2013 ING New York City Marathon: Run For Charity
Runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge at the start of the ING New York City marathon. (Photo: Fergal Carr, via Creative Commons)
Didn’t get into the 2013 ING New York City Marathon? You can still run the largest marathon in the world by running for one of its 260 official charity partners.
I’ve run the race three times—once for charity—and can honestly say it’s the most amazing race I’ve ever done. It’s a must add to any marathoner’s bucket list.
Largest Race, Smallest Lottery
The 2013 ING New York City Marathon is expected to be the largest in the event’s history with 48,000 runners.
This year’s lottery was much smaller than in years past thanks to the cancellation of the 2012 ING New York City Marathon in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. New York Road Runners, the organization that puts on the race and one that I freelance for as host of On The Run, offered runners registered for the 2012 race three options: take a refund, receive guaranteed entry into the 2013 NYC Half in March, or receive a guaranteed entry into the 2013, 2014 or 2015 marathon. NYRR said approximately half of the runners opted to take a refund.
The 2013 field of 48,000 will include 19,000 runners originally slated to run the 2012 race. More than 33,000 runners applied via the random draw lottery that was held Wednesday, May 29. Only 4,500 runners nabbed spots through the drawing, compared with 15,000 last year. Another 8,000 got bibs through NYRR’s 9+1 program for local runners (which is how I got into the race in 2008 and 2010), 2,000 runners met a time qualifying standard, and 8,200 spots are reserved for runners affiliated with charity partners.
The remaining spots go to runners who’ve completed the race more than 15 times, applicants who have been denied by the lottery the previous three consecutive years, and international travel partners; 19,000 of this year’s runners will be coming from overseas.
Run For Charity
You can still toe the line in Staten Island in November. Approximately 8,200 participants will run for one of 260 charity groups in exchange for fundraising a set amount. Most fundraising minimums range from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the organization. Many charities are actively looking for runners now.
Charities are categorized by their level of involvement with the race. Gold and Silver charities offer race-day perks like transportation and a tented start area. Many charities at all levels offer other incentives like training programs, teams uniforms, group runs and more. Contact each charity individually to find out what they offer. Here are the participating charities for 2013:
Fred’s Team—Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Boston Children’s Hospital Trust
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
Thomas G. Labrecque Foundation
Campaign for Female Education CAMFED
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Another 86 charities fall into the bronze category supporting causes as varied as cancer prevention, youth fitness programs, free arts programs, veterans groups, animal advocacy, and many more.
One of the newest charities to the program is the United States Olympic Committee, which gives runners a chance to support Team USA and become a part of Team USA. Perks of running for the USOC include access to U.S. Olympians and Paralympians for advice and support, Olympic apparel and equipment, and health and training tips from the USOC’s staff of experts.
For a complete list of all Bronze charities, visit here.
Community Level Charity Partners
Another 159 smaller Community Level Charity Partners also offer runners bibs for the 2013 ING New York City Marathon. For a complete list, visit here.
To run the ING New York City Marathon for charity, runners must register for the race via the individual non-profit organization. Visit ingmarathon.org to learn more.
Karla Bruning is host of On The Run, New York Road Runners’ web show about running. She has finished six marathons, two triathlons and trains with the New York Harriers. Follow Karla at RunKarlaRun.com, The Washington Times Communities, Facebook and Twitter@KBruning.
About Karla Bruning
Karla Bruning is a regular contributor to SHAPE.com, the host of NYRR's On The Run web + TV show, and a race announcer at events like the TCS New York City Marathon. She used to report for Newsweek but spent her free time squeezing in workouts. Now she freelances as a running reporter. She's run 7 marathons, 20 halves, 6 triathlons, sings in an '80s cover band, spoils her dog + travels compulsively.
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I think it is great how many ways there are to get into the race, I did not apply this year nor will I do charity but eventually I will run this race. This year at NYC is huge, because my best friend got in with her crazy fast half time and will be running this as her FIRST full marathon. I am so excited to play support crew for her!
Laura recently posted..Airport 5k Recap
I’ve cheered friends on at the race and it’s almost as fun as running it!
Karla recently posted..Monday Music: Swedish Running Playlist
All great charities too. I followed your “charity” link and read your write up on your first NYC marathon. It gave me goosebumps, and I love “New York, New York.” That song just reminds me of Fall for some reason.
Lesley recently posted..Recovering?
Thanks, Lesley! I love New York, New York too. I’ll always associate that song with the race.
Karla recently posted..Monday Music: Swedish Running Playlist
WOW, the Team USA Endurance option sounds awesome although it would take a seriously good fundraiser to raise at least $10,000 to get on those Team USA phone calls. Definitely putting this on my bucket list though… I hope they continue to offer this!
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted..Wendy’s Messed With My Run, That’s Not Cool Man
I’ve raised money a few times for charity. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s always worthwhile. $10,000 is no joke!
Karla recently posted..Monday Music: Swedish Running Playlist
This is my plan for 2014! I raised $ when I trained for and ran my first half marathon, it really does add something to the experience when you’re running for a cause, it’s incredibly motivating and rewarding.
Danielle recently posted..Social Media + Fitness = A Great(ist) Match!
Yay to NYC in 2014! It’s such a great race. Excited it’s in your future!
Karla recently posted..Monday Music: Swedish Running Playlist
If I ever get the guts to run the NYC marathon, an entry through a charity is definitely something I would do. I haven’t done it for every race, but I’ve done it for a couple and it definitely adds to the experience. Now, if I only I could get over my fear of bridges (and having never run a full marathon), I’m totally there!
Kellie recently posted..Week in Training (and kinda back to Cooking!) 6/24-6/30
The bridges are actually really fun to run over. You get great views! And you never know if and when you might be ready to tackle a marathon. I thought I’d never run one and now I’ve run 6!
Karla recently posted..Monday Music: Swedish Running Playlist
the race has been always interasting.wish to run
Loved reading this article, I found it while I was searching for a current list of charities for the NYC marathon. Can you direct me to an inclusive list for the 2014 NYC marathon? Thank you VERY much in advance!
Hi Laurie, Thanks for your question! The TCS NYC Marathon hasn’t released the complete list of charities for 2014 yet. My guess is they’ll do so in March around the time of the lottery. BUT there are three “gold” level charities that have already been announced. Here’s the list: http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/plan-your-race/getting-in/run-for-charity That page will eventually have links to all the charities as they’re announced. Thanks for reading!
Karla Bruning recently posted..How To Put Together A Race Medal Display