LASTING IMPACT IN EVERY STEP
FY 2026 YEAR IN REVIEW
691,947 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS ▸ 492,142 ACROSS ALL EVENTS & PROGRAMS ▸ 199,805 RISING NYRR ▸ 101,139 MEMBERS ▸ 27,990 VOLUNTEERS ▸ $91.89M RAISED FOR CHARITY ▸
FY 2026 IMPACT REPORT
YEAR IN REVIEW
AREAS OF IMPACT
FINANCIALS
THE ROAD AHEAD
DONATE NOW
NEXT
Year in Review →
02 / 05
KEEP EVERY MILE MOVING
Help us reach the next runner.
Every donation and volunteer hour goes straight back to the five boroughs.
DONATE
VOLUNTEER
New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
NYRR RUNCENTER
320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019
RACES
Race Calendar
TCS NYC Marathon
United NYC Half
Virtual Racing
Results
TRAIN
Training Plans
Group Training
Striders
Coaching
COMMUNITY
Membership
Volunteer
Open Run
Team for Kids
ABOUT
Our Mission
Leadership
Careers
Media Center
FY26 REPORT
Intro
Year in Review
Areas of Impact
Financials
The Road Ahead
IG
FB
X
YT
SV
NYRR is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.
© 2026 New York Road Runners, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Biometric Policy Terms of Use Donor Privacy Policy Contact
Donate
Dear New York Road Runners Community, Every runner has a reason to take that first step. And at New York Road Runners, we believe every one of those steps has the potential to lead somewhere meaningful—to greater health, deeper connection, a stronger sense of community, or an achievement once thought impossible. That belief is at the heart of the new brand platform we introduced in fiscal year 2026—“Believe in Every Step”—as part of New York Road Runners’ first rebrand in 15 years. More than a new look, it reflects who we are as the nonprofit that “runs” New York City and our commitment to creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience the transformative power of running. Throughout this fiscal year, we saw that mission reach more people than ever before. Our New York Road Runners community grew by 24 percent to more than 100,000 members for the first time, a milestone that reflects the incredible energy around running and the community we have built together. Runners also turned their miles into extraordinary impact, raising nearly $92 million for charity, a 16 percent increase year over year and a record for NYRR as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Official Charity Partner Program and aim to raise more than $100 million for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
At the same time, we continued expanding our programs and initiatives. We grew the number of schools and sites participating in Rising New York Road Runners, helping young people build healthy habits through physical activity. We celebrated 10 years of NYRR Open Run and 15 years of NYRR Striders, two free programs that demonstrate the lasting power of bringing movement directly into our communities. We also launched the NYRR Start Line Series, providing free races to neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn as part of New York City DOT’s Summer Streets and creating another accessible entry point into our sport that we intend to grow. And we created new ways to tell the stories behind every step. We launched East 89th St Productions, our in-house content studio dedicated to sharing inspiring stories from across the running community, and released two documentary short films, including “Final Finishers,” which won New York Road Runners its first-ever National Sports Emmy Award (announced in fiscal year 2027) and serves as a powerful reminder that anyone’s life can be transformed by running, regardless of ability or body type. None of this happens without our community—our runners, our volunteers, our donors, our partners, our staff, and our supporters. Believe in Every Step is more than what we say, it is what we do. It is a commitment to believe in the potential of every person we serve—and in what becomes possible when thousands of individual steps move a city forward together. Thank you for taking those steps with us. Sincerely,
Every step starts with belief—that showing up matters, that movement can change a life, that a community can be built one mile at a time. That belief is at the heart of everything New York Road Runners does, and it drives our vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. It’s what carried us through another year of impact in schools and neighborhoods, on roads alongside runners and walkers of all abilities, and across New York City’s five boroughs and beyond. Every step taken adds to something lasting. This report is a look at what that belief made possible in FY 2026—the people it reached, the communities it strengthened, and the road ahead.
