FY 2025
Impact Report
WELCOME
Running is more than just movement; it has the power to transform lives.
That continued belief drives New York Road Runners’ vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
FY 2025 was a year of transformation. Every mile reached. Every youth inspired. Every hour volunteered. Every donation made.
Each individual action is a step toward something greater—healthier communities that are inclusive, connected, and empowered—from Van Cortlandt to Conference House, across all five New York City boroughs,
and beyond.
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From Our CEO
At New York Road Runners, our mission is to transform the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Whether on the streets of the five boroughs or around the globe, every step taken this year brought us closer to a shared goal: a world that moves together, and a stronger, healthier local community right here in New York City.
Rob Simmelkjaer CEO, New York Road Runners
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FY 2025 Impact Report
Message from Rob Simmelkjaer
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
Running is more than just movement—it’s a catalyst for connection, growth, and transformation.
Over the past year, I’ve been inspired time and again by how far our community has come. At New York Road Runners, our mission is to transform the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Whether on the streets of the five boroughs or around the globe, every step taken this year brought us closer to a shared goal: a world that moves together, and a stronger, healthier local community right here in New York City.
In FY 2025, our impact grew deeper and wider than ever before. We reached a record 81,000 members—an incredible milestone that reflects the strength and energy of our global running community. We served more than 200,000 youth through our free programming, including 100,000 right here in New York City, deepening our partnership with New York City Schools to continue our commitment to the next generation of runners. We hosted more than 60 adult and youth events, which contributed $934 million to the local NYC economy. This includes the largest marathon in the world—at the time (as we look to reclaim that title once again).
Beyond the miles run, we’ve introduced new ways to reach runners and tell the whole NYRR story. Through existing storytelling verticals, including our official podcast, NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton, our race broadcasts on WABC and ESPN, which grew to four races in 2025, and new content types and distribution channels launched since we concluded this last fiscal year, we’re connecting with more runners, and inspiring new runners in more ways
than ever before. None of this would be possible without the generosity of supporters like you.
Your commitment—whether through volunteering, running, donating, or cheering from the sidelines—helps us turn individual steps into collective impact. As we inspire runners across the world, we’re reminded that every mile contributes to a greater purpose: building a more inclusive and healthier NYC. Thank you for running this journey with us.
Sincerely,
Rob Simmelkjaer
Chief Executive Officer
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Signature Running Events
New York Road Runners’ signature running events showcase the organization’s impact and reach across New York City and globally.
During FY 2025, 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.
UNIQUE FINISHERS
FINISHERS
Showcasing our impact and reach
(+6.3%)
(+7.1%)
INTRODUCTION
TCS New York City Marathon®
Each year, the TCS New York City Marathon® brings together runners from around the world, 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. In FY 2025, Marathon Week once again included a free youth event in Central Park with hundreds of kids ages 2–18.
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.
finishers
RAISED FOR 600+ CHARITY PARTNERS
YOUTH RUNNERS
Includes Raised for Team for Kids
countries represented
Tobili Ann Hatcher
First-time Marathoner
NYRR Unlock 26.2 X New Balance Participant
Member Since 2023
From expert coaching to an amazing support system, it gave me the tools necessary and training miles required to run through the five boroughs and finish strong in Central Park.
Weekly Programs
and Events
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 offered 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.
PARTICIPANTS
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
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RISING NYRR YOUTH EVENTS
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.
PARTICIPANTS
EVENTS
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
Yelena Wattley
Member Since 2023
I am beyond words of my appreciation for Race Free. I've experienced financial hardship since I lost my city job in 2021 and haven't been able to get back on my feet just yet. Race Free reminds me every day that I am not alone! If I am not running, then I am volunteering or cheering, but I always stay close to my running communities.
Training, Education, and Support Programs
New York Road Runners offers training, education, and support programs on demand to extend the benefits beyond race day and provide the community with greater fitness engagement opportunities.
Created in FY 2025, NYRR’s Medical Advisory Council, composed of medical and health professionals in a variety of specialties serving on a volunteer basis, provides advice and guidance to NYRR on medical and health issues related to NYRR’s programs and events and the sport of running.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
NYRR TEAM FOR KIDS
Team for Kids, NYRR’s charity running program, encourages runners of all abilities and experience levels participating in seven NYRR events, including the TCS New York City Marathon, as well as the other five Abbott World Marathon Majors events to bring more meaning to their miles by running and raising funds for NYRR’s youth and community programs.
