Accessibility

Accessibility Statement

New York Road Runners (NYRR) is committed to ensuring that NYRR programs, events, activities, and services are accessible to employees, members, volunteers, spectators, vendors, external runners, prospective applicants, and all others who do business with NYRR, work with NYRR, use NYRR facilities, or otherwise interact with NYRR without regard to actual or perceived disability in accordance with New York City, New York State, and U.S. federal law.

NYRR strives to make our website, mobile applications, and other digital platforms accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in order to ensure that they can participate in our events and programs. If you require an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@nyrr.org or call 711 (or 800-662-1220 for English or 877-662-4886 for Spanish).

In addition, we offer various resources and support for participants with disabilities, including specialized training programs, adaptive equipment, and assistance with transportation and logistics. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that allows individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

We are committed to continuously improving our accessibility efforts and welcome feedback from our community. If you have any suggestions or comments on how we can improve accessibility, please contact us at accessibility@nyrr.org.

Inclusive Program Access: Empowering Road Running Races for All

NYRR aims to provide comprehensive program access as an integral part of our events. We embrace inclusivity in many ways, ensuring that every participant, regardless of their abilities, can fully engage in the exhilarating experiences of race week and all public-facing events leading up to and including race day.

Inclusive Components

Every race offers accessible components designed to accommodate participants with various disabilities. This comprehensive approach reflects the commitment of NYRR to welcome and support every individual willing to take part. Notably, both handcycle and pushrim participants are encouraged to join all events and races.

Guide and Support Runner Allocation

Recognizing the diverse needs of participants, races allocate special race entries for guide and support runners. These individuals play a pivotal role in ensuring that every participant can confidently navigate the course. The process involves identifying the participants in need of assistance and pairing them with a guide or support runner. What is truly remarkable is that entry for these guide and support runners is not just accommodated but provided complimentary, embodying the spirit of unity that defines inclusive road racing.

Creating an Inclusive Atmosphere

Our course layouts are meticulously designed to be disability-friendly, where technically feasible, and we have incorporated provisions for individuals with visual or auditory disabilities. Our goal is not just to accommodate but to make every participant feel valued and empowered, whether they are an experienced racer or participating in an event for the first time. Our commitment to accessibility is evident in many ways, but if you have suggestions for what we can do better to make our events more accessible, we encourage you to contact us at accessibility@nyrr.org.

NYRR Leading the Way

Our dedication to ensuring program access for participants with disabilities is exemplified in every race. NYRR races set the gold standard for creating a welcoming atmosphere where every individual is celebrated for their determination above all else. Through our actions, we intend to inspire the entire road racing community to follow suit and adopt a similarly inclusive approach.

The ongoing program access that exists in our races marks an industry monumental shift toward inclusivity, breaking down barriers and embracing diversity like never before. Handcycle and pushrim participants, guide and support runners, and individuals with various disabilities are part of an ongoing shift toward inclusivity in NYRR events and road racing overall.

Getting to Our Events

We are committed to creating events that embrace diversity, celebrate inclusivity, and provide an enriching experience for all attendees. One of our core values is ensuring accessibility in every aspect of our events. We take pride in hosting gatherings in venues that are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities and we strive to be a leading advocate for inclusive event planning.

To the best of our ability, we carefully choose venues that meet the accessibility standards, ensuring ease of access for everyone.

We know getting to our events can be its own marathon. To assist in your travel planning, here is a list of NYC Accessible Subway Stations. All subway and bus connections are subject to planned and unplanned service work. Check the MYmta app or visit the MTA Service Status website for current status.

Event Venues

Many of our events are held in locations with dedicated accessibility resources. To view venue accessibility information for select locations please check out our list below that will take you to each venue’s webpage containing accessibility information.

Venue List

NYRR RUNCENTER featuring New Balance Run Hub –

Accessibility in NYC Parks – Many of our year-round NYRR races and events take place in New York City parks. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation has dedicated information on accessibility in parks across New York City.

To request a reasonable accommodation at a park facility, contact our ADA Accessibility Coordinator/Disability Services Facilitator using our online Reasonable Accommodation Request form or by mail to The Olmsted Center, 117-02 Roosevelt Avenue, Corona, NY 11368.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Accessibility – The location of our RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance for bib pickup and other pre-race activities. The park is ADA accessible.

ACCESS-A-RIDE. To enter the Park at Pier 1, go to 1 Water Street (corner of Old Fulton and Water Street). This is the address of Ample Hills Creamery located at Fulton Ferry Landing. To enter the southern end of the park, go to 360 Furman Street and exit on the west side of the building (intersection of Furman Street and Bridge Park Drive).

Javits Center Accessibility - The location of the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. Javits Center strives to make their facilities and services accessible to people with disabilities. For Information and forms for requesting accommodations, the Javits Center's Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA Coordinator) can be reached at gdupont@javitscenter.com or by calling 212- 216-2622.