READ THE FULL LETTER →
FY 2026 · YEAR IN REVIEW
Message from Rob Simmeljkaer, Chief Executive Officer
Dear New York Road Runners Community, Every runner has a reason to take that first step. And at New York Road Runners, we believe every one of those steps has the potential to lead somewhere meaningful—to greater health, deeper connection, a stronger sense of community, or an achievement once thought impossible. That belief is at the heart of the new brand platform we introduced in fiscal year 2026—“Believe in Every Step”—as part of New York Road Runners’ first rebrand in 15 years. More than a new look, it reflects who we are as the nonprofit that “runs” New York City and our commitment to creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience the transformative power of running. Throughout this fiscal year, we saw that mission reach more people than ever before.
Rob Simmelkjaer
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Areas of Impact →
03 / 05
BELIEVE IN EVERY STEP
691,947 participants across every event and program: an all-time high.
TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
691,947
EVERY EVENT, EVERY PROGRAM
↑ 3.5%
492,142 PARTICIPANTS ACROSS ALL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
199,805 RISING NYRR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANTS ACROSS ALL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS*
492,142
↑ 9.0%
RISING NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
199,805
↓ 7.9% | 957 SITES · ↑ 4%
Official Charity Partner Program Fundraising
$91.89M
INCLUDES $16.08M FOR NYRR TEAM FOR KIDS
685 OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNERS
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS ACROSS ALL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS*
↑ 9.8%
397,231
NYRR MEMBERS
101,139
↑ 24.1%
NYRR VOLUNTEERS
27,990
166,970 VOLUNTEER HOURS ESTIMATED
What makes [Race Free] so special is the mission behind it. Running can change someone’s life in so many ways, but the financial side of the sport can make certain races and opportunities feel out of reach for many people. Because of [this] program, I’ve been able to participate in races throughout the entire year. Experiences I honestly would not have had access to otherwise.
ARDRY MERCADO · NYRR RACE FREE PARTICIPANT
THE CITY THAT RUNS TOGETHER GROWS TOGETHER
Brooklyn
33,294 KIDS
31.9% OF NYC YOUTH
Manhattan
13,243 KIDS
12.7% OF NYC YOUTH
Queens
39,233 KIDS
37.5% OF NYC YOUTH
The Bronx
14,020 KIDS
13.4% OF NYC YOUTH
Staten Island
4,727 KIDS
4.5% OF NYC YOUTH
Queens leads NYC youth participation: 104,517 kids across 626 sites citywide.
RISING NYRR NYC PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
626 SITES CITYWIDE
104,517
SOURCE: FY26 PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS · NYC RESIDENTS
QUEENS
39,233
BROOKLYN
33,294
THE BRONX
14,020
MANHATTAN
13,243
STATEN ISLAND
4,727
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
RISING NYRR PARTICIPANTS
52,964
100,729
37,296
8,234
3,939
115,371 unique participants across all events and programs in New York City, up 3.7% year over year, with Manhattan leading the five boroughs.
NYC PARTICIPANTS*
↑ 3.7%
203,162
*DOES NOT INCLUDE RISING NYRR
NYC UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
NYC RISING NYRR
NYRR Striders
71%
Striders participants feel that their health has improved because of the program
NYRR RACE FREE
85%
Race Free participants run more regularly than before participating in the program
NYRR RUN FOR THE FUTURE
OVER
62%
of Run for the Future participants report engaging in running or other forms of physical activity at least two times per week after the program
n = 8 or 16% of program
100%
Run for the Future participants reported feeling both comfortable and excited about doing running or another physical activity
NYC PARTICIPANTS
* Does not include Rising NYRR participants
AREAS
OF
IMPACT
EVERY BLOCK, BOROUGH, AND BEYOND
SIGNATURE RUNNING EVENTS
MY JOURNEY TO THE START · BECKY CURRAN
SIGNATURE EVENTS · FEATURE FILM
152,484
FINISHERS · ↑ 8.2%
109,666
UNIQUE FINISHERS · ↑ 5.7%
New York Road Runners’ signature running events showcase the organization’s impact and reach across New York City and globally. During FY 2026, NYRR hosted six signature running events: the TCS New York City Marathon®, the United Airlines NYC Half®, the RBC Brooklyn Half®, the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, and the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K. With the support of NYRR volunteers, each event featured participants of all ages and abilities, including an invitational professional or seeded competitive athlete field. These events reached large audiences on the streets of New York City and through local, national, and/or international broadcasts, drawing attention to the sport of running and inspiring the next generation of runners.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
306,509
PARTICIPANTS
82,577
It means a lot to see some of these Striders, people 60, 70, 80…some of them running marathons!
COACH SID · NYRR STRIDERS
TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT
YOUTH PROGRAMS
NYRR offers training, education, and support programs on demand to extend their benefits beyond race day and provide the community with greater fitness engagement opportunities. This fiscal year, new initiatives like NYRR Train Free—free Group Training for Race Free participants—and the first full year of our partnership with the Game Changers program created more connections to our existing base and opened avenues to new participants.
Volunteering that day wasn't just about handing out water or cheering from the sidelines. It was about being part of something bigger than myself. It reminded me that every finish line is made possible by a community, and I was honored to be a small part of that community. I left inspired, grateful, and already looking forward to the next opportunity to give back.
NYRR VOLUNTEER · TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
NYRR’s youth programs help kids build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life, which are key elements of lifelong well-being. In FY 2026, the programs saw the distribution of thousands of New Balance shoes, expansion of opportunities through the NYRR middle school running team grant initiative, and Run for the Future’s new Beyond the 5K training series.
NYRR VIRTUAL RACING
109,323 PARTICIPANTS
With thousands of participants all over the world, NYRR Virtual Racing continued its global reach in FY 2026. The initiative transforms the way many runners participate by allowing them to run from anywhere.
NYRR OPEN RUN
19,024 PARTICIPANTS
NYRR Open Run celebrated its 10th anniversary with five community celebrations across New York City, commemorating a decade of bringing free, inclusive running opportunities to neighborhood parks. The celebrations engaged 444 participants, including 191 first timers, demonstrating the program’s continued ability to attract new runners. Throughout the year, Open Run parks across NYC and in Jersey City hosted over 700 Open Runs that included special themed events, mental well-being initiatives, and New Runner Clinics.
ADULT RACES
143,119 PARTICIPANTS
Through our weekly races, NYRR provided the path for runners from the NYC community, including athletes with disabilities, to come together regularly to run and achieve their personal fitness goals. These weekly events, held year-round, were in high demand as we motivated more participants to join the running movement. Many of these races also raise valuable funds for other nonprofits, such as Achilles International, Front Runners New York, and God’s Love We Deliver.
NYRR STRIDERS
18,857 PARTICIPANTS
This free walking and fitness program celebrated its 15th year of offering physical activity at neighborhood sites for older adults looking to lead more active lives and meet new people in their local community. In FY 2026, the program exceeded its original participant growth goal of 10% and added two new sites, one each in Harlem and Queens. Plus, 71% of participants feel their health has improved because of Striders.
RISING NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS YOUTH EVENTS
16,186 YOUTH
Throughout the year, Rising NYRR youth events brought together youth across New York City and gave them an opportunity to be active—at races at various distances, youth jamboree events, and kids field days—in a fun and competitive setting while being introduced to the sport of running.
NYRR MEMBERSHIP
101,139 MEMBERS
NYRR membership reached an all-time high of members in FY 2026. Through their membership fee contribution, our members helped provide necessary support for all NYRR programs and events.
27,990 VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers keep NYRR running throughout the year. From races to Open Runs at neighborhood parks and more, volunteers provide valuable support to participants. In FY 2026, NYRR volunteers continued to maintain underserved NYC parks and mobilized a combined 500 volunteers for cleanups along the TCS New York City Marathon course and surrounding neighborhoods, and 31 volunteer leaders were CPR-certified as part of athlete safety initiatives.
NYRR TEAM FOR KIDS
$16.1M RAISED
Team for Kids, NYRR’s charity running program, encourages runners of all abilities and experience levels participating in 16 events, including the TCS New York City Marathon, as well as the other Abbott World Marathon Majors races, to bring more meaning to their miles by running and raising funds for NYRR’s youth and community programs.
1,000+ PARTICIPANTS
The NYRR Race Free program offered more than 3,000 complimentary race entries to more than 1,000 qualified New Yorkers, including entries to our signature events. 85% of participants run more regularly than before joining the program.
NYRR GROUP TRAINING AND VIRTUAL TRAINING
11,172 PARTICIPANTS
NYRR Group Training and virtual training programs provided workouts to thousands of runners of all levels, in person across 10 Group Training locations in eight NYC parks, including a new session in Brooklyn’s McCarren Park, and online globally, helping them achieve their running goals.
NYRR TEAM FOR CLIMATE
$874K RAISED
NYRR Team for Climate offers runners guaranteed entry to the RBC Brooklyn Half, TCS New York City Marathon, and United Airlines NYC Half while fundraising to offset or reduce carbon emissions to contribute to NYRR’s journey to Net Zero by 2040.
RISING NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS
199,805 YOUTH
Rising NYRR is a free running-based youth program designed to make physical activity enjoyable and accessible for kids in NYC and nationwide. In FY 2026, the program distributed more than 8,000 pairs of New Balance shoes. Plus, 57 New York City Public Schools locations across 10 districts completed year two of a five-year initiative, with 27 schools piloting a fall cross country season.
RISING NYRR YOUTH AMBASSADORS
30 YOUTH
In the 2025–2026 school year, 30 Rising New York Road Runners youth from New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey schools participated in this program centered on public speaking and speech fundamentals, and announced during 40 New York Road Runners events.
RISING NYRR WHEELCHAIR TRAINING PROGRAM
12 YOUTH
This free initiative for youth with physical disabilities, ages 6–21, offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track, regardless of experience or prior NYRR affiliation. During FY 2026, participants attended 9 events over the course of the year, with 3 of the 12 members competing at junior nationals in July 2025.
47 YOUTH
This free developmental running program creates opportunities for a diverse group of New York City young women in an inclusive environment and provides the necessary resources and support to help them meet their self-care and physical activity goals. This year, the program introduced the Beyond the 5K training series, preparing program alumnae for longer distance races. In FY 2026, 97 alumnae continued their journey at 31 NYRR races and events, including 20 at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon.
TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON®
59,219 FINISHERS
Each year, the TCS New York City Marathon® brings together runners from around the globe, including some of the world’s fastest marathoners, to New York City’s streets and communities, celebrating the city, its people, and the world, while also promoting the sport of running. Thousands of participants ages 2–8 at the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff once again got things started in Central Park for marathon week. In FY 2026, this free youth event expanded to other locations across New York City.
RBC BROOKLYN HALF®
28,490 FINISHERS
Thousands of runners raced from Prospect Park to Coney Island in the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half®. Along Ocean Parkway, many youth athletes participated in the Boardwalk Kids Run.
UNITED AIRLINES NYC HALF®
30,266 FINISHERS
For the first time, New York Road Runners hosted the United Airlines NYC Half Expo Presented by New Balance at the iconic Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which is also home to the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. Notables running in 2026 included retired NFL offensive lineman Justin Britt and Broadway star Jordan Litz.
MASTERCARD NEW YORK MINI 10K
9,987 FINISHERS
Thousands of women and girls ran in Central Park as they followed in the footsteps of legends such as the great Grete Waitz at the 53rd running of this historic women’s road race and the Girls Run at the 2025 Mastercard New York Mini 10K.
NEW BALANCE 5TH AVENUE MILE
8,432 FINISHERS
The 2025 New Balance 5th Avenue Mile welcomed runners of all ages and abilities to race their best mile down a 20-block stretch of New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue.
ABBOTT DASH TO THE FINISH LINE 5K
10,778 FINISHERS
The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K returned on the day before the TCS New York City Marathon®, with thousands of athletes from around the world, including locals, professionals, and marathoners, crossing the iconic finish line in Central Park. The race was headlined by the USATF 5K Championships, and top youth from across the country competed in the USATF National Youth 5K Championships.
130
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
2,272
YOUTH RUNNERS
NYRR’s impact is felt long after the last runners have crossed the finish line. It is because of our runners’ efforts—in both fundraising and running—that so many deserving charities, including NYRR Team for Kids, receive incredible support.
$80.4M Raised by 614 charity partners through our Official Charity Partner Program, including $11.5M Raised for NYRR Team for Kids
1,588
$7.85M Raised by 281 charity partners though our Official Charity Partner Program, including $931.6K for NYRR Team for Kids
1,229
594
702
3,196
16
PARKS
580
VOLUNTEERS
29
40,652
20
SITES
*Data is from a sample of surveyed Striders participants (n=207)
11
VIRTUAL RACES
158
COUNTRIES
19
EVENTS
24.1%
INCREASE
166,970
VOLUNTEER HOURS ESTIMATED
8,157
RUNNERS
362
1,547
UNIQUE GROUP PARTICIPANTS
10
LOCATIONS
6,552
VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
6,006
UNIQUE VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
*Data is from a sample of surveyed Race Free participants (n=402)
NYC YOUTH | ↓ 7.9% 2025–26 SCHOOL YEAR
957
ENROLLED SITES | ↑ 4%
35
SCHOOLS
100% of participants reported feeling both comfortable and excited about running or doing another physical activity.
Rafaela Matos Arruda · NYRR VOLUNTEER
New York Road Runners’ weekly in-person programs and events and virtual races on Strava are dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences. These either free or low-cost programs and events allowed NYRR to impact communities in all five New York City boroughs and gave people of all ages and abilities the chance to be active on a regular basis while also connecting with their friends and neighbors in an engaging way. This fiscal year, a new initiative launched to expand access to races: The Start Line Series offered free, beginner-friendly community events in Queens and Brooklyn to 1,100 participants.
16,186
143,119
18,857
19,024
109,323
Rising New York Road Runners Youth Events
NYRR Virtual Racing
$16.1M
$874K
11,172
1,000+
NYRR Team for Kids
NYRR Team for Climate
NYRR Membership
NYRR Volunteers
NYRR Group Training and Virtual Training
NYRR Race Free
I put a lot of pressure on myself to be fast and a runner, like everyone else around you. But I think New York Road Runners does a great job of reminding you, no matter how you participate, it’s about showing up. And really, the fact that I was able to start and finish a goal that I had feels like a huge accomplishment.
BECKY CURRAN · NYRR CONTRIBUTORS CIRCLE MEMBER
59,219
28,490
30,266
9,987
8,432
10,778
I started this program with little to no experience in how to properly stretch, pace myself, control my breathing, or even know what to eat right before running. I was an amateur, but ready to take on the challenge of training during the summer with a group of girls for our first 5K. Run for the Future has given me amazing coaches that have passed down knowledge that I apply to my everyday runs, and I get to share that with my family and friends, who I’ve now convinced to run, including my cousin Shereen, who joined the program a few years after me.
DENISE PERALTA · NYRR RUN FOR THE FUTURE ALUMNA
4,620
GROUP PARTICIPANTS
8
Financials →
04 / 05
1,217
9
40
56,458
The Road Ahead →
05 / 05
TOTALS
Fiscal year April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME
$145.2M
Contributed income*
$73.7M
Earned income
$68.8M
Other revenue
$2.7M
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
$140.6M
Program expenses
$122.4M
General & administrative
$15.3M
Fundraising
$2.9M
View the full Form 990
INCOME
FY 2025 · $126.3M
FY 2026 · $145.2M ↑ 15.0%
EXPENSES
FY 2025 · $125.0M
FY 2026 · $140.6M ↑ 12.5%
YEAR OVER YEAR · FY 2025 COMPARISON
*Contributed Income consists of individual, corporate, and institutional giving, Team for Kids fundraising, and sponsorship contributions.
VIEW THE REPORT
WE TURN THE POWER OF EVERY STEP INTO SOMETHING GREATER
Our work doesn’t end at the finish line. In the year ahead we mark ten years of NYRR Open Run and fifteen years of NYRR Striders, deepen our investment in under-resourced neighborhoods, and keep building a running community where every New Yorker belongs. Thank you for making every mile meaningful, and for taking this next step with us.
Message from Alex Egan, Chief Development Officer
Dear Friends and Supporters, At New York Road Runners, we believe that running has the power to transform lives—that impact is only possible because of people like you. Your generosity allows us to meet New Yorkers where they are, creating free and accessible opportunities to run, walk, move, and build community across all five boroughs. And in fiscal year 2026, we had the opportunity to celebrate just how enduring that impact has become. Our supporters helped make this a record-breaking year with over $73.7 million in contributions—the most ever in a single fiscal year—helping to deliver on our mission to transform the health and well-being of our communities. Their commitment is an extraordinary manifestation of Believe in Every Step in action. Your support through individual miles adds up to meaningful change.
Alex Egan
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS
CONTRIBUTORS AND SUPPORTERS
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
The partners who make every program possible.
BECOME A PARTNER →
RAISED BY CHARITY PARTNERS
RAISED BY CHARITY PARTNERS · WITH THANKS TO EVERY DONOR
Every donation goes straight back to the five boroughs.
VISIT NYRR.ORG →
“None of it happens without you. Every mile in this report belongs to the runners, volunteers, donors, and partners who make New York the running capital of the world.”
ROB SIMMELKJAER · CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
5
BOROUGHS, ONE TEAM · MEET THE TEAM →
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TRUSTEE NAME 1 TRUSTEE NAME 2 TRUSTEE NAME 3 TRUSTEE NAME 4 TRUSTEE NAME 5
TRUSTEE NAME 6 TRUSTEE NAME 7 TRUSTEE NAME 8 TRUSTEE NAME 9 TRUSTEE NAME 10
TRUSTEE NAME 11 TRUSTEE NAME 12 TRUSTEE NAME 13 TRUSTEE NAME 14 TRUSTEE NAME 15
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS →
Work with the team behind every start line.
SEE CAREERS →
PREMIER PARTNER
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
“QUOTE TBD — 15–25 WORDS FROM THE CLIENT TESTIMONIAL DOC. NEVER INVENTED.”
RUNNER NAME · BOROUGH — TBD
SEE YOU AT THE START LINE.
THE NONPROFIT THAT RUNS NYC
In the coming year, we will continue to build on that momentum by launching new, free community youth programs; increasing access to running for students across New York City's five boroughs through our partnership with New Balance and NYC Parks’ Adopt-a-Park initiative to refurbish running tracks; and evolving our approach to our impact strategy.
Our work is made possible by you. Thank you for believing in every step, investing in our communities, and helping ensure that more New Yorkers have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of running. Together, we can keep New York City moving forward—one step at a time. With gratitude,
• Achilles International • The Flag Art Foundation • Front Runners New York
• Back Left • Erica Sara • Fond Memories
OUR DONORS
Without the generosity of our contributors and supporters, including New Balance Foundation and many others, we wouldn’t be able to commit to our vision and mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
SEE OUR DONORS →
OUR TEAM
Everything that we do as an organization represents the efforts of many talented, passionate, and dedicated individuals and groups, grounded in NYC, pulling together to advance our vision and mission. Our staff is supported by thousands of volunteers, multiple New York City agencies, our sponsors and partners, and our Board of Directors.
MEET THE TEAM →
A special thanks to our Board of Directors for the commitment that each member gives. Together, we are making a difference in the health and well-being of our community.
EVENT
LICENSING
READ THE FULL MESSAGE →
• God’s Love We Deliver • Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce • Thomas G. Labracque Foundation
• Literie • Marathon Foto
• New York or Nowhere • Stran
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
YEAR IN REVIEW · FEATURE FILM
686,816 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS ▸ 487,011 ACROSS ALL EVENTS & PROGRAMS ▸ 199,805 RISING NYRR ▸ 101,139 MEMBERS ▸ 27,990 VOLUNTEERS ▸ $91.89M RAISED FOR CHARITY ▸
Rob Simmelkjaer CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dear New York Road Runners Community, Fifty years ago, the New York City Marathon traveled through all five boroughs for the first time, forever changing running in our city and around the world. In fiscal year 2026 we introduced a new brand platform that captures what has driven us for nearly seven decades: Believe in Every Step. It reflects our belief that every step forward matters, whether it is a child discovering running for the first time, an older adult finding community through movement, or a marathoner crossing the finish line. This year that belief came to life across our programs and events, reaching hundreds of thousands of people and strengthening communities in every borough. Thank you for taking those steps with us.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
INTRO
THE ROAD AH
AD
EVERY AGE, EVERY PACE
Every program we run comes back to one idea: get more New Yorkers moving, at every age and every pace. This year that work reached runners on race day, neighbors at weekly open runs, students in school gyms, and volunteers on every corner of the five boroughs.
During FY 2026, NYRR hosted six signature running events, reaching large audiences on the streets of New York City and through local, national, and international broadcasts.
59,220+
30,220+
28,480+
9,970+
8,430+
10,770+
59,210+ FINISHERS
The TCS New York City Marathon brings together runners from around the globe, celebrating the city, its people, and the sport of running. 130 countries represented · 2,270+ youth runners · $80.4M raised for 614 official charity partners, including $11.5M for NYRR Team for Kids.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS & EVENTS
52 WEEKS
WEEKLY ADULT RACES
RISING YOUTH EVENTS
279,847
72,985
Weekly in-person programs, events and virtual races dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive, accessible running.
OPEN RUN
19,026
34
STRIDERS
VIRTUAL RACING
50,793+
ALL FIVE BOROUGHS
Powered by
NYRR Open Run celebrated its 10th anniversary with five community celebrations across New York City: a decade of free, inclusive running in neighborhood parks. 3,196 unique participants · 16 parks · 580 volunteers.
It means a lot to see some of these Striders, people 60, 70, 80, some of them running marathons.
TRAINING, EDUCATION + SUPPORT
YOUTH EVENTS + PROGRAMS
OVERVIEW
TEAM FOR KIDS
RACE FREE
NYRR GROUP TRAINING
TEAM FOR CLIMATE
MEMBERS · ↑ 24.1% ALL-TIME RECORD
VOLUNTEERS · 166,970+ HOURS
Programs on demand that extend the benefits beyond race day: new initiatives like NYRR Train Free and partnerships with Game Changers opened avenues to new participants.
MEMBERSHIP
166,970+ HOURS
$16M+
93%
GROUP TRAINING
$874K+
$16.08M+ RAISED
Team for Kids, NYRR’s charity running program, brings more meaning to every mile as runners raise funds for NYRR’s youth and community programs. 8,157 runners · 16 events, including the TCS New York City Marathon.
Volunteering that day wasn’t just about handing out water. It was about being part of something bigger than myself.
ALL YOUTH
IN SCHOOLS
AMBASSADORS
WHEELCHAIR TRAINING
RUN FOR THE FUTURE
NEW BALANCE SHOES
YOUTH NATIONWIDE
IN NEW YORK CITY · 626 SITES
Helping kids build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life.
RISING NYRR
957 SITES
57 SCHOOLS
9 EVENTS
64 PARTICIPANTS
NB SHOES
8,000+
Rising NYRR is a free, running-based youth program that makes physical activity fun and accessible for kids in New York City and nationwide. 104,517 NYC youth · 957 sites · 8,000+ pairs of New Balance shoes distributed.
