New York, March 13, 2023 — New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced today that its premier charity, Team for Kids, has raised over $100 million in support of NYRR’s free youth and community programs since the charity’s inception in 2002. For more than 20 years, dedicated Team for Kids runners have put purpose behind their miles by fundraising for NYRR programming that supports thousands of people of all ages and abilities in New York City and nationwide.

Team for Kids has helped expand the impact of Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s flagship free youth program that serves over 112,000 kids nationwide. Rising New York Road Runners helps kids develop the ability, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life. NYRR’s youth program started in 1999 with 12 participants at a single school in Red Hook, Brooklyn. There are now 800 Rising New York Road Runners sites across the country, and about 50,000 youth participants are in New York City, many of whom attend Title 1 schools with the most need.

Team for Kids dollars go toward training Rising New York Road Runners teachers and staff, providing equipment and resources, and offering kids running and movement opportunities. With the support of Team for Kids, more than two and a half million students have engaged in evidence-based games and activities with the aim of encouraging lifelong physical activity. In 2016, Rising New York Road Runners added the Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program, offering seasonal weekly training sessions, in-school resources, and racing opportunities for New York City youth ages 6-21 with physical disabilities.

“Reaching $100 million is an incredible milestone for NYRR Team for Kids and our youth and community programs,” said Marissa Muñoz, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at NYRR. “Thanks to the devotion and support of every Team for Kids member who fundraised over the last 21 years, our programming and impact have grown exponentially. We’re able to provide more opportunities for community members and exemplify NYRR’s mission to help and inspire through running.”

At the 2002 New York City Marathon, 135 adult runners formed the inaugural Team for Kids cohort and raised nearly $180,000 for NYRR youth program participants. In 2005, the charity achieved its first major milestone and surpassed the $1 million mark. Since then, thousands of runners have worn the charity’s signature green singlet at races all over the world, inspired to run it forward. Over 500 runners from across the globe will run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half with Team for Kids and are expected to raise more than $750,000.

Throughout the years a number of professional athletes and notables have served as ambassadors and mentors for Team for Kids, including Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi, 20-time Paralympic medalist Tatyana McFadden, New York Giants legend Tiki Barber, and TV show host Nev Schulman.

"I’ve had the privilege and honor of being involved with Team for Kids for several years,” said Meb Keflezighi, Team for Kids ambassador and TCS New York City Marathon champion. “TFK’s mission aligns with my personal goal to empower the next generation of students and athletes to chase their potential. Through Team for Kids, the lives of thousands of kids have been changed for the better and I look forward to the program’s next milestone."

In addition to Rising New York Road Runners, Team for Kids supports NYRR’s slate of free community programs for New Yorkers:

• Run for the Future – Seven-week program introducing high school junior and senior young women to running and wellness through practices, panels, workshops, and educational sessions.
• NYRR Youth Ambassadors – Six-week public-speaking and speech workshop for students in grades 4-12.
• NYRR Striders – Walking and fitness program for older adults who are looking to start or continue their fitness journey.
• NYRR Open Run – Weekly, fun community runs and walks in neighborhood parks that are open to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Runners who fundraise with Team for Kids gain access to professional coaching and training plans and earn guaranteed entry to various NYRR races and other Abbott World Marathon Majors.

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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 New York City’s five boroughs features races, virtual 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 with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of 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.