New York Road Runners (NYRR), the New York City-based non-profit organisation, has confirmed the expansion of its free NYRR Start Line Series community running initiative. The expansion is part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s Summer Streets programme.
Building off a successful inaugural year of the programme in the 2025 season, which drew more than 1,100 participants across two events in Queens and Brooklyn, the non-profit will host three free events in two new boroughs. The initiative continues the decades-long partnership between New York Road Runners and the Department of Transportation.
Geared towards beginner athletes, the NYRR Start Line Series will return to Queens with a 3-mile course in Long Island City on Saturday, July 25, 2026. For the first time, the Department of Transportation and New York Road Runners will also host events in Manhattan on Park Avenue on August 1, 2026, and The Bronx along Grand Concourse on August 22, 2026.
Rob Simmelkjaer, Chief Executive Officer at New York Road Runners, said “We’re thrilled to bring back the Start Line Series this year as part of New York Road Runners’ ongoing efforts to increase access to running, walking, and fitness for New Yorkers.
“Expanding the initiative into Manhattan and The Bronx this year is particularly exciting as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro New York City Marathon this autumn, something that wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration of city agencies like the DOT.”
Mike Flynn, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner, said “New York Road Runners show us the true power of people-first programming on our streets with road races that unite New Yorkers and enrich communities.
“We’re proud to partner with them for Summer Streets. By bringing free, beginner-friendly races to our car-free corridors, NYRR is creating new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get moving, explore their neighborhoods, and experience the boroughs in a new way. We thank NYRR for lacing up and joining us for Summer Streets 2026.”
As New York Road Runners celebrates the 50th anniversary of the five-borough New York City Marathon, the NYRR Start Line Series at Summer Streets is a continuation of the non-profit’s year-round impact focus across all five boroughs. Its free community programmes for youth and adults include:
- NYRR Open Run: Free, weekly community-led runs hosted in 16 neighbourhood parks in greater New York City, serving nearly 17,000 participants of all ages and fitness levels.
- Rising New York Road Runners: Free running-based youth programme that helps more than 100,000 New York City kids build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life.
- NYRR Striders: Free walking and fitness programme with sessions across 20 parks, community centres, and older adult centres, encouraging more than 1,100 older adults across all five boroughs to lead a more active life.
- NYRR Race Free: Provides race fee assistance and training to those who financially qualify to make running more accessible for 1,000 participants, offering more than 3,000 complimentary race entries. The programme is expanding in 2026 and 2027 to increase the number of entries.
- NYRR Group Training: Training programmes provided to more than 10,000 runners of all levels, in-person across seven locations in five New York City parks, and online internationally.
Throughout the year, New York Road Runners serves more than half a million people through races, community events, and free programming as part of its mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities.
Beginning in 2008, the Department of Transportation has hosted Summer Streets. Since 2023, the initiative has reached all five boroughs. This year, more than 20 miles of corridors will be open to pedestrians and cyclists from 07:00 to 15:00 in Manhattan, with adjusted hours in the outer boroughs based on local feedback.
Summer Streets will run from 09:00 to 17:00 in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island to help more New Yorkers enjoy car-free streets and programming.
