The 9+1 program, popular among New York City’s growing running population, has been around since the early 2000s, according to New York Road Runners. The 9+1 program has always and will continue to be limited to New York Road Runners members, which requires a $64 fee. Drea Smith, 44, a personal trainer who lives in the Bronx, ran the New York City Marathon in 2025 after securing a spot through the annual lottery for guaranteed entry. To run in this year’s marathon, she completed the 9+1 program. “It was amazing — the energy from New York City is 10 out of 10,” Ms. Smith said of her experience running the marathon.