micrOTQ
Registration is open.
$199 through August 14, then $225.
What the race provides
When you're chasing the OTQ standard (or faster), the margin for error is measured in seconds. micrOTQ is a race that was built to protect that margin - from field size to pace groups and everything in between. All the elements are in place to give you the best opportunity to hit your mark without losing time to external factors.
Controlled Field
Time qualifier required for entry, plus a field cap set at 300 means no congestion and no lapping
Pace Groups
Currently set for 2:08 · 2:12 · 2:16 · 2:25 · 2:30 · 2:37 and will adapt as needed based on the field
Personal Fluids
Every athlete will have access to their own fluids and nutrition on every loop
Marked Tangent Line
Every meter of the course has been measured and marked to ensure you run precisely 26.2 miles
Criterium Loop
Flat, fast, and your cheer squad sees you multiple times
Dedicated Pacers
Proven pacers who know how to dial it in to ensure you stay on target from the start
Certified, Fast Course
USATF Sanctioned #NY26002JRG · World Athletics Certified
Course Records:
2:09:26 [Justin Kent] · 2:22:11 [Callie Thackery-Hauger]
You've done the work. The race does the rest.
When you're chasing a standard as tough as an OTQ, the margin for error is measured in seconds. micrOTQ is the marathon that was built to protect that margin. Race directors host Zoom briefings between now and race day to to ensure you maximize every benefit the race provides. Topics we cover include:
- pace groups
- bottle strategy
- how the tangent line will become your new best friend
- race weekend logistics
A verified standard is required to enter.
Standards must be run within the posted qualifying window on a record-eligible course (net drop ≤ 3.3m/km — no downhill race credits). Athletes serving a USADA or WADA suspension are ineligible.
Pregnancy exception available. Runners who were pregnant during their qualifying window may be eligible for a waiver. Contact us for details.
Registration is open.
Early bird entry is $199 through August 14, then $225. A verified qualifying standard is required to enter.
Register NowRegistration is hosted on RunSignup.
Policies
Does "micro" mean the race is not a full marathon?
What is the deferral policy?
Registration fees are non-refundable. Deferrals to the following year are available for a $35 fee, pending race director approval. Request one through your RunSignup account under Manage Registration before the posted deadline for your race year.
Can I transfer between events?
Event transfers between Breaking 3 and micrOTQ are available for a $35 fee, pending race director approval and field capacity. If you hit the micrOTQ standard after registering for Breaking 3, request the transfer under Manage Registration in your RunSignup account before the posted deadline.
If I'm not ready to run an OTQ on race day, can I still run?
You may consider transferring to the Breaking 3 marathon being held on Saturday which will have pace groups for 2:40, 2:50, 3:00, and 3:10.
Are headphones/earbuds allowed during the race?
What is the time limit?
Breaking 3: 3:25:00
micrOTQ: 3:00:00.
Finishers inside the limit receive official results and a finisher's medal.
Can I volunteer?
Yes, we would love to have you! Volunteer roles are posted for Breaking 3 and for micrOTQ. If you have any questions, contact us.
Standards
What are the micrOTQ entry standards?
Men: 2:30:00 marathon or 1:12:30 half marathon. Women: 2:50:00 marathon or 1:20:00 half marathon, run within the posted qualifying window. Shorter-distance qualifiers are considered case by case with race director approval.
Do downhill courses count for qualifying?
No. Qualifying performances must come from courses with a net drop of no more than 3.3m per kilometer. Downhill race credits are not accepted.
Is there a pregnancy exception to the qualifying window?
Yes. If pregnancy interrupted your qualifying window, contact us to discuss your eligibility.
Is there an anti-doping requirement?
Athletes who are currently serving, or who have served a USADA or WADA suspension in the past, are ineligible to compete.
Is the course certified for BQ and OTQ purposes?
Yes. The course is USATF certified and sanctioned (#NY26002JRG), and World Athletics certified. Times run at The Micro are valid for Boston qualifying and U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying.