October 25, 2026, Sunday at 9:00 AM, Manhattan - Central Park
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.
Central Park|1.4 M|9:00 AM
Register kids ages 12 to 18 for a timed and competitive 1.42 mile race. Great for kids who are comfortable running a longer distance and racing other kids in a competitive setting. This event is NOT a 9+1 program qualifier.
Central Park|0.6 M|10:15 AM
Register kids ages 8 to 18 who like running but aren't ready for a competitive event. This untimed non-competitive 1K run is great for kids who enjoy games and being active. 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:
Stage 3: 7:00 a.m.– 8:50 a.m.
Stage 2: 9:00 a.m.– 10:50 a.m.
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
Coaches, educators, and other adults interested in registering teams or groups of kids for Stage 3 should complete this form. A member of NYRR staff will follow up within a few business days with next steps. Please note filling out this form does not confirm or guarantee registration.
Stage 3: Participants should report to the corrals 15 minutes before the start of their run.
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 |
7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
||
|
Youth Wheelchair Division |
8:15 a.m. |
1.4 Miles |
|
|
Stage 3 |
Corral AA-D (Ages 12-18) |
9:00 a.m. |
1.4 Miles |
|
Youth Wheelchair Division |
10:00 a.m. |
1/2 Mile |
|
|
Youth Wheelchair Division |
10:05 a.m. |
1/4 Mile |
|
|
Stage 2 |
Corral E-F (Ages 12-18) |
10:15 a.m. |
.62 Miles (1 Kilometer) |
|
Stage 2 |
Corral G (Ages 10-11) |
10:40 a.m. |
.62 Miles (1 Kilometer) |
|
Stage 2 |
Corral H (Ages 8-9) |
11:05 a.m. |
.62 Miles (1 Kilometer) |
Stage 3: Participants will start on West Drive, just south of West 67th Street. They will run south on West Drive, complete the lower loop of Central Park, then turn left onto the 72nd Street Transverse. At East Drive, they will continue to Center Drive, turn left, and head to the finish line.
Stage 2: Participants will start on Center Drive, just south of 65th Street. They will run North on East Drive, then turn left onto the 72nd Street Transverse. At East Drive, they will continue to Center Drive, turn left, and head to the finish line.
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 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 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 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Race-Day Central. A youth number is required to collect the souvenir.
After the conclusion of the event, official results will be posted on results.nyrr.org. Awards will be presented on race day to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Stage 3 and Youth Wheelchair Division finishers in the girl, boy, and nonbinary categories. Awards will only be distributed at the Naumburg Bandshell stage at 9:50 a.m.
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.