Date: Sun, Oct 26 | Location: Central Park | Distance: Short Dashes, 1.42 Miles | Hashtags: #RisingNYRR, #KidsKickoff
NOTES ON REGISTRATION
We’ve updated our website to increase inclusivity and representation in our races. Parents/guardians can register youth runners as girl, boy, or non-binary. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how to update your profile.
Empower kids to cross any finish line by being part of the world's greatest marathon! Join us at the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, the city’s premier youth running event, as we lace up for a week of marathon fun. 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). Set in iconic Central Park, this event features an exciting course, a lively festival with fitness activities, and plenty of opportunities to inspire kids to lead healthier, more active lives. Spots fill fast—don’t miss your kid’s chance to be part of this unforgettable day! All event information is subject to change.
PRE-RACE
STAGES
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 Untimed shorter distances Fitness activities | Your child is new to physical activity or running, but likes playing games and being active. |
| 2 | 8 to 18 | Non-competitive Untimed medium distances Fitness activities | 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 Timed longer distances Fitness activities | Your child is comfortable running a longer distance and racing other kids in a competitive setting. |
ACCESSIBILITY
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.
RACE NUMBER PICKUP
Race numbers 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 days:
- Sunday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 13, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Friday, October 17, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 19, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 20, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 22, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, October 23, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Friday, October 24, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 25, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Parents and guardians of runners are encouraged to pick up race numbers at the NYRR RUNCENTER to avoid race-day lines. On race day, number pickup will be available at Race-Day Central, located near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Pickup times are as follows:
- Stage 3: 6:30 a.m.–7:50 a.m.
- Stage 2: 6:30 a.m.– 9:00 a.m.
- Stage 1: 6:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m.
If you plan to pick up a participant's race number on race day, please arrive at least 60 minutes before the start of their run.
WHAT TO EXPECT (FIRST-TIME FAMILIES)
New to Rising New York Road Runners or simply need a refresher? We’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide for youth events.
RACE DAY
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
View the table below for a schedule of start times for each stage of the event. For more information on corral assignments, please review our youth race procedures.
- Stage 1: Participants should report to the staging area (starts separated by age group) 10 minutes before the start of their run.
- Stages 2 & 3: Participants should report to the corrals 15 minutes before the start of their run.
| Start Time | Group | Distance |
| Youth Wheelchair | ||
| 7:15 a.m. | All Ages | 1.42 Miles |
| Festival | ||
| 7:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. | All Ages Corrals | N/A |
| Stage 3 | ||
| 8:00 a.m. | Ages 12-18 Corrals AA-D | 1.42 Miles |
| Stage 2 | ||
| 8:35 a.m. | Ages 12-18 Corrals E-F | 1.42 Miles |
| 8:55 a.m. | Ages 10-11 Corral G | 1.42 Miles |
| 9:15 a.m. | Ages 8-9 Corral H | 1.42 Miles |
| Stage 1 | ||
| 10:15 a.m. | Age 2 Corral I | 50 Feet |
| 10:25 a.m. | Age 3 Corral I | 150 Feet |
| 10:35 a.m. | Age 4 Corral I | 200 Feet |
| 10:45 a.m. | Age 5 Corral I | 300 Feet |
| 11:00 a.m. | Age 6 Corral I | 350 Feet |
| 11:15 a.m. | Age 7 Corral I | 450 Feet |
| 11:30 a.m. | Age 8 Corral I | 500 Feet |
| 11:45 a.m. | Ages 9-11 Corral I | 550 Feet |
START LOCATIONS / COURSE MAPS
Check back in for course maps.
- Stage 1: Participants will run short dashes of various distances. See the Schedule of Events section for the estimated distances each age group will run.
- Stages 2 & 3 and Youth Wheelchair: Participants will start on West Drive, just south of W 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.
We strongly recommend checking mta.info before you travel. You can also message the MTA using the chat feature on the MTA app.
SOUVENIRS
Souvenirs will be distributed at the NYRR RUNCENTER during the race number pickup period. Souvenirs will also be distributed on race day from 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Race-Day Central, located near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.
Participants will receive a New Balance T-shirt. Please note that souvenirs are subject to availability.
A youth race number must be presented to collect the event souvenir.
BAGGAGE
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.
Bag check will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Race-Day Central, located near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.
New York Road Runners is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bags or items from bags checked at New York Road Runners’ bag check.
RESULTS AND AWARDS (STAGE 3 ONLY)
After the conclusion of the event, official results will be posted on results.nyrr.org.
Awards will be given to the overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place girl, boy, and nonbinary TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff - Stage 3 finishers. Awards will only be distributed on race day.
RACE-DAY EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER
In case of an emergency during the race (including in the start or finish area), call 866-705-6626.
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
POST-RACE
LEARN MORE ABOUT FREE NYRR PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
NYRR offers a variety of fun, free, and accessible programs that encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving. Learn more here.
MORE RACE INFORMATION
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