RAISED
RUNNERS
Monica Russell
Volunteer Since 2017
I enjoy the smiles, the camaraderie, and the people. I get to meet all kinds of folks who love the idea of giving back. It's also very encouraging to see the runners give their all and to be that smiling face or [provide] a word of encouragement to help push them to keep going to the finish line.
Sovena Ngeth
Charity Runner
Apex for Youth
I've been a virtual mentor with Apex for Youth since the national pilot program launched in January 2023. During that time, I recruited 20% of the program's mentees from my former high school, including my younger sister and cousins, and supported my own mentees as they navigated life's challenges.
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IMPACT
AREAS OF
UNITED AIRLINES NYC HALF®
The 2025 United Airlines NYC Half® brought together more than 28,600 runners, while 1,600 youth runners as young as two years old took part in the Times Square Kids Run. Our official charity partner runners raised $6.7 million for 261 official charity partners.
finishers
RAISED FOR 261 OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNERS
YOUTH RUNNERS
Includes Raised for Team for Kids
RBC BROOKLYN HALF®
More than 28,400 runners raced from Prospect Park to Coney Island in the 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half®, the largest half marathon in the United States in 2024. Along Ocean Parkway, more than 1,200 youth participated in the Boardwalk Kids Run.
finishers
YOUTH RUNNERS
NEW BALANCE 5TH AVENUE MILE
The 2024 New Balance 5th Avenue Mile welcomed close to 9,500 runners of all ages and abilities to race their best mile down a 20-block stretch of New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue.
finishers
YOUTH RUNNERS
MASTERCARD NEW YORK MINI 10K
Nearly 10,000 women and girls ran in Central Park as they followed in the footsteps of legends such as the great Grete Waitz at the 52nd running of this historic women’s road race and the Girls Run at the 2024 Mastercard New York Mini 10K.
finishers
YOUTH RUNNERS
ABBOTT DASH TO THE FINISH LINE 5K
The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K returned on November 2, 2024, the day before the TCS New York City Marathon. Nearly 10,000 athletes from around the world, including locals, professionals, and marathoners, crossed the 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.
finishers
Areas of Impact
Signature Running Events
Weekly Events and Programs
Training, Education and Support
Youth
ADULT RACES
Through our weekly races, NYRR provided the path for runners from the NYC community, including athletes with disabilities, to come together week in and week out to run and achieve their personal fitness goals. These weekly events, held year-round, were in high demand as we motivated more in the community to join the running movement. Many of these races also raise valuable funds for other nonprofits, such as The FLAG Art Foundation, The Thomas G. Labrecque Foundation, and God’s Love We Deliver.
PARTICIPANTS
RACES
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
NYRR STRIDERS
This free walking and fitness program offered physical activity for more than 1,100 older adults at 20 neighborhood sites looking to lead a more active life and meet new people in their local community. Plus, 65% of participants feel their health has improved because of Striders.*
PARTICIPANTS
SITES
Data is from a sample of surveyed Striders participants (n=201)
*
NYRR OPEN RUN
NYRR Open Run provided free weekly community-led runs/walks in 16 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs of NYC and in Jersey City 52 weeks of the year, for a total of close to 750 Open Runs. This program is open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels, with thousands of participants. Throughout the year, Open Run sites hosted special themed events including Volunteer Appreciation Runs in April, Open Run for an Open Mind events in May to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Pride Runs in June, and more.
PARTICIPANTS
AND VOLUNTEERS
UNIQUE VOLUNTEERS
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
PARKS
TOTAL OPEN RUNS
NYRR VIRTUAL RACING POWERED BY STRAVA
With more than 55,400 unique participants from 156 countries, 32% of whom were new participants, NYRR Virtual Racing Powered by Strava continued its international reach with 10 virtual races in FY 2025. The initiative transforms the way many runners participate by allowing them to run from anywhere.
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
VIRTUAL RACES
COUNTRIES
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NYRR TEAM FOR CLIMATE
In 2024, NYRR made history as the first major marathon to introduce a guaranteed race entry method that supports sustainability initiatives. At the TCS New York City Marathon and the United Airlines NYC Half, more than 300 Team for Climate runners raised close to $1 million to offset or reduce carbon emissions, contributing to NYRR’s sustainability journey.
RAISED
RUNNERS
NYRR MEMBERSHIP
NYRR membership reached an all-time high of more than 81,400 members in FY 2025, an increase of 6.6% from the previous year. Through their membership fee contribution, our members helped provide necessary support for all NYRR programs and events.
NYRR MEMBERS (+6.6%)
NYRR VOLUNTEER
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 2025, Our Community Matters initiatives continued to strengthen citywide connections by partnering with local organizations to expand cleanups at underserved NYC parks, mobilizing 300 volunteers for cleanups along marathon routes and surrounding neighborhoods, and certifying 100+ volunteer leaders in CPR. The volunteer program also introduced a mobile support team at marquee events, empowering volunteers and reinforcing the commitment to service, safety, and sustainability.
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER HOURS
NYRR GROUP TRAINING AND VIRTUAL TRAINING
NYRR Group Training and virtual training programs, including a new partnership with Runna, the world’s top-rated running coach app, provided training to more than 10,000 runners of all levels, in-person at our Group Training program across seven locations in five NYC parks, and online globally, helping them achieve their running goals. 94% agreed that Group Training increased their physical activity level.*
GROUP PARTICIPANTS
UNIQUE GROUP PARTICIPANTS
LOCATIONS
PARKS
VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
UNIQUE VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
Data is from a sample of surveyed Group Training participants (n=246)
*
RACE FREE
The NYRR Race Free program offered over 3,000 complimentary race entries to more than 1,000 qualified New Yorkers, including entries to our other signature events. Without Race Free, 84% of participants would not have been able to take part in these races due to cost.*
Data is from a sample of surveyed Race Free participants (n=152)
*
RISING NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS
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 2025 NYRR partnered with the New York City Public Schools to expand access to middle school students in under-resourced schools, by providing a grant to implement a 10-week running team model.
YOUTH (+11%)
NYC YOUTH
ENROLLED SITES
RISING NYRR YOUTH AMBASSADORS
In the 2024–2025 school year, 28 youth from 26 schools across 4 NYC boroughs and New Jersey participated in this program centered around public speaking training and speech fundamentals at 40 New York Road Runners events.
RISING NYRR WHEELCHAIR TRAINING PROGRAM
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 2025, four of the 15 members of this training program competed at the nationals held in July 2024 in Hoover, Alabama.
NYRR RUN FOR THE FUTURE
In 2024, 29 participants from 21 schools enrolled in this free developmental running program, which 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. Program alumnae continued their journey by participating at 39 NYRR races and events.
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Take the Next Step
What comes next is grounded in the same mission that brought us here—that with your support, we can transform the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential.
In FY 2026, we’re celebrating milestones in our community like 10 years of Open Run and 15 years of Striders. We’ll explore new ways to share our story and the stories of our community—including a refreshed perspective on why we run, what connects us, and how we move forward together. We’ve invested in growing our content production in-house studio, the newly launched East 89th St Productions, to focus on more robust storytelling. Our impact is measured in so many ways, including the people we uplift, the neighborhoods we connect, and the futures we help shape.
We’ll remain committed to being the best-in-class in all that we do—build programming and events to under-resourced areas of NYC as we look to get more people running, more often.
We’ll maintain our commitment to a more diverse, equitable, and socially responsible NYRR, building toward and sustaining a culture that reflects our values and a healthy world in which to run.
Thank you to our participants, members, volunteers, partners, donors, and staff for living our mission. For making every mile meaningful. And for taking this next step with us—toward a brighter, healthier future for all.
CLOSING NOTE
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our Mission
Natalia Gonzales
Philanthropic Member Since 2024
[NYRR is like] a ginormous family. Your running goals make you feel unique. Nobody is telling you how to run. Everyone appreciates what you are doing and what is your personal best. If you show up, everyone is just happy that you are showing up for yourself.”
Premier
Foundation
Media
Weekly Race
Achilles International, The FLAG Art Foundation, Front Runners New York, God’s Love We Deliver, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Thomas C. Labrecque Foundation
Licensing
BackLeft Media, The Bouqs Co., Erica Sara, Fond Memories, Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods, MarathonFoto, New York or Nowhere, Stran Promotional Solutions
Strategic
Contributing
Contributors and Supporters
Our Team
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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.
Board of Directors
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.
Without the generosity of our contributors and supporters, including New Balance Foundation and many other generous supporters, 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.
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