WATCH THE VIDEO
Transformative Power of Running
Rob Simmelkjaer
CEO, New York Road Runners
Transforming Lives,
Together
From Our CEO
No matter where we run, how far, how fast, or how often, running transforms us.
It improves our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, ultimately reshaping our lives.
When we run with others, we build and transform communities. New York Road Runners does this 365 days a year through our inclusive and accessible running experiences, in New York City and beyond. We strive to inspire everyone to discover the transformative power of running.
This year, and in the years ahead, we’re guided by our updated vision and mission.
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
To build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
As a New York City–based nonprofit, we’re dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential.
As we reflect on our impact over the past year, and consider the years ahead, we know that our commitment to transforming communities through running is as strong as it’s ever been. We know that we can build a healthier, more inclusive city in which any person, of any ability, can experience the benefits of a movement-filled lifestyle.
Fiscal Year 2024
FY24 IMPACT REPORT
Transforming Lives, Together
From Our CEO
YEAR IN REVIEW
FINANCIALS
AREAS OF IMPACT
THE PATH FORWARD
Year in Review
NEXT
In this annual report, we demonstrate the impact of our programs, events, and initiatives, which reach more people than ever, across all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. In a dynamic and engaging new format, we share not only the results of our efforts, but also the stories of those we impact.
We invite you to join us as we continue this journey.
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
For me, the best days start with a run, which is why I like to say, “Win the morning, win the day.”
I’m proud to be a part of our New York Road Runners community. Throughout fiscal year 2024 we won many mornings and days, improving the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of so many, and ultimately reshaping lives.
As we reflect on our impact over the past year, and consider the years ahead, we know that our commitment to transforming communities through running is as strong as it’s ever been. We know that we can build a healthier, more inclusive city in which any person, of any ability, can experience the benefits of a movement-filled lifestyle.
Thanks to the amazing generosity and support of our donors, partners, members, participants, and volunteers, week in and week out; and our collaboration with the City of New York and its agencies and departments that work with us to make possible all that we do, we were able to serve more people than ever.
None of this would have been possible without your ongoing commitment to the work that we do. Your partnership and community mean everything to New York Road Runners.
Thank you all for supporting us as we build healthier lives and stronger communities together through the transformative power of running.
Sincerely,
Rob Simmelkjaer Chief Executive Officer
Transforming Lives, Together
From Our CEO
Impact Report
DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
SUPPORT NYRR
THE PATH FORWARD
AREAS OF IMPACT
FINANCIALS
YEAR IN REVIEW
Signature Running Events
Weekly Programs and Events
FY24 IMPACT REPORT
Signature Running Events
Weekly Programs and Events
Financials
PREVIOUS
The Path Forward
NEXT
Training, Education, and Support
Training, Education, and Support
Signature
Running Events
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.
$61.3M Raised
$7M Raised
for Over 500 Official Charity Partners
for NYRR Team for Kids
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 the streets and communities of New York City, celebrating the city, its people, and the world, while also promoting the sport of running. In FY24, Marathon Week kicked off with a new free youth event in Central Park with hundreds of kids ages 2–18.
51,000+
149
finishers
countries represented
Weekly Programs and Events
New York Road Runners’ weekly programs and events are dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences. These free and low-cost programs and events, supported by more than 8,800 NYRR volunteers, offered participants of all ages and abilities the opportunity to be active while also connecting with their friends and neighbors in an engaging way.
288,271 Participants
90,370 Unique Participants, 1% Increase
Bringing the World to New York City
New York Road Runners’ signature running events showcase the organization’s impact and reach throughout New York City and globally. During FY24, 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 more than 14,000 NYRR volunteers, each event featured participants of all ages and abilities, including a professional athlete field, and reached large audiences through local, national, and international broadcasts.
United Airlines NYC Half
This year’s United Airlines NYC Half brought together more than 27,000 runners, while over 1,600 youth runners as young as 2 took part in the Times Square Kids Run. Our official charity partner runners raised $5 million for over 250 official charity partners.
27,000+
1,600+
Finishers
Youth Runners
RBC Brooklyn Half®
More than 25,000 runners raced from Prospect Park to Coney Island in the RBC Brooklyn Half®, the largest half marathon in the United States in 2023.
New Balance 5th Avenue Mile
This year’s New Balance 5th Avenue Mile welcomed more than 8,500 runners of all ages and abilities to race their best mile down a 20-block stretch of New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue.
