Nonprofit that “runs” NYC expands free beginner-friendly run/walks to three events in two new boroughs, increasing access to fitness for New Yorkers
New York, July 13, 2026 — 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 and providing free year-round youth and community programs — today announced the expansion of its free NYRR Start Line Seriescommunity running initiative as part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT)Summer Streets. Building off a successful inaugural year of the program in 2025, which drew more than 1,100 participants across two events in Queens and Brooklyn, the nonprofit will host three free events in two new boroughs, continuing the decades-long partnership between New York Road Runners and the DOT.
Geared towards beginner athletes, the NYRR Start Line Series will return to Queens with a three-mile course in Long Island City on Saturday, July 25. For the first time, DOT and NYRR will also host events in Manhattan on Park Avenue on Aug. 1 and The Bronx along Grand Concourse on Aug. 22. Registration is now open at nyrr.org/startlineseries.
“We’re thrilled to bring back the Start Line Series this year as part of New York Road Runners’ ongoing efforts to increase access to running, walking, and fitness for New Yorkers,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “Expanding the initiative into Manhattan and The Bronx this year is particularly exciting as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro New York City Marathon this fall, something that wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration of city agencies like the DOT.”
“New York Road Runners show us the true power of people-first programming on our streets with road races that unite New Yorkers and enrich communities. We’re proud to partner with them for Summer Streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “By bringing free, beginner-friendly races to our car-free corridors, NYRR is creating new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get moving, explore their neighborhoods, and experience the boroughs in a new way. We thank NYRR for lacing up and joining us for Summer Streets 2026.”
As New York Road Runners celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro New York City Marathon, the NYRR Start Line Series at Summer Streets is a continuation of the nonprofit’s year-round impact in all five boroughs, which include free community programs for youth and adults:
- NYRR Open Run: Free, weekly community-led runs hosted in 16 neighborhood parks in greater New York City, serving nearly 17,000 participants of all ages and fitness levels.
- Rising New York Road Runners: Free running-based youth program that helps more than 100,000 New York City kids build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life.
- NYRR Striders: Free walking and fitness program with sessions across 20 parks, community centers, and older adult centers, encouraging more than 1,100 older adults across all five boroughs to lead a more active life and meet new people in their community.
- NYRR Race Free: Provides race fee assistance and training to those who financially qualify to make running more accessible for 1,000 participants, offering more than 3,000 complimentary race entries. The Race Free program is expanding in 2026 and 2027 to increase the number of entries and double the number of athletes served.
- NYRR Group Training: NYRR Group Training and virtual training programs, including a partnership with Runna, provides 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.
Throughout the year, New York Road Runners serves more than half a million people through races, community events, and free programming as part of its mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
Beginning in 2008, the DOT has hosted Summer Streets—an annual celebration of one of New York City’s most valuable public spaces: our streets. Since 2023, Summer Streets has reached all five boroughs. This year, more than 20 miles of Summer Streets corridors will be open to pedestrians and cyclists from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Manhattan and with adjusted, later hours in the outer boroughs based on local feedback. Summer Streets will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island to help more New Yorkers enjoy car-free streets and programming.
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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 more than 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 55,000 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.