This weekend, 50,000 runners will take part in one of the most iconic races in the world — the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. If you’re lucky enough to have a bib, there are already a few things to remember: charge your Garmin and headphones, remember the clocks change at midnight, and follow the rules.
Some are obvious, some aren’t, and some are plain hilarious, but here are 15 things runners are not allowed to do at the New York City Marathon.
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15 things runners are not allowed to do at the TCS New York City Marathon
1. Swap their race number
Let's start with a pretty obvious one — runners are not allowed to transfer their bib to another person, or sell it for that matter. You’re also not allowed to participate if you don’t have a bib assigned to you. Breaking this rule means disqualification and a potential ban from all subsequent NYRR events.
2. Wear a jacket or running belt over their number
NYRR states, “To ensure an accurate time, participants should wear the Official Race Bib on their chest and should not fold or wrinkle the bib or cover it with a jacket, runner belt, water bottle, or any other item.” If you lose your bib on the course, runners are urged to tell an event official immediately after crossing the finish line. Your bib has your timing chip in, so if it’s lost, you might not get that all-important finish time.
3. Move to a faster wave
Runners are set off in designated waves, based on their estimated finish time. Even if training has gone really well, you can’t move to a faster wave — instead, your best bet is to try and get to the front of your corral.
NYRR is pretty hot on this, and the rules state, “Any participant who climbs over a wave or corral barricade or otherwise is found to have started in an earlier than designated wave or corral may be disqualified and risks suspension from future NYRR races.” You can, however, move back to a slower wave if you think your predicted finish time is too ambitious.
4. Carry a hydration backpack
Runners are allowed to carry fluid containers that are one liter or less in a hydration belt, in their hands, or in the front pocket of a hydration vest (not in the back pocket). Hydration backpacks, hydration bladders, or containers on a runner’s back are not allowed. There’s plenty of fluid along the course, however, so don’t let this put you off.
5. Or any backpack for that matter
Backpacks, handbags, or any similar item carried over the shoulder are on the NYRR list of prohibited items. Probably for the best, as you’re not going to PR wearing a backpack.
6. Wheel a suitcase along the course
If you’ve ever opted to just take hand luggage through an airport, you’d think this one would be a no-brainer, but suitcases and rolling bags are on the banned items list.
7. Film using a selfie stick
NYRR discourages the use of any video devices during the New York City Marathon, including mobile phones. However, if you are going to film, stick to using your phone in your hand or a video camera that is no larger than a GoPro. Selfie sticks, tripods, and similar items are prohibited, as they can pose a safety risk and affect someone else’s race. Runners who do use a selfie stick risk being disqualified or suspended from future races.
8. Have a beer on course
While pre-drinking is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re faced with 26.2 miles, if you are sitting on Staten Island and are tempted to ease those pre-race nerves, don’t. Alcohol is another prohibited substance, so save it for after the finish line.
9. Run with their dog
Man's best friend is not welcome on the start line, no matter how many training miles they might have completed with you. It’s not just dogs — all animals are banned from the New York City Marathon.
10. Carry a duvet
Another slightly odd one, but duvets, sleeping bags, large blankets and comforters, and mattresses are all on the prohibited list. For obvious reasons.
11. Run wearing a weighted vest
Weights of any kind, including weighted vests, are not allowed on the New York City Marathon course. Again, this is probably sound advice, as we can’t think of many physiotherapists who would recommend running 26.2 miles with extra weight strapped to your torso.
12. Play music from a portable speaker
While you can use headphones should you wish — check out our list of the best workout headphones — (just make sure you can still hear safety notices, and do take them out to soak up the atmosphere and the crowds at some point), portable speakers are not allowed.
13. Use a bicycle, roller skates, roller blades, scooter, or skateboard to get round faster
Again, very obvious. This is a running race, after all.
14. Go for a wee on the course
Runners will know you’d be hard-pressed to complete any major marathon and not spot someone doing a wee on the side of the course. However, the NYRR rules state, “Any participant who urinates and/or defecates in public may be disqualified and suspended from participating in future NYRR events.”
15. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner
Any runner who is seen to be unsportsmanlike before, during, or after the New York City Marathon risks being disqualified, so be kind to each other runners!
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