The 2024 New York City Marathon promises to be an exhilarating event, showcasing elite talent from across the globe and offering substantial financial rewards. Among the headline athletes are defending champions Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola, both of whom will return to defend their titles in an intensely competitive field. In addition to personal glory, participants have the opportunity to secure lucrative prize money and performance bonuses, making this edition of the marathon highly anticipated.
The total prize purse is generous across multiple categories, ensuring that both overall winners and standout performers in specific divisions are well-compensated. The top finisher in the open division will take home $100,000, with the runner-up receiving $60,000, and the third-place finisher earning $40,000. Fourth, fifth, and sixth positions also come with significant payouts of $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively. Athletes finishing between seventh and ninth places will receive $7,500, $5,000, and $2,500, with the tenth-place runner awarded $2,000.
Alongside the main competition, there is a dedicated prize structure for American runners. To be eligible, participants must hold U.S. citizenship and be ineligible to represent any other national federation in international competitions. The first American finisher will receive $25,000, with the second and third-place finishers earning $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. Runners who finish in fourth and fifth places will receive $5,000 and $3,000, adding extra motivation for top U.S. athletes to excel on race day.
The marathon will also honor performances in the Masters Division, open to runners over the age of 40. While the total prize amounts are more modest than in the open category, they reflect the recognition of achievements by seasoned athletes. The winner of the Masters Division will receive $3,000, while second-place finishers will also earn $3,000. Athletes rounding out the podium in third place will receive $1,000, making the division a meaningful contest for experienced runners.
In addition to the able-bodied athletes, the event will feature a strong Wheelchair Division with robust financial rewards. The winner of this division will earn $35,000, while second and third-place finishers will receive $20,000 and $15,000, respectively. Fourth, fifth, and sixth-place finishers are also guaranteed prize money, with awards of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500. These prizes reflect the marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of athletes from all backgrounds and abilities.
This year, the race also offers an exciting $50,000 bonus incentive for course record-breaking performances. Only the winners in the open and wheelchair divisions are eligible for this bonus, and the existing course record must be surpassed, not tied, to qualify. The current open division course records are held by Tamirat Tola on the men’s side with a time of 2:04:58, and by Margaret Okayo on the women’s side with a time of 2:22:31. The bonus creates added motivation for top athletes to push their limits and aim for new records.
The New York City Marathon will also reward athletes competing in the NYRR Member Division, a category for those with active memberships in the New York Road Runners (NYRR) organization. To qualify for this division’s prize money, participants must have held a valid membership since May 3, 2024, and completed at least six NYRR-scored races between November 6, 2023, and October 31, 2024. The winner of the NYRR Member Division will receive $5,000, with the second-place finisher earning $4,000. Athletes finishing third, fourth, and fifth will be awarded $3,000, ensuring a competitive race among local participants.
The marathon’s top contenders, including Obiri and Tola, are highly motivated for this year’s event. Both athletes have performed consistently well on the global stage, and their return sets the stage for a thrilling showdown. Obiri has been open about how the warm reception she has received from American fans has inspired her transition from track events to the marathon distance. Tola, on the other hand, will look to extend his dominance by defending his title and potentially setting a new course record.
The event offers not only financial incentives but also the prestige of winning one of the world’s premier marathons. With its vibrant atmosphere and international recognition, the New York City Marathon is a career-defining race for many elite athletes. A victory here often boosts an athlete’s profile and can lead to lucrative sponsorship opportunities and invitations to other major races around the world.
Another subplot to watch in this year’s marathon is how elite athletes are preparing after key events earlier in the year, including the Olympics and World Championships. Many top marathoners use the New York City Marathon as a way to close out their racing seasons on a high note, while also gauging their fitness levels heading into future competitions. Some athletes, including the likes of Eliud Kipchoge, have expressed their determination to rebound from challenges faced earlier in the year, making the event not just a race but also a platform for personal redemption.
For athletes competing in the wheelchair division, the New York City Marathon provides not only an opportunity for financial rewards but also a chance to inspire others. The visibility of these athletes showcases the spirit of perseverance and helps foster greater inclusion within the broader athletic community. The marathon serves as an excellent reminder that sport transcends physical limitations, uniting athletes of all backgrounds in a shared pursuit of excellence.
Beyond the elite competitions, the New York City Marathon is also a community event that brings together runners of all skill levels and backgrounds. Each year, tens of thousands of participants take to the streets of New York, cheered on by crowds that line the racecourse. The event highlights the city’s diversity and energy, with participants from around the world representing a wide range of cultures and stories. Many amateur runners also take part to raise money for charities, adding a layer of meaning to their participation.
As the athletes prepare for Sunday’s race, there is an air of excitement and anticipation among spectators and competitors alike. The marathon not only serves as a showcase of athletic talent but also as a celebration of the resilience and spirit that defines New York City. For those competing, the combination of financial rewards, personal challenges, and the opportunity to make history creates a powerful motivator to give their all.
The 2024 New York City Marathon promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with high stakes and exceptional talent on display. With substantial prize money on offer, multiple divisions to compete in, and the allure of setting new records, athletes are gearing up for one of the most prestigious events in the world of long-distance running. As race day approaches, all eyes will be on the streets of New York to see who will emerge victorious and write their name in the annals of marathon history.
