New York, January 22, 2019 – New York Road Runners (NYRR), the world’s premier community running organization, today announced its extension into New Jersey. As part of its efforts, NYRR will host a new race, the NYRR Newport Fiesta 5K, in Newport, the downtown area of Jersey City, on May 4, 2019. In addition, NYRR will host open runs and free youth programs throughout the year. City officials, community partners, and executives held a special celebration today at Jersey City’s City Hall to announce the new outreach.

“Our growth into New Jersey provides the opportunity for New York Road Runners to reach the thousands of dedicated runners who regularly participate in our premier races as well as reach new and diverse audiences,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO, New York Road Runners. “In addition, NYRR is excited to bring youth and community programming to positively impact local runners of all ages and abilities.”

“The City’s partnership with NYRR will bring together members of our City in an active, healthy way, without having to cross the Hudson River,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop. “Not only will the City host the Newport Fiesta 5k, but NYRR will bring year-round initiatives and races to the City that are of no cost for residents and runners of all ages to participate in.”

NYRR puts on more than 50 races throughout the year. In 2018, nearly 30,000 finishers of NYRR events were residents of New Jersey. Among those finishers, nearly 40% live within a 10-mile radius of Jersey City. To better serve its runners, NYRR will bring and implement its successful programs to the New Jersey community.

The NYRR Newport Fiesta 5K will be a unique race with an expansive course through the downtown area. The event will take place at 5:00 p.m. with the start and finish line located at Washington Street, south of the Newport Parkway. A series of free youth races will take prior to the 5K. Festivities will be held throughout the day and will culminate with a post-race festival. Registration for the event opens today by visiting mynyrr.nyrr.org.

“The incredibly popular Newport 10K laid a great foundation for the running community in Jersey City,” said Jim Heim, senior vice president, event development and production, and race director, New York Road Runners.  “We are excited to build on that success while transforming the event into a 5K race with a series of youth races, making it more accessible to all.”

NYRR has partnered with the LeFrak Organization, Newport Associates Development Company, and the city of Jersey City to organize a new race and to develop a strategic plan to engage the local community through health and fitness activities. “It’s going to be awesome,” said Jamie LeFrak, Vice Chairman, LeFrak.

To build a foundation for community involvement and long-term success, NYRR is establishing year-round programs to serve residents and runners of all ages and abilities. In April, the organization will launch NYRR Open Run at Lincoln Park, the first Open Run located outside of New York City. Through this initiative, NYRR works with community leaders and volunteers to bring free weekly runs to neighborhood parks. All runs are directed by volunteers and free for participants.

Additionally, NYRR will grow its flagship national youth program, Rising New York Road Runners, in New Jersey. Rising New York Road Runners annually serves nearly 250,000 youth nationwide providing free, high-quality, innovative programming designed to motivate all kids to get running. To date, there are nearly 20 schools served in New Jersey. In 2019, NYRR will increase its youth efforts throughout the state for the next generation to live healthier lives.

These collective efforts will ensure NYRR’s ongoing commitment to provide access to healthy and active lifestyles. For more information, please visit nyrr.org.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to the New York City area features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 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 www.nyrr.org.