TCS New York City Marathon
Race Day
Health and Safety
Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test Criteria

Proof of Negative COVID 19 Test Criteria

TCS New York City Marathon runners who cannot provide proof of vaccination to enter the Expo will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result from within 48 hours of race day in order to pick up their race number. If you will need to get a COVID-19 test prior to race day, use this list of COVID-19 testing sites in New York City to find a location near you.

Proof of a COVID-19 negative test result can be displayed via one of the following methods:

A physical copy
A photo on your smartphone
Using a mobile app such as NYS Excelsior Pass or NYC COVID Safe App

Read on for more information about what must be included in your COVID-19 test result in order to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon.

1. Type of Test

The test must be a viral test. The following types of viral COVID-19 tests can be used:

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT)

In addition to NAAT, phrases indicating NAAT could include, but are not limited to:

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)

Note 1: Antibody or serology tests are different and are not allowed.

Note 2: Home test kits are not allowed.

2. Where Test Was Run

The test must include where the test was performed.

Include information such as the name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test.

3. Timing

The test must show a specimen collection date as follows:

NAAT: 2 days or less before the event

4. Identification

The test must include information that identifies the person.

Must have person’s name and at least one additional identifier.

Additional identifiers could include, but are not limited to date of birth, age, and passport number.

Check that identifiers on the test match those on the individuals other identifying documents (such as passport or driver’s license).

5. Negative

The test result must be negative. Results marked “invalid” are not accepted. Words or phrases describing a negative test could include, but are not limited to: