Renewed partnership includes revitalization project
to refurbish local tracks starting in 2026
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone joins special shoe distribution event with 400 kids to celebrate the announcement
New York, Oct. 30, 2025 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, with New Balance, today announced the extension of its long-standing partnership. As part of a multi-year renewal, New Balance will continue to serve as the Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Sponsor of New York Road Runners and the TCS New York City Marathon, the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.
“New York Road Runners impacts nearly half a million people each year and that’s possible because of the support of strong, mission-aligned partners like New Balance,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “We are excited to embark on a new chapter with New Balance to help reach more runners and invest in the New York City community.”
“Our partnership with New York Road Runners has grown into a powerful force for change—not just in how we support runners, but in how we inspire communities,” said Joe Preston, President & CEO of New Balance. “Together, we are reaching runners of all ages especially kids.”
The nonprofit and retailer began their partnership in 2015 rooted in a shared commitment to community and the power of running, particularly for the next generation of athletes, including participants of Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program serving 200,000 kids nationwide, of which 100,000 are NYC-based.
“New Balance has been an extraordinary partner in uplifting our mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running,” said Christine Burke, New York Road Runners Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re deeply grateful for a decade of collaboration and look forward to building on that foundation as we continue creating meaningful impact for generations of athletes to come.”
As part of the extended relationship, New York Road Runners and New Balance will refurbish a number of local tracks. The joint refurbishment project will begin in 2026; the track refurbishment initiative will help increase access to running for students across the five boroughs.
The partnership extension was announced during a special Rising New York Road Runners shoe distribution event today with more than 400 elementary, middle, and high school-aged NYC Public School students from across the five boroughs receiving free pairs of New Balance shoes. To get kids active and feel empowered to cross any finish line, Rising New York Road Runners and New Balance have distributed nearly 50,000 free pairs of shoes to students at more than 1,000 underserved schools and community centers since the start of their 10-year partnership.
After receiving their new shoes, students participated in a series of fitness activities, led by four-time Olympic gold medalist, World Record Holder, American record holder, and New Balance athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who recently won the 400 meters at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, running the second fastest time in history. Many of today’s athletes helped usher in marathon race week at Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, which featured more than 2,500 kids ages 2 to 18 in free dashes and races.
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About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 10,000 associates around the globe, and in 2024 reported worldwide sales of $7.8 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.