FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2021 TCS New York City Marathon Sets Field for Its 50th
Running Celebration
Marathon Field to Feature 33,000 Runners
New York, May 17, 2021 - New York Road Runners (NYRR) today announced that
it will host a field of 33,000 runners for the 50th running of the 2021 TCS
New York City Marathon on November 7. With NYRR's continued commitment to
health and safety, a modified field size was determined in partnership with
the State of New York and the Mayor's Office of New York City.
"This will be an unprecedented and historic year for the TCS New York City
Marathon as one of the most iconic New York sporting events makes its
return," said Ted Metellus, Race Director, TCS New York City Marathon. "As
we stage a safe and memorable race for the 50th running, this year's
marathon will showcase our great city's strength, inspiration, and
determination."
"In 2019, the New York City marathon broke records to become the world's
largest marathon ever," Governor Cuomo said. "While canceling the race was
the right choice in 2020, we are excited to welcome runners back to our
beautiful city. New Yorkers worked hard to flatten the curve after the
COVID-19 outbreak and it is that work that allows us to be able to take
this step in bringing normalcy back to our state."
"The New York City Marathon is a reminder of everything New Yorkers can
accomplish with persistence, hard work, and community support. As we build
a recovery for all of us, there's no better time to safely reconnect with
the iconic events that make our city great," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon was
canceled. Runners registered for last year's marathon were provided the
option to receive a full refund of their entry fee or a guaranteed
complimentary entry for the 2021, 2022, or 2023 New York City Marathon.
This year's race will accommodate all runners who chose to run in 2021.
Among the more than 30,000 runners who were registered prior to the
cancellation last year, 54 percent chose to run in this year's marathon.
The expected field will include 2020 marathon runners who chose to run this
year and those who enter through additional entry methods including
charities and international tour operators, as well as 9+1 program
participants, Virtual TCS New York City Marathon finishers, and runners who
have completed 15 or more New York City Marathons. In order to prioritize
the 2020 marathon runners who were already guaranteed entry, a drawing will
not be held for this year's marathon. Registration for runners with
guaranteed entry will begin on June 8 and close on June 15.
Health and safety procedures will be put in place for this year's marathon
to ensure a safe race day. Runners traveling to New York are expected to
adhere to federal, state, and local guidelines including pre-travel testing
and quarantine requirements. NYRR's guidelines will include social
distancing, elimination of touchpoints, enhanced health and safety
protocols, and testing and tracing. Runners should be prepared to provide a
negative COVID-19 test result or proof of a complete vaccination series
prior to running in the marathon. Specific protocols continue to evolve and
NYRR will revise its operational plans as necessary in collaboration with
medical and public health experts and state and local government officials.
To establish social distancing at the marathon and reduce density at the
start and finish, a controllable and scalable time-trial start format will
be utilized instead of single mass gathering starts. To adapt to this new
format, an extended period of time will be needed with the first wave
starting an hour earlier, and later waves extending two hours later.
The fourth annual Virtual TCS New York City Marathon Powered by Strava will
return, bringing together runners from all over the world to participate in
a race from their location of choice. The virtual marathon will begin on
October 23 and finish on November 7. Registration will open on June 10.
Last year, 16,031 runners finished the virtual race.
The 2021 TCS New York City Marathon will commemorate the race's 50th
running with runners from all over the world participating in-person and
virtually. The marathon began in 1970 and has become one of the most
anticipated annual mass sporting events in New York City and the largest
marathon in the world with 53,640 finishers in 2019. This year's marathon
will once again bring together people of all ages and abilities reflecting
the resilience and strength of the running community.
About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
NYRR's mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958,
New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world's
premier community running organization. NYRR's commitment to New York
City's five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free
youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring
the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of
thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and
opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR's premier event, and the largest marathon
in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first
Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from
the world's top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive,
recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
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