We’ve got some updates to share about our 2026 NYCRUNS Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program and prize money races.
The changes reflect our ongoing desire to level up our support for our most loyal and most competitive runners, while also maintaining our commitment to runners of all skill levels. As we like to say, NYCRUNS produces serious races that don’t take themselves so seriously.
In 2026, only NYCRUNS members will be eligible to earn prize money. We’ll have four races this year where prize money is offered to qualifying NYCRUNS Members, including three half marathons – Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon, Central Park Half Marathon, Big Apple Half Marathon – and one 5K race – Prospect Park 5K. Check out all the prize money details here.
We’ll continue our popular NYCRUNS Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program in 2026, which provides free entry to most NYCRUNS races to NYCRUNS Members who meet the qualifying criteria. This year we’ll be adding more qualifying races. So, more NYCRUNS members can earn Local Elite Status at more races throughout the year. Check out the Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program details here.
If you’re interested in becoming an NYCRUNS Member, check out all the benefits including free bib mailing, race withdrawal privileges, and discounts on every race.
Wherever you finish, you always WIN YOUR RACE with NYCRUNS!