October 24, 2026, Saturday at 9:00 AM, New York - Pier 6
Empower kids to cross any finish line by being part of the world's greatest marathon!
Empower kids to cross any finish line by being part of the world's greatest marathon!
Lace up and get excited for marathon week at the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, the city’s premier youth running event. To celebrate the anniversary of the first 5-boro marathon course, we’re hosting races in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan! Each event will feature an exciting course, a lively festival with fitness activities, and plenty of opportunities to inspire kids to lead healthier, more active lives.
Registration is free and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a medal and a New Balance T-shirt (available while supplies last). Events in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island will host Stages 1 and 2. The Manhattan event will host Stages 2 and 3, with Stage 3 featuring a competitive, timed race.
Spots fill fast—don’t miss your kid’s chance to be part of this unforgettable day!
All event information is subject to change.
Pier 6|0.5 M|9:00 AM
Register for participants age 8-18 for an untimed non-competitive .5 mile run. This event is NOT a 9+1 program qualifier.
Pier 6|9:45 AM
Register for participants ages 2-11 that are new to running and physical activity, for non-competitive short dashes. This event is NOT a 9+1 program qualifier.
No registration options match these filters.
The chart below is a guide to the stages available. Use the chart to determine the appropriate stage for your child. If you need help determining your child's stage, contact our Runner Services team.
|
Stage |
Ages |
Event Type |
Register If |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
2 to 11 |
Non-competitive |
Your child is new to physical activity or running, but likes playing games and being active. |
|
2 |
8 to 18 |
Non-competitive |
Your child likes running, but isn’t ready for a competitive event. Your child likes playing games and being active. |
|
3 |
12 to 18 |
Competitive |
Your child is comfortable running a longer distance and racing other kids in a competitive setting. |
Rising New York Road Runners strives to host inclusive, sustainable, and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage. We welcome all young participants with disabilities, including but not limited to, participants that use wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and other mobility devices. To request reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility for attending this event, please email Arianna Moliere at amoliere@nyrr.org.
We’ve updated our website to increase inclusivity and representation in our races. Parents/guardians can register youth runners as girl, boy, or nonbinary. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how to update your profile.
Numbers (which include your timing tag) may be picked up at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub at 320 West 57th Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues) in advance of the event on the following dates:
Parents/guardians of runners are encouraged to pick up numbers at the NYRR RUNCENTER to avoid event-day lines.
On event day, number pickup will be available at Race-Day Central. Pickup times are:
If you plan to pick up a runner's number on the day of the event, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of their run
Stage 1: Participants should report to the staging area (starts separated by age group) 10 minutes before the start of their run. Please note that Stage 1 dashes will start on a rolling schedule; refer to the estimated start times listed below.
Stage 2: Participants should report to the corrals 15 minutes before the start of their run.
View the table below for a schedule of start times for each stage of the Rising New York Road Runners event. For more information on corral assignments, please review our youth race procedures.
|
Age |
Time |
Distance |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Festival/Activities |
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
||
|
Stage 2 |
Corral (Ages 12-18) |
9:00 a.m. |
1/2 Mile |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 2) |
9:45 a.m. |
75 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 3) |
9:52 a.m. |
150 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 4) |
9:59 a.m. |
250 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 5) |
10:06 a.m. |
350 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 6) |
10:13 a.m. |
450 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 7) |
10:20 a.m. |
550 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Age 8) |
10:27 a.m. |
650 Feet |
|
Stage 1 |
Dashes (Ages 9-11) |
10:34 a.m. |
750 Feet |
*Dashes are on a rolling schedule and can run ahead or behind the times listed above. These times should be used as guidance.
We strongly recommend checking mta.info before you travel. You can also message the MTA using the chat feature on the MTA app.
Bag check will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Race-Day Central.
While we will continue to have clear plastic bags available at registration, we encourage you to use your own clear reusable plastic bag, no larger than 17" wide x 20" high x 7" deep. Only clear bags may be checked at bag check; we are unable to check opaque bags of any size.
NYRR is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bags or items from bags checked at NYRR bag check.
Participants will receive a New Balance T-shirt. Finishers will receive a medal. Souvenirs are subject to availability and will only be distributed on event day from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Race-Day Central. A youth number is required to collect the souvenir.
In case of an emergency during the race (including in the start or finish area), call 866-705-6626.
If NYRR cancels an offering on the direction of local, city, or state authorities, parents/guardians will be informed as soon as possible. Events will not be rescheduled.