Documentary short film produced by New York Road Runners’ East 89th St Productions and Tribeca Studios honored in Outstanding Sports Documentary Short category
“Final Finishers” available to stream on ESPN+ and Disney+
New York, May 27, 2026— New York Road Runners (NYRR)—the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races and providing free year-round youth and community programs—is celebrating its National Sports EmmyAward win in the Outstanding Sports Documentary Short category for the film “Final Finishers.” The first project released by New York Road Runners’ East 89th St Productionsand co-produced with Tribeca Studioswas honored at the 47th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, held Tuesday night at Lincoln Center in New York City.
The win marks the first National Sports Emmy Award for New York Road Runners and East 89th St Productions, the nonprofit’s original content studio dedicated to telling inspiring stories across the running community. In addition to “Final Finishers,” East 89th St Productions released the documentary short film “26.2” last year, with additional projects in the pipeline that will be announced soon.
“This recognition is an extraordinary honor for New York Road Runners and a powerful validation of our commitment to telling stories that reflect the full spectrum of the running experience,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “‘Final Finishers’ embodies our belief in the power of every step to transform lives by shining a light on runners whose courage, determination, and humanity inspire us all. We are grateful to the academy and to everyone who helped bring this project to life, and we are proud to see these athletes and their stories celebrated on one of the biggest stages in sports media.”
Directed by two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Rudy Valdez, “Final Finishers” captures the raw emotion and celebrates the unsung heroes at the back of the pack during races, including the TCS New York City Marathon, against the electrifying backdrop of New York City.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for this recognition for a film that, at its heart, is about humanity, resilience, and what it means to keep putting one foot in front of the other,” said Valdez. “This project was made possible by the extraordinary runners who shared their stories and by the incredible partnership and support from New York Road Runners and Tribeca Studios. I’m honored that these inspiring runners are being celebrated on this stage.”
Developed, produced, and distributed in partnership with Tribeca Studios, the original content division of Tribeca Enterprises, “Final Finishers” premiered during the 2025 Tribeca Festival, supported by New York Road Runners Foundation-level partner New Balance. The 30-minute documentary short film is currently streaming on ESPN+ and Disney+.
CREDITS
- Director: Rudy Valdez
- Executive Producers: Berry Welsh, Jacqui Moore, Rudy Valdez
- Co-Executive Producers: Keelin Ryan, Matthew Singer
- Producer: Meghan Schale
- Co-Producer: Peter Kirk
- Associate Producers: Tanner Smith, Yvette Hollingsworth
- Editor: Claire Ave’Lallemant
- Cinematographer: Rudy Valdez
- Story/Archival Producer: Manon Blackman
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About East 89th St Productions
East 89th St Productionsis New York Road Runners’ content studio dedicated to producing original content that aligns with the nonprofit’s vision of building healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. The studio is part of New York Road Runners’ ongoing strategic investment in content and an expansion into longer-form storytelling, including documentary shorts, feature documentaries, and docuseries. Through East 89th St Productions, New York Road Runners works with passionate filmmakers, talented creatives, and notable distribution partners to give empowering and untold stories of runners and the running community a global platform.
The studio includes New York Road Runners’ robust content slate of live race broadcasts, the NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton podcast, NYRR App race content, “The Run On” blog, short-form video series, live and in-person experiential content, and partner content like Peloton Scenic and Outdoor content.
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 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.