Tens of millions of dollars are flowing into local nonprofits across the five boroughs just days before nearly 60,000 runners take to the pavement, marking a financial milestone for the city’s premier footrace.
Crossing the Nine-Figure Threshold
New York Road Runners announced that the organization has officially surpassed its $100 million charity fundraising goal ahead of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. The milestone arrives as the nonprofit prepares for race day on Sunday, November 1, 2026, according to details released by nyrr.org.
The achievement marks a leap from the previous year. During the 2025 race, more than 14,000 charity runners raised $80 million for more than 600 nonprofit organizations. By expanding the Official Charity Partner Program to more than 670 participating groups for 2026—with approximately 60 percent based in New York City, up from 52 percent the year prior—organizers widened the economic footprint of the race for local civic and social services.
“Surpassing our $100 million fundraising goal is a remarkable testament to the generosity and dedication of our runners, charity partners, and supporters,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “Creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond race day, strengthens communities, and brings people together is what it’s all about.”
— Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO
Fifty Years of the Five-Borough Route
The fundraising total coincides with a major historical marker for the event. The 2026 race celebrates the 50th anniversary of the five-borough New York City Marathon course.
When the event debuted in 1970, it consisted simply of four laps around Central Park, drawing just 55 finishers. That changed on October 24, 1976, when organizers moved the course out of the park and through all five boroughs to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial. That single routing decision set the standard for the modern marathon event.
Alongside the main course anniversary, the Official Charity Partner Program is marking its 20th year. Over two decades, the initiative has transformed the race into one of the largest marathons in the world.
Targeted Support for Youth and Climate Initiatives
Beyond the broader nonprofit network, the marathon powers specialized internal programs run by the organization. NYRR Team for Kids, established in 2002, has generated more than $138 million historically, including nearly $11.4 million during the 2025 season alone. Those revenues fund free youth and community programming and school-based programs operating across the city’s five boroughs throughout the year.
Meanwhile, NYRR Team for Climate returns for its third year. Launched in 2024 as the first marathon entry method tied to sustainability efforts at a major marathon, the program has raised more than $1.9 million—including nearly $650,000 in 2025—to fund sustainability initiatives, including carbon insetting and offsetting projects.
| Year | Total Charity Raised | Official Charity Partners |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80 Million | 600+ |
| 2026 | $100+ Million (Goal Exceeded) | 670+ |
As more than 2 million spectators prepare to line the five-borough course this coming Sunday, New York Road Runners has exceeded its $100 million charity fundraising goal for the marathon.
