NYC Marathon (Photo by: NYRR)

In a  society that is becoming more and more health conscious, running is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to stay in shape.

With the increase in health conscious individuals that have taken up running, has also come an increased popularity in distance races. Particularly, it seems, the marathon has become a motivator for runners of various levels of ability. Whether it is a one time goal, to complete a 26.2 mile race, or a hobby, to make personal improvements in speed over distance, there are a couple of marathons that stand out. The New York City Marathon is definitely one of those.

The first incarnation of the race was held in 1970, where the admission fee of $1 was collected from anyone crazy enough to want to run 26.2 miles. Only fifty five runners, less than have of those who entered, crossed the finish line that year. In 2009, the race turns 40 years old. To illustrate how the sport has grown in popularity, the New York City Marathon grew from 127 runners in 1970, the race has grown to nearly 50,000 runners in 2009. The NYRR describes the race saying:

Around the world, the word "marathon" evokes images of New York City. Before the New York race began, marathons were modest events run by a few athletes and followed by a few fans interested in the limits of human endurance. New York Road Runners and marathon co-founder Fred Lebow changed that. Today many marathons are huge media events that take over entire cities around the globe. None is as prominent as the ING New York City Marathon, but all city marathons are modeled on it. Modern marathoning owes its start -- and its world-class status -- to New York.

Because popularity has grown so much over the years, runners are no longer able to merely show up and pay an entry fee, to participate. Instead, runners must secure guaranteed entry through one of four methods: A runner may qualify, by earning a qualifying time at another marathon, or half marathon; A runner may participate in the New York Road Runners 9+1 program to guaranty entry; A runner may enter the New York City Marathon Lottery; Or, a runner may volunteer to raise money for one of the participating charities, to gain entry.

Qualifying times are set on a sliding scale, depending on age, gender and distance of qualifying race. As of the 2009, the qualifying times to earn guaranteed entry to the New York Marathon are as follows: 

The 9+1 Program allows runners who reside in the New York City area to gain guaranteed entry to the marathon, by joining the New York Road Runners and participating in 9 NYRR races, then volunteering in at least one NYRR race. More details on the 9+1 Program can be seen here.

The New York Road Runners hold an annual lottery for guaranteed entry to the New York City Marathon. One can enter in the lottery through the New York City Marathon page of the NYRR website. The lottery is held during the calendar year of the race, and is generally open for several months at the beginning of the year, and ending in May or June (depending on whether the applicant is domestic or foreign). The entry fee consists of an $11 processing fee. The actual race entry fees are only charged if the applicant is selected to participate.

New York Road Runners and ING work with several charities, as a part of the New York City Marathon. As a result, participating in fund raising for one of the participating charities, and raising the stipulated amount, may earn a person guaranteed entry into the marathon. Information on the participating charities, can be found here.

Additional information about the race, is located at the NYRR marathon page.