2023 NYC Marathon Lottery Winners to Get Choice of 1 Mile Per Year Over 26 Years or One-Time Payout of 26 Miles
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Winners of the New York City Marathon lottery will have a new option beginning next year, race organizers said today—they can take their winnings one mile per year over 26 years, or in one “lump sum” of 26.2 miles.
“Today’s runners are more time-crunched than ever, and crave flexibility when it comes to how, and when, they run,” said a statement from the New York Road Runners, which organizes the marathon. “This decision reflects that reality.”
“Starting in 2023, New York City Marathon lottery winners will be able to choose how they would like to receive their prize—a little bit each year, or all at once—depending on their own individual preferences.”
It is believed to be the first such move in a marathon of any size; it remains to be seen whether the other five World Marathon Majors events will follow suit and, if so, whether they would use New York’s 26-year model or opt to go with one kilometer per year over 42 years.
Early reaction to the news was mixed.
“Always nice to have options,” one runner posted on Twitter. “If I won, I think I’d take the lump sum.”
“WTF,” wrote another.
Reports that New York City Marathon representatives would present future lottery winners with oversized novelty acceptance letters could not be confirmed.
