New York, September 16, 2024 — New York Road Runners (NYRR) will celebrate its long history and impact in the Bronx with 12,000 runners Sunday, September 22 at the sold-out New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, the nonprofit’s premier event in the borough and one of the 60 adult and youth races it produces annually.

Since its founding in 1958 at Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx, New York Road Runners has grown into a leading nonprofit that builds healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. In honor of these roots, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile will take runners on a tour of the borough, beginning at Grand Concourse, heading north to Mosholu Parkway, and finishing near Yankee Stadium and Joseph Yancey Track.

The race is part of the New York Road Runners Five-Borough Series and has taken place since 2012, evolving from what used to be the Bronx Half Marathon, first held in 1995. New Balance, New York Road Runners’ Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Partner, has been the event title sponsor since 2016.

“As the birthplace of New York Road Runners, the Bronx boasts a vibrant and diverse running community that we support 365 days a year,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. “Whether you’re a seasoned racer or new to running, New York Road Runners is excited to offer several opportunities for movement and activity in the Bronx this weekend, culminating in the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile.”

“Having been born and raised in the Bronx, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile is the perfect representation of the borough, bringing together runners and walkers of every speed, ability and age to experience the best sights and sounds of the Bronx,” said Ted Metellus, Senior Vice President of Events and Race Director at New York Road Runners. “With six weeks until the TCS New York City Marathon, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile serves as a preview of the excitement, passion, and energy the Bronx always brings to the marathon course.”

At this year’s race, there will be an elevated youth event with a medal offered for the first time under the new name Boogie Down Kids Run, drawing hundreds of kids ages 2-18 from across New York City.

New York Road Runners engages community members of all ages and abilities in the Bronx through free and accessible programming year-round. Among the programs: Rising New York Road Runners, a free youth running-based program serving more than 12,000 Bronx students, NYRR Open Run offering free weekly runs and walks at two Bronx parks with nearly 100 regular participants, and NYRR Striders, a fitness program for older adults including more than 30 in the Bronx.

The Bronx has historically faced significant health disparities, and in 2024 for the 16^th consecutive year the borough was named the least healthy county in New York by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. The report found that 23% of Bronx adults are in fair or poor health and 35% are obese.

NYRR Shakeout at St. Mary’s Open Run

To get more people in the borough moving more often, New York Road Runners will also host a free Shakeout at St. Mary’s event at its St. Mary’s Open Run site Saturday, September 21, ahead of the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile. Open to runners and walkers of all speeds, abilities, and ages, the event will feature an approximate 3-mile fun run and walk alongside Peloton Instructor, TCS New York City Marathon runner, and Bronx native Rad Lopez.

Media interested in covering the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile on-site can apply for a media credential here: https://www.nyrr.org/media-center/media-credentials.

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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 New Yorkers annually through its 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.