FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Team for Kids Surpasses $100 Million Raised
for NYRR's Youth and Community Programs
Free programming has served thousands of kids and community members
since 2002
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.
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.
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