Mastercard New York Mini 10K
More than 8,300 runners took on the hills of Central Park as they followed in the footsteps of legends such as the great Grete Waitz at the 51st running of this historic women’s road race.
New York Road Runners is an organization about the people...helping and supporting underserved and in-need communities."
German Martinez
VP, Community Impact,
New York Road Runners
NYRR Striders
This free walking and fitness program offered physical activity for more than 740 older adults at 20 neighborhood sites looking to lead a more active life and meet new people in their local community.
NYRR Open Run
This year, Open Run brought 2,654 unique participants and 435 volunteers together for free, weekly community-led runs at 16 parks in all five boroughs and Jersey City, for a total of over 800 Open Runs.
It was the most inviting and welcoming group of runners ever. I loved sharing stories and making friends. The Astoria Park Open Runners became my weekend running family.
Danny Barcia
NYRR Member Since 2005
Staying a member of NYRR when I moved to Florida was my initial way of remaining part of New York. Through tough times NYRR became my running family and after the death of my wife to cancer, a source of comfort and now my focus on coming back home to.
Michael Rosengarten
NYRR Member Since 1990
The support of the running community is priceless. Running helps me stay positive and gives me the strength that is needed to fight through the toughest days.
Dolores Doman
NYRR Member Since 2014
I have been a very proud participant in the Race Free program, which allows families like myself, low-income New Yorkers, to participate in the races that bring so much joy. And whenever I share this program with people, I start tearing up because I'm just so grateful for it.
Maria Leena-Kerr
Race Free Participant, NYRR Member Since 2020
I couldn't have run my first TCS New York City Marathon in 2019 without the Weekend Long Run training. It supported me physically with my first long runs of 14, 16, 18, and 20 miles, and mentally with the assurance that YES, I CAN do this!
Simone Sampaio
NYRR Group Training Participant and Coach, NYRR Member Since 2018
Running the NYC Marathon as part of the KCFit Team was amazing. I was proud to show others what people with invisible disabilities, like autism, are capable of doing. I am grateful to KultureCity and NYRR to have been included.
Adrienne Bunn
Official Charity Partner Runner
NYRR Virtual Racing Powered by Strava
With more than 50,000 unique participants from 152 countries completing nine virtual races in FY24, NYRR continued its international reach. NYRR Virtual Racing Powered by Strava has transformed the way many runners participate by allowing them to run from anywhere, ensuring that even when we run alone, we run together.
Training, Education, and Support Programs
Aligned with our vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running, NYRR provides training, education, and support for the running community through various programs. These programs offer ongoing support, ensuring the engagement and benefits of running extend beyond the race and are accessible daily and on demand.
NYRR Group Training and Virtual Training
NYRR Group Training and Virtual Training programs provided runners of all levels, in-person across seven locations in five NYC parks and online globally, the training to achieve their running goals.
Rising New York Road Runners
195,176 Participants
846
Enrolled Sites
Rising NYRR is a free running-based youth program designed to make physical activity enjoyable and accessible for kids in NYC and nationwide. The program makes it easy for educators, parents, coaches, and community members to help youth develop the skills, confidence, and desire to stay active for life.
40% Increase in 2023–24 School Year
Rising NYRR Youth Ambassadors
The program is centered around public speaking training and speech fundamentals that helps participants improve their presentation and communication skills by speaking at special New York Road Runners events throughout the year.
Race Free
Every year, up to 1,000 New Yorkers, who qualify financially, can access over 3,000 race entries free of charge.
These programs have been teaching me so much.
Penelope
Youth Ambassador
NYRR Run for the Future
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. Our alumnae offerings support the young women as they continue their journey as new runners.
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.
NYRR Set the Pace
In the fall, we launched NYRR Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Starting in September, weekly episodes included exclusive post-race interviews with TCS New York City Marathon and United Airlines NYC Half champions, and our first live show from the Citizens stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo.
35 Weekly Episodes
70K+ Episodes Downloaded
NYRR Membership
76,377 Members
Members believe in the power of running, where everyone benefits from the inspiration that comes from putting one foot in front of the other. Membership fee contributions helped provide support for NYRR programs and events.
18% Increase
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.
IMPACT
AREAS OF
WATCH THE VIDEO
These programs have been teaching me so much.
