New York City Marathon will return to 50,000 participants this fall

The New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced on Feb. 24 that the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon will return to full capacity of 50,000 this fall after running at half capacity in 2021 and being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The 51st edition of this historic marathon is scheduled to take place on Nov. 6.

Just months before the pandemic, the 2019 NYC Marathon set a Guinness World Record for the most runners to finish a marathon at a single race, with 53,627 finishers. Seven months later, the 2020 race was called off as the city dealt with high COVID-19 numbers.

In 2021, the marathon returned for its 50th edition, which was limited to 25,000 runners. Participants were eligible to register and compete if they showed proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the race. Spectators were urged to maintain social distancing, while most of the pre-and-post race entertainment was cancelled. Two Kenyan runners took home the overall title in 2021, with Albert Korir winning his first Abbott World Major and Peres Jepchirchir becoming the first Olympic champion to win the NYC marathon in the same year they won Olympic gold.

Race organizers expect to see the 2022 race back to its former benchmark. Another thing that will be returning for 2022 is the on-course entertainment through the five boroughs. Runners who plan on signing up will still need to show proof that they are double-vaccinated to register.

NYRR will open the draw for registration in March. Runners can also register for the marathon by enrolling via the charities and fundraising associated with the race. Those who were previously registered to participate in the 2020 race will be given the first option to re-register in 2022 or 2023.