Marathon Information

In a New York Minute: Getting Into the NYC Marathon 2001

Due to the vast numbers of runners seeking acceptance into the New York City Marathon and accusations that tri-state residents surrounding the metropolitan area receive favoritism over the rest of us, New York Road Runners Club (NYRRC) officials once again have tweaked entry procedures for the 2001 mega-marathon slated for Nov. 4.

Two facts remain the same: 30,000 runners will be accepted -- 20,000 U. S. and 10,000 international; and all runners must be at least 18 years old or over on race day.

However, with the exception of a small group of "guaranteed entrants," all official runners will be selected by lottery, to be held June 13. There will be no more Central Park line-ups, which gave New York City residents an advantage; no more desperation waiting lists, which were used when registered runners withdrew at the last minute.

Individuals satisfying the following criteria will be considered guaranteed entrants:

Members of the NYRRC since Jan. 2000, who have completed nine NYRRC-scored races during the year;

Anyone who was accepted in 2000 but cancelled, then requested a deferment for 2001;

All athletes with disabilities -- including wheelchairs. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2001.

Any open (ages 18-39) or masters (40-up) male and female who have run the following qualifying standards in the marathon distance since Sept. 1, 1999: open male (2:45); open female (3:15); masters male (3:00); masters female (3:30);

Or something new -- half marathon qualifying standards performed since July 1, 2000: open male (1:16); open female (1:31); masters male (1:24); masters female (1:39). Proof of any qualifying standards must be submitted with an entry by May 1, 2001.

Marathon applications, which cost a non-refundable $7, are available now by mail or online. The entry deadline for the general lottery is June 1. All official entrants will be notified by mail in early summer. To request an application by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and the $7 processing fee to Marathon Entries, P.O. Box 1388 GPO, New York, N.Y. 10116. Entries also can be picked up at NYRRC headquarters at 9 East 89th Street.

For online information and registration procedures, click on the Web sites: www.nycmarathon.org and www.nyrrc.org.

-- Diane Sherrer

Update on North-Country Marathons

For those folks who are looking forward to the return of some semi-local spring marathons, please note that the Arthritis Foundation's Ontario Shore Marathon on May 5th now boasts its own website at www.ontariomarathon.com, with a downloadable entry form and lots of information. Of course you can still call the Arthritis Foundation in Rochester at (716) 264-1480 or e-mail them at bpuckett@arthritis.org.

Clarkson University's Run for the Border Marathon on April 29th has also updated its website at www.runfortheborder.org, adding an entry form and more information. Call Matt Tessier at (315) 353-2843 or e-mail border@slic.com.

And, as always, if you go, please let us know how it went!

-- Betsy Martens