Queens Runner to Compete in NYC Marathon on November 1
Shaden Awad joins Team Inspire for the 26.2-mile race after finishing her qualifying requirements.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Running
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Queens resident Shaden Awad will participate in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1. She secured her spot in the 26.2-mile race by completing the qualifying 9+1 program.
Why it matters
The 9+1 program encourages local runner engagement by requiring participants to complete nine qualifying races and one volunteer event. This structured approach allows dedicated runners to earn guaranteed entry into the marathon.
The New York Road Runners mandate a 9+1 program consisting of nine qualifying races and one volunteer event for entry. Whether this specific training path correlates with performance improvements in the 26.2-mile marathon is still under investigation.
The players
Shaden Awad
A Queens-based runner and daughter of Palestinian immigrants who qualified for the marathon through the 9+1 program.
New York Road Runners
The non-profit organization that manages the TCS New York City Marathon and promotes running through community events.
The details
The 9+1 program functions as a community-engagement model that prioritizes long-term commitment over lottery-based entry. By participating in multiple local races and contributing labor through volunteering, runners demonstrate their sustained involvement in the regional sports ecosystem. Awad, a Queens resident, will join Team Inspire to compete in the marathon.
Timeline
2025: Awad completed the 9+1 qualifying program.
November 1, 2026: Awad competes in the TCS New York City Marathon.
7:00 a.m. November 1, 2026: Pre-race television coverage begins.
8:00 a.m. November 1, 2026: Live race coverage begins.
Health Landscape
The New York Road Runners 9+1 program continues to serve as a cornerstone of mass-participation endurance sport in the city. It represents a shift toward sustained, community-based training models rather than reliance on single-event lottery luck.
Engaging in long-term, community-based race programs can provide the structural consistency needed for marathon training. Residents interested in such goals should consult with a doctor to discuss their training readiness and injury prevention.
The takeaway
The marathon serves as an endurance benchmark that requires consistent physical and community-based preparation. Local runners can track their progress by joining similar training organizations or monitoring their heart rate during sustained, long-distance efforts.
Further reading
Explore more training insights and local event coverage in our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.
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