New York, September 10, 2015—New York Road Runners is deepening their commitment to the health and wellness of New York City youth by expanding the NYRR Mighty Milers program to more schools, community centers, and after-school programs across NYC’s five boroughs. Additionally, nearly 100 teachers who lead NYRR youth programming in these schools and community centers are anticipated to run the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon through a new rewards initiative for NYRR youth running program participation, it was announced today by Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners.                                                                        

“New York Road Runners is thrilled to expand our youth running reach in New York City by growing our NYRR Mighty Milers program to additional sites across the City, inspiring even more kids of all fitness levels to get moving, build their self-esteem, and reach personal goals,” said Capiraso. “We also can’t wait to welcome approximately 100 NYC teachers to the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon in November through our new rewards initiative for NYRR youth running program participation in schools and community centers. Their dedication to supporting NYRR youth programs in their school and community is invaluable and inspiring, and we, and I’m sure their students, are looking forward to following their Marathon journey.”

In the 2014-2015 school year, NYRR served 120,000 youth in NYC and more than 200,000 youth nationally through free NYRR youth running programs, events, and resources. A performance management initiative entitled Impact Framework revealed that NYRR youth running programs help increase kids’ comfort with—and engagement in—physical activity. Youth runners told NYRR that Mighty Milers and Young Runners, NYRR’s two largest youth running programs, make being active fun, and teachers told the organization that active kids are more focused and productive in the classroom. NYRR Mighty Milers, Young Runners, and a number of NYRR youth running programs, events, and resources are supported by NYRR’s Premier Partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, and Official Youth and Community Services Partner. Their year-round support helps benefit these 200,000 students throughout the five boroughs and beyond.

NYRR Mighty Milers is NYRR’s flagship youth running program, and the largest free youth running program in the U.S. This program provides primarily pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students the opportunity to run during the school day and develop a love for physical fitness. Each Mighty Miler strives to run a total of 26.2-miles or more over the course of a school year, in effect running their own marathon of miles. Nationwide, NYRR Mighty Milers reaches more than 157,000 students in approximately 700 schools and community centers who have collectively ran more than five million miles over the 2014-2015 school year.

NYRR is deepening their commitment to NYC youth by expanding the NYRR Mighty Milers program to more schools, community centers, and after school programs, now creating a network that includes private and parochial schools, as well as after-school sites from all corners of NYC. Last year, more than 77,000 kids in NYC logged more than 2.7 million miles. This year, NYRR’s goal is to serve 100,000 kids in NYC through Mighty Milers. Interested NYC sites can fill out an application to have a Mighty Milers program in their school or community center by clicking here.

Approximately 100 teachers, as well as administrators and parents, in NYC and beyond, are expected to run the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon in November as part of a new rewards initiative for NYRR youth running program participation. Schools and community centers from NYRR Mighty Milers and NYRR Young Runners programs were each offered two guaranteed, non-complimentary entries into the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon for their staff who volunteer their time administering the programs and inspiring kids to get active, develop healthy habits, and love running. In addition to entries into the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon, teachers who participate this year can earn up to $250 in rewards to spend on sports equipment, classroom supplies, and healthy snacks through this new rewards program, which also includes NYRR branded apparel and books for their school.

NYRR supports additional free community programming for people of all ages—from kids to seniors—designed to get them moving towards a healthier lifestyle, including neighborhood runs and walks, high school training programs, Running 101 sessions, and more. NYRR has a long-standing partnership with the Armory Foundation and sponsors events year-round at the Armory in support of the 100,000 kids it serves annually. Additionally, through the partnership, NYRR supports activities at the Armory like the NYRR Youth Jamborees presented by Tata Consultancy Services, and other annual youth running events.

Interested parties can learn more about NYRR youth programs by clicking here or by emailing youthprograms.outreach@nyrr.org.