New York, July 5, 2017 – The NYRR 1 for You 1 for Youth 4-Mile (4M) race will welcome 2,500 runners to Central Park on Saturday, July 8. In a unique twist, all race participants will receive a new pair of New Balance running shoes, and 2,500 participants in NYRR's free youth running programs will also receive a free pair of running shoes, through New York Road Runners (NYRR) and New Balance’s 1 for You 1 for Youth program.*

An estimated 300 youth runners take part in the Kids’ Races at the NYRR 1 for You 1 for Youth 4M, which is the third set of kids’ runs in a series of six happening at NYRR events throughout the summer, from June’s NYRR Queens 10K to September’s New Balance 5th Avenue Mile.

Launched in January, the 1 for You 1 for Youth program is a joint initiative by NYRR and New Balance to provide young runners with new and high-quality running shoes. For each pair of shoes purchased at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub, New Balance will donate a pair of running shoes to NYRR’s youth programs. In turn, New York Road Runners distributes the running shoes to participants in their free youth running programs,** including its newly launched flagship youth program, Rising New York Road Runners. 

“We’re so excited about this race and the impact it will have on inspiring the next generation of runners, which is an important part of New York Road Runners’ commitment to inspire people of all ages and abilities through running,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “Beyond encouraging and educating kids on the benefits of running, it is great to ensure that they are provided with running sneakers to make their running experience better. We are so fortunate to have a partner in New Balance that shares our passion to encourage the next generation of runners, and their year-round support makes this great program possible.”

“Giving back to the youth of NY is an integral part of our relationship with NYRR and we are happy to see that come to life outside of the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub through this new race,” said Rob DeMartini, president & CEO of New Balance. “The 1 for You 1 for Youth program is active all year at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub and this unique program allows all visitors to give back when buying a pair of New Balance shoes.”

The young beneficiaries of the 1 for You 1 for Youth program include 100 young, aspiring athletes that NYRR will be sending, at no cost, to The Running School, a one-week running camp located in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley. Since 2007, NYRR has been sending a group of program participants, who are nominated by their teachers, to the camp. For the first year, the young athletes will be outfitted in New Balance running shoes to train in at the camp and beyond, as they head into the fall cross country season.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit nyrr.org.

*1 FOR YOU 1 FOR YOUTH EVENT DISCLOSURE: For every pair of athletic shoes purchased by NYRR and given to a registered race participant of the NYRR 1 for You 1 for Youth 4-Mile on July 8, 2017, New Balance shall donate a pair of new athletic shoes to New York Road Runners, a 501(c)(3) public charity, for the benefit of a New York Road Runners supported youth program, up to a maximum value of $500,000 based on New Balance's then current wholesale pricing. This Promotion shall run from April 23, 2017 to July 22, 2017. For more information about New York Road Runners visit nyrr.org.

**1 FOR YOU 1 FOR YOUTH DISCLOSURE: For every pair of athletic shoes sold to a customer at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub in New York City, New Balance shall donate a pair of new athletic shoes to New York Road Runners, a 501(c)(3) public charity, for the benefit of a New York Road Runners supported youth program, up to a maximum value of $500,000 based on New Balance’s then current wholesale pricing. This Promotion shall run from December 12, 2016 to December 31, 2017.