This is an international event with participants from all around the globe. Generally 500 people attempt the marathon. You do not have to be a poet to participate. To find out how to convert your timezone go here.There is a new prompt offered every hour. Some find this helpful, some ignore it completely.

The deadline to apply to participate in the 2026 Poetry Marathon is June 8th at 9 AM ET.

The Poetry Marathon will start on Saturday, June 13th at 9 AM ET.

The goal of the marathon is to write one poem per hour for 24 hours, or for 12 hours if you are participating in the half marathon. Half marathoners can start at 9 AM ET on June 13th or at 9PM ET on June 13th.

We will get reach out to applicants on May 15th, May 27th, June 8th depending on when they apply.

Most people who apply will be accepted. The primary purpose of the application is to help you prepare for the event, as well as helping the organizers plan ahead.

If you have not heard from us by the June 9th please send us an email at poets@thepoetrymarathon.com

If you have not heard from us by the 9th of June please send us an email at poets@thepoetrymarathon.com. Please do not try contact us through the FB page, as this is not monitored closely. Email is better. We will  try our best to make sure everyone who contacts us gets an opportunity to participate.