NYRR revamps 9+1 program, adds free drawing, eliminates Member Plus

The New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced a overhaul of its membership offerings to improve access to its year‑round races. The long‑standing 9+1 program, which guarantees entry to the TCS New York City Marathon for runners who complete nine qualifying races and one volunteer shift, will now use a free‑to‑enter annual eligibility drawing. From Sept. 17‑29, NYRR members can enter; 15,000 names will be selected on Oct. 1 and each will pay a $99 fee to become a 9+1 Passholder and must complete the requirements for the 2028 marathon. Runners already in the 9+1 pipeline for the 2027 marathon are unaffected.

NYRR is also eliminating the Member Plus and Family Plus tiers. All members will receive advance registration for most non‑drawing races, with a two‑day early‑registration window beginning Oct. 14. Existing Individual Plus and Family Plus members will be moved to the standard tier on Aug. 19 and receive prorated refunds. CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said, “The hardest thing about completing 9+1 should be running the races—not getting into them,” and noted the changes aim to make races more equitable and accessible.