buddy, and visualize your race day success.
Remember, whether you get in or not, running is a journey. Enjoy the process!