RUN FOR THE FUTURE · DENISE PERALTA
YOUTH PROGRAMS · FEATURE FILM
TEST LABEL
New York Road Runners’ weekly in-person programs and events and virtual races on Strava are dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences.
NYRR VIRTUAL RACING POWERED BY STRAVA
50,790+
The initiative transforms the way many runners participate by allowing them to run from anywhere.
NYRR Open Run celebrated its 10th anniversary with five community celebrations across New York City, commemorating a decade of bringing free, inclusive running opportunities to neighborhood parks. The celebrations engaged 444 participants, including 191 first-timers, demonstrating the program’s continued ability to attract new runners.
143,110+
Through our weekly races, NYRR provided the path for runners from the NYC community, including athletes with disabilities, to come together regularly to run and achieve their personal fitness goals. These weekly events, held year-round, were in high demand as we motivated more participants to join the running movement.
1,210+
This free walking and fitness program celebrated its 15th year of offering physical activity at neighborhood sites for older adults looking to lead more active lives and meet new people in their local community. In FY 2026, the program exceeded its original participant growth goal of 10% and added two new sites, one each in Harlem and Queens.
16,180+
TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS
STAT TBD
NYRR offers training, education, and support programs on demand to extend the benefits beyond race day and provide the community with greater fitness engagement opportunities. This fiscal year, new initiatives like NYRR Train Free—free Group Training for Race Free participants—and partnerships with the Game Changers program created more connections to our existing base and opened avenues to new participants.
Volunteers keep NYRR running throughout the year. From races to Open Runs at neighborhood parks and more, volunteers provide valuable support to participants.
Team for Kids, NYRR’s charity running program, encourages runners of all abilities and experience levels participating in 16 events, including the TCS New York City Marathon, as well as the other six Abbott World Marathon Majors races, to bring more meaning to their miles by running and raising funds for NYRR’s youth and community programs.
The NYRR Race Free program offered over 3,000 complimentary race entries to more than X,000 qualified New Yorkers, including entries to our other signature events.
4,620 PARTICIPANTS
NYRR Group Training and virtual training programs provided training to thousands runners of all levels, in-person at our Group Training program across ten locations in eight NYC parks, and online globally, helping them achieve their running goals.
$874K+ RAISED
NYRR’s Youth Programs help kids build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life, which are key elements of lifelong well-being. In FY 2026, the programs saw the distribution of thousands of New Balance shoes, expansion of opportunities through the NYRR middle school running team grant initiative, and Run for the Future’s new Beyond the 5K training series.
In the 2025–2026 school year, 30 youth from 26 schools across New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey participated in this program centered on public speaking training and speech fundamentals at 40 New York Road Runners events.
This free initiative for youth with physical disabilities, ages 6 to 21, offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track, regardless of experience or prior NYRR affiliation. During FY 2026, participants attended 9 events over the course of the year, with 3 of the 12 members competing at junior nationals in July 2025.
47 PARTICIPANTS
This free developmental running program creates opportunities for a diverse group of New York City young women in an inclusive environment and provides the necessary resources and support to help them meet their self-care and physical activity goals. This year, the program introduced the Beyond the 5K training series, preparing program alumnae for longer distance races.
Each year, the TCS New York City Marathon® brings together runners from around the globe, including some of the world’s fastest marathoners, to New York City’s streets and communities, celebrating the city, its people, and the world, while also promoting the sport of running. Thousands of participants ages 2 to 8 at the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff once again got things started in Central Park for marathon week.
28,480+ FINISHERS
Along Ocean Parkway, many youth athletes participated in the Boardwalk Kids Run.
30,260+ FINISHERS
9,980+ FINISHERS
8,430+ FINISHERS
10,770+ FINISHERS
The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K returned on the day before the TCS New York City Marathon, with thousands of athletes from around the world, including locals, professionals, and marathoners, crossing the iconic finish line in Central Park. The race was headlined by the USATF 5K Championships, and top youth from across the country competed in the USATF National Youth 5K Championships.