WATCH THE VIDEO
I ran with a girl, who six weeks ago did not run, and now she completed a 5K. She didn't stop running and it was an excitement for her that she was able to complete this 3.1 mile race.
Martina Grant NYRR Run for the Future Race Buddy
WATCH THE VIDEO
131,491 Finishers
97,598 Unique Finishers, 13% Increase
DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
SUPPORT NYRR
25,000+
Finishers
NYRR Team For Kids
$9.6M Raised
Team for Kids, our charity running program, encourages runners of all abilities and experience levels participating in seven NYRR events 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.
5,600+ Runners
I learned about the history, the inspiration, and Ted Corbitt's contributions to the sport. As a multi-ethnic person, I learned about the goals of creating safe spaces for women from all backgrounds and all ability levels. Fundraising for TFK's mission is easy when one understands the ripple impact to the next generation of runners. NYRR builds stronger communities one runner at a time.
Ingrid Thorp
NYRR Team for Kids Mentor, NYRR Member Since 2020
Rising NYRR Youth Events
27
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.
Events
10,115
Participants
6,486
Unique Participants
37
Races
151,761
Participants
48,654
Unique Participants
4,865
Participants
1,679
Unique Participants
Group Training
Virtual Training
3,394
Participants
2,968
Unique Participants
Thank You
As we look ahead, we’ll continue to support and strengthen communities through the transformative power of running.
We’ll innovate on our existing offerings, as well as seek to develop new programs and events that will positively impact all ages and abilities, in New York City and around the world.
We’re committed to producing the best possible experiences and strive to inspire more to become part of the NYRR running community as they learn about all that we do. We will continue to build and serve programming and events in under-resourced areas of NYC as we look to get more people running, more often.
We’ll maintain our commitment to sustainability so that future generations have access to clean air, green spaces, and a healthy world in which to run. And we’ll advance our commitment to a more diverse, equitable, and socially responsible NYRR, building toward and sustaining a culture and operating model that reflect our values.
Thank you all—members, partners, donors, staff, participants, and volunteers—for supporting our vision and mission now and in the years ahead.
We can’t do it without you. We hope you’re inspired and empowered to join us in building communities where physical activity is accessible to all, and that together we grow stronger through the transformative power of running.
Contributors and Supporters
Premier
Foundation
Strategic
Contributing
Media
Weekly Race
Achilles International, The FLAG Art Foundation, Front Runners New York, God’s Love We Deliver, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Real Simple, Thomas C. Labrecque Foundation
Licensing
Erica Sara, Fond Memories, MarathonFoto, New York or Nowhere, Stran Promotional Solutions
I want to augment the resources of an organization that changed my life in such profound ways, so that it can continue its mission of building a community centered on fitness and positivity and change thousands of lives in the process.
Salman Al-Rashid
NYRR member since 2021
Our Donors
My doctors all warned me to keep moving and walk. I started walking every day. Now my walks have turned into runs. I never thought I would want to walk multiple miles let alone run and here I am. That feeling of accomplishment I get when I cross those finish lines is so overwhelming and exciting that I want to keep going. Now people tell me that I’ve inspired them to start walking and running. Now I want to do this for them. I want to continue to help inspire others with my story.
Anthony Quintano
NYRR member since 2023
Support Our Mission
1-Page Report Summary
Leadership
and Staff
A special thanks to our Board of Directors for the commitment and vision that each member gives. Together, we are making a difference in the health and well-being of our community.
Board of Directors
Everything that we do as an organization represents the efforts of many talented, passionate, and dedicated individuals and groups pulling together to advance our mission. Our staff is supported by thousands of volunteers, multiple New York City agencies, our sponsors and partners, and our board of directors.
Our Team
FORWARD
THE PATH
Areas of Impact
PREVIOUS
We have communities that exist in every borough of the city around our programs and initiatives.
Rob Simmelkjaer
CEO, New York Road Runners
WATCH THE VIDEO
THE PATH FORWARD
AREAS OF IMPACT
FINANCIALS
YEAR IN REVIEW
Thank You
Contributors and Supporters
Leadership and Staff
FY24 IMPACT REPORT
Thank You
Contributors and Supporters
Leadership and Staff
Our contributors and supporters, including New Balance Foundation and many generous donors, are the driver of our vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running and their contributions make all we do possible.
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SUPPORT NYRR
SUPPORT NYRR
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