Tavern on the Green – Tavern on the Green welcomes service animals in the main dining areas and the to-go outside seating area that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

Central Park – The Central Park Access Map offers information on accessibility inside the park including accessible restrooms, changes in elevation, and more detailed information to assist in navigating Central Park.

Race Event Terrain – While NYRR strives to select race courses that offer the greatest degree of inclusion, our races take place on roads and surfaces with various degrees of slopes and changes in elevation with varying coefficient of friction and slip resistance. Participants with disabilities are encouraged to review racecourse information in advance to make a determination for race participation.

NYRR Event Registration and Accessibility

It's very important that runners indicate their disability status during the registration process. This makes it easy for us to communicate with Athletes with Disabilities (AWDs) in order to provide any necessary amenities, particularly for our marquee events. For marquee events, AWDs are sent a guide request form. For weekly races and events, please contact guiderequests@nyrr.org to submit a guide request.

For any questions regarding registration and participation in our events as an AWD, please contact nyrrawdteam@nyrr.org.

For marathon duo team questions regarding registration and participation, contact duoteams@nyrr.org.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to more fully participate in an upcoming event, program, or activity we are here to assist you. We value your privacy and confidentiality, and any information shared with us will be treated with the utmost respect.

To request a reasonable accommodation, please follow the steps outlined below:

1. Submit Your Request: Kindly send an email to accessibility@nyrr.org with the subject line "Reasonable Accommodation Request - [Your Name]." In your email, please include the following information:

• Your full name
• Contact information (phone number and/or email address)
• A description of the accommodation you are requesting
• The upcoming event, program, or activity pertaining to the accommodation request

2. Describe Your Needs: In your accommodation request, clearly describe how the accommodation will help you participate more fully. Providing specific details will assist us in identifying the most suitable accommodation for your needs.

3.  Submit your request immediately to ensure sufficient time for processing and arranging accommodations. Each accommodation requires a certain amount of lead time. While we will make every effort to accommodate last-minute requests, early submissions are greatly appreciated.

4. Interactive Process: Once we receive your request, the NYRR Disability Inclusion and Accessibility team will promptly review it to discuss and determine the most appropriate accommodation. We may contact you for additional information or clarification during this process.

5. Confirmation: You will receive confirmation of your reasonable accommodation request and any arrangements made to ensure, more fully, your participation in the upcoming event, program, or activity.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the accommodation request process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 855-569-6977 or accessibility@nyrr.org. We are here to support you and make your experience with us as enjoyable and inclusive as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

DES- Disability Inclusion and Accessibility

When planning an event, NYRR’s Disability Inclusion and Accessibility team, which is a part of the office of Diversity, Equity, and Social Responsibility (DES), intentionally and actively considers the importance of accessibility to ensure that all participants and attendees, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can fully engage and enjoy the event. Here is a list of accessibility considerations NYRR strives to keep in mind when planning one of our events:

1. Mobility and Navigation: We choose venues with wheelchair ramps, elevators, and spacious doorways, making it easier for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges to move around freely.

2. Viewing and Seating: We provide thoughtfully allocated accessible seating areas with unobstructed views to ensure everyone can enjoy the event.

3. Assistive Technology: To cater to our attendees who are hard of hearing, we offer assistive listening systems, such as FM systems (and induction loops, COMING SOON) enhancing the auditory experience of presentations and communications.

4. Clear Signage and Wayfinding: Our events feature clear signage with large, easy-to-read fonts and high contrast colors, allowing for easy navigation throughout the venue.

5. Lighting and Visual Accessibility: We ensure our event spaces are well-lit, without excessive glare or shadows, to accommodate individuals with visual disabilities.

6. Accessible Restrooms: We provide accessible restrooms, which are clearly marked and easy to access.

7. Trained and Compassionate Staff: Our event staff and volunteers receive comprehensive training in disability awareness and effective communication, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees.

8. Inclusive Registration and Information: We provide accessible online registration and information systems compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Additionally, we offer alternative formats for printed materials, such as braille or large print, upon request.

9. Emergency Preparedness: Safety is a top priority. Our events have detailed emergency plans in place, accounting for the needs of individuals with disabilities. We have accessible evacuation routes, visual or audible alarms, and trained staff to assist in case of emergencies.

10. Transportation: We provide information on accessible transportation options to and from the event venue and coordinate with local transportation services to ensure accessibility.

11. Accessibility Team and Feedback: We have a dedicated and knowledgeable accessibility team that can address issues and make necessary improvements. This ensures that attendees have a way to provide us with feedback to report accessibility concerns, suggestions, or to file a complaint for disability discrimination.

Feedback- We Would Like to Hear From You

We continually seek accessibility and disability inclusion feedback from any individual that engages and participates in events with NYRR. Your feedback may be used to improve our efforts in creating inclusive events.

Our dedicated accessibility team is readily available to address any concerns or suggestions and ensure that we continually improve the quality of our offerings on our journey to greater inclusivity. Email us at accessibility@nyrr.org. We look forward to hearing from you.