Late Registration: Navigating Last-Minute Race Entries Like a Pro
Photo: Khay Shots for RUNGRL
By RUNGRL Staff
For some races, getting a bib can feel as competitive as trying to snag Beyonce tickets. There's an adrenaline rush that comes with lottery entries and last-minute registrations, that can be both exciting and extremely frustrating.
On top of that, many races are seeing a higher-than-ever number of race entries, making it harder than ever to get selected in some of the most competitive race lotteries. Reuters recently reported that 840,318 applications were received for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, breaking the world record of 578,374 set in last year's public ballot.
Or maybe you’re just a procrastinator like many of us, who often find ourselves at the wrong end of a deadline. Fear not, fellow runners, for late registration is an art, and we've got a few insider tips to help you slide into those coveted last race slots, even at the eleventh hour.
Trading Spaces: Bib Exchange
One of the simplest ways to snag a late bib for a race is through an official bib exchange. The bib exchange, like a secret handshake among runners, it's a lesser-known yet powerful method to secure a race entry. Some races, such as the DC Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, have set up official bib exchange systems specifically for their race. These platforms allow runners who obtained a bib through a lottery but can no longer participate, swap with those eager to join the race last-minute.
It is important to note, however, that it is frowned upon to simply swap bibs with someone without noting in the official race system. Racing with someone else’s bib can disqualify you in some cases from any official race results, or from being counted as an official finisher. It’s also potentially dangerous, as in the case of a medical emergency, to be wearing a bib with someone else’s details.
These official systems also help prevent price gouging, or runners re-selling for higher prices. Be sure to do your due diligence, check the rules for your particular race, and get the bib swapped through the proper race channels so that all can enjoy the race safely and fairly.
Utilizing the official bib exchange ensures a seamless transition, keeping the race accounted for and your registration on track.
Running for a Cause (and a Race Bib)
Photo: Khay Shots for RUNGRL
When official lottery dreams fade away, the charity sign-up avenue can be your way through. While it's not a strategy to procrastinate indefinitely, securing a slot through a charity entry is a fantastic option if you missed out on other entry methods. Many races reserve a number of slots for charity runners, allowing you to support a cause close to your heart while still getting your race-day fix.
While raising funds for charity can be very rewarding, it’s important to note it can also be quite a challenge. Consider, then, whether you have the time/bandwidth to dedicate to the fundraising efforts while also training for your race during the weeks leading up to it.
Swap the Sneakers for a Volunteer Vest
For those with a giving spirit and a desire to run, volunteering can be the key to your last-minute entry. Some races, such as the iconic TCS New York City Marathon, offer entry opportunities for volunteers. This may involve contributing your time and efforts to the current year's event in exchange for a coveted spot in the following year's race.
Not only is this a great opportunity to see some of the course before tackling it yourself, it’s also a chance to feel the energy and magic of race day while supporting your fellow runners. That energy from your volunteer support will feed you just as much as it feeds them!
Runtastic Events, based out of Utah, is a great example, with a ton of volunteer opportunities always available to choose from. They even have non-race day volunteer opportunities.
Different organizations and races use varying systems to earn you credit in registering. For example, one hour of volunteering might earn you 20% off of race registration pricing the following year, with 5 hours of volunteering equalling a fully free registration.
Be sure to check your local race and running orgs for details on how they each work.
Run Club and Group Race Registrations
Some races, both major and local, encourage community engagement by sharing a select number of prepaid bibs with local run clubs and fit groups.
Of course, those clubs will want to prioritize their own members and regulars, so we wouldn’t recommend trying to request a coveted bib as a total stranger. That means get out there and go meet your local crews, if you haven’t already! Some of the best tips will come from seasoned runners who’ve tackled these races before, and that’s where you’ll find many of them.
If you’re already a member of a run club, be sure to get to know local race organizers in your area and find out about opportunities to support or volunteer to potentially earn approved entries.
Start With a Calendar - Race Deadlines
Although we’re talking about those deadlines you’ve already missed here, it’s helpful to get ahead of future deadlines, so you won’t have the same problem registering for your next one. The very first step to getting into registrations or lotteries is knowing the upcoming deadline.
Check out these sites for listings of upcoming races, and their signup links to get ahead of your next big signup.
Runnersworld.com (race listing)
Have you had any experience with these techniques for getting entries to highly-competitive races? Know of other ways to (legally!) get in late? Share your experience with us in the comments!
