You are allowed to enter the NYRR 8000 (which is NOT the USATF race...it is the citizen's race held a couple hours before) on-line or by mail.
However, you have to be invited to the USATF 8k champs. Usually the individual associations have a slot of two available to sub-elite runners, so it may be in your best interest to contact your association's LDR coordinator. I was able to get some travel funds and a free (shared) hotel room as a 24:30 guy, but I was only traveling from central NY...not exactly a long trip. Dave Monti was the race organizer when I ran, not sure if he's still in charge but you may want to shoot him an email too.
It's a fun event...good luck!