MTA demanding New York City Marathon organizers pay $750K for lost toll revenue in this year's race: report

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is reportedly demanding the organizers of the New York City Marathon to pay $750,000 to cover the lost toll revenue that comes from shutting down the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

The New York Road Runners, which run the iconic marathon every year, are being threatened with restricted use of the bridge if they don’t pay up, according to the New York Times. If that does become the case, the marathon could have a reduced participant pool this year. 

The Times cited internal memos, which point to tough negotiations from the MTA saying runners would only be allowed to use the lower deck of the bridge for the race. The marathon starts on Staten Island every year, and the use of the Verrazano Bridge is critical in bringing the runners to Brooklyn.

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Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge before competing in the 52nd Edition of the New York City Marathon on November 5, 2023.  (KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the memos in recent weeks have said the New York Road Runners (NYRR) could choose either the upper or lower level, but they cannot use both. The marathon has used both the upper and lower levels for the past 36 years. 

"New Yorkers love Marathon Sunday, but taxpayers cannot be expected to subsidize a wealthy non-government organization like the New York Road Runners to the tune of $750,000," Catherine Sheridan, the president of the MTA Bridges and Tunnels, said in a statement via The New York Post. 

"The MTA is prepared to continue working toward a final agreement with the NYRR, provided it leads, over time, to full reimbursement for