NEW YORK, NY — New York Road Runners is changing its 9+1 program, a longtime route many runners use to earn guaranteed access to the New York City Marathon. The organization announced the update on Wednesday, and CEO Rob Simmelkjaer discussed the changes in a televised interview with ABC7 New York.
The program has been a familiar part of the city’s running culture for years, especially for participants who build their marathon plans around completing nine qualifying races and one volunteering opportunity. The revamp is aimed at refreshing that process while keeping the program tied to the organization’s broader mission of helping more people take part in its events.
How the 9+1 path has worked for runners
The 9+1 program has given runners a clear, structured way to pursue a spot in the marathon without relying solely on the lottery. Under the system, participants complete nine qualifying races and also volunteer once at an eligible event.
For many New York-area runners, that structure has made the path to the marathon feel more achievable and community-oriented. It combines race participation with volunteer service, which has helped connect runners not just to the finish line, but also to the broader event calendar that New York Road Runners organizes across the region.
The program has also become one of the best-known examples of how the organization encourages regular participation throughout the year rather than only on marathon day. That familiarity is part of why any change to it matters to runners who plan far in advance.
Why New York Road Runners is updating the program
Rob Simmelkjaer said the changes are designed to improve the experience for participants. While the organization did not detail every adjustment in the brief ABC7 New York coverage, the update signals that New York Road Runners wants the program to better serve runners as participation demands and event planning continue to evolve.
For an organization that manages one of the most recognizable marathon ecosystems in the country, refining a qualifying program can have a wide effect. Runners often map out their year around these requirements, and even small changes can influence training schedules, race selection and volunteer plans.
The announcement also reflects the importance of the marathon community to New York Road Runners. The 9+1 path is not just a registration mechanic; it is part of how the group keeps runners engaged with the sport and with the city’s race scene all year long.
A program tied closely to marathon season planning
For runners hoping to secure a place in the marathon, the 9+1 path is often a yearlong commitment. Participants need to think ahead about which races they can complete and where they can fit in a volunteer shift, which makes the program a planning exercise as much as a fitness challenge.
That time commitment is one reason the program has held such a strong place in New York City running circles. It rewards consistency and gives runners a tangible goal beyond simply entering a race. The revamp may affect how people structure that effort, especially those who return to the system year after year.
Because the program is so closely tied to the marathon, changes to it are likely to draw attention from both serious runners and casual participants who hope to someday take part in the event.
The role of volunteers in the New York Road Runners model
One notable feature of 9+1 is that it includes service as well as racing. The volunteer requirement has long helped power events while giving participants a direct role in the race-day experience.
That combination matters because it connects the organization’s signature events to a larger network of support. Volunteers help with logistics, encouragement and operations, and the program uses that involvement as part of its entry pathway.
By keeping volunteer service in the conversation, New York Road Runners continues to emphasize that the program is about more than qualifying time or race count. It is also about participation, contribution and staying active in the local running community.
What runners should expect next
ABC7 New York’s coverage did not spell out every operational detail of the revised program, but the announcement makes clear that New York Road Runners is moving forward with a fresh version of 9+1. Runners who use the program will likely be watching closely for updated requirements and timelines.
For now, the big takeaway is that one of the city’s best-known marathon pathways is being adjusted rather than eliminated. That means the program remains an important part of how New York Road Runners connects participants to its marquee race and to the events that lead up to it.
As the organization rolls out the changes, runners who rely on 9+1 will need to pay attention to the updated rules before planning their next season of races and volunteer work.
