New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organiser of the TCS New York City Marathon among other events, has confirmed the extension of its long-standing partnership with New Balance.
The partnership began in 2015. As part of the multi-year renewal, New Balance will continue to serve as the Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Sponsor of NYRR and the TCS New York City Marathon.
Rob Simmelkjaer, Chief Executive Officer of New York Road Runners, said “New York Road Runners impacts nearly half a million people each year and that’s possible because of the support of strong, mission-aligned partners like New Balance.
“We are excited to embark on a new chapter with New Balance to help reach more runners and invest in the New York City community.”
Joe Preston, President & Chief Executive Officer of New Balance, said “Our partnership with New York Road Runners has grown into a powerful force for change – not just in how we support runners, but in how we inspire communities. Together, we are reaching runners of all ages especially kids.”
A key element of the extended relationship is a joint project to refurbish a number of local tracks, which will begin in 2026. The initiative aims to increase access to running for students across the five boroughs of New York City.
NYRR notes that the partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to community and the power of running, particularly for the next generation of athletes, including participants of Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running programme. The programme serves 200,000 kids nationwide across the USA, with 100,000 of those participants being NYC-based.
To celebrate the announcement, a special Rising New York Road Runners shoe distribution event was held. Here, more than 400 elementary, middle, and high school-aged NYC Public School students from the five boroughs received free pairs of New Balance shoes.
Since the start of the partnership, Rising New York Road Runners and New Balance have distributed nearly 50,000 free pairs of shoes to students at more than 1,000 underserved schools and community centers.
Four-time Olympic gold medallist and New Balance athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who recently won the 400m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, led the students in a series of fitness activities after the shoe distribution.
Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer at New York Road Runners, said “New Balance has been an extraordinary partner in uplifting our mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
“We’re deeply grateful for a decade of collaboration and look forward to building on that foundation as we continue creating meaningful impact for generations of athletes to come.”
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