New York Road Runners Names the Washington Square Park Conservancy as an Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

New York Road Runners sets $100 million charity fundraising goal for 2026 race

2025 TCS New York City Marathon raised record-breaking $80 million for more than 600 official charity partners

New York, March 4, 2026 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, has named the Washington Square Park Conservancy an Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place Sunday, Nov. 1. One of 60 adult and youth races the nonprofit produces each year, the TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world, with more than 55,000 athletes running the same course on the same day—from the first to the final finisher.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic five‑borough course, first run in 1976. In honor of this milestone year, New York Road Runners is expanding its Official Charity Partner Program to include more than 670 charities—the most ever—among them the Washington Square Park Conservancy, and has set a goal of raising more than $100 million. Since its inception in 2006, the Official Charity Partner Program has raised nearly $700 million for more than 1,000 nonprofits around the world by providing guaranteed entries to the TCS New York City Marathon for athletes who fundraise on their behalf. During the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, more than 14,000 charity runners raised a record $80 million for more than 600 charities, causes, and missions—a 14 percent increase from 2024. The event once again made history, breaking the world record for the largest marathon ever for a second consecutive year with 59,226 finishers.

In its first year as an Official Charity Partner for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, the Washington Square Park Conservancy will support three runners throughout their race journey. In addition to receiving guaranteed entry into the race, athletes will receive special park merch, social media shoutouts, and invitations to programs to connect with fellow runners, Conservancy staff, and volunteers through park events.

“Washington Square Park is an iconic gathering space for runners and athletes from across New York City and beyond,” said Ashley Eyen, Deputy Director. “We are excited to build a team of runners for the TCS New York City Marathon who are passionate about supporting our work of ensuring the park is vibrant and thriving.”

“New York Road Runners is honored to welcome the Washington Square Park Conservancy team to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they raise vital funds for enhancing and preserving Washington Square Park.” said Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer, New York Road Runners. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the five‑borough course, this year’s TCS New York City Marathon and our expanded Official Charity Partner Program underscore the extraordinary impact running can have in bringing people together and driving meaningful change.”

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, the best day of the year, in the best city in the world, will take athletes on a 26.2-mile journey across all five boroughs. The largest marathon in the world, the event attracts more than 55,000 athletes and two million spectators.

One week before adult runners traverse the New York City streets, 2,500 youth ages 2 to 18 will kick off race week at the marathon’s official youth race, the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, Sunday, October 25. The TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff is one of more than 20 free youth events the nonprofit hosts throughout the year.

About the Washington Square Park Conservancy

The Washington Square Park Conservancy enhances and preserves a vibrant community green space in the heart of New York City for all who are drawn to its iconic grounds. We envision a thriving, well-cared for park that reflects its enduring history while serving as a modern cultural crossroads and gathering space for a diverse community.

About the New York City Marathon

Initially run in 1970 as four laps of Central Park with 55 finishers, the New York City Marathon left the park and was run through the five boroughs for the first time in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial and uplift the city. The landmark move set the standard for the modern marathon event. This year, New York Road Runners is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the five-borough New York City Marathon course, coinciding with the nonprofit’s recent rebrand and launch of its new “Believe in Every Step” brand platform. Produced by the world's premier running organization, today the TCS New York City Marathon is consistently the largest marathon in the world, bringing together 55,000+ participants and more than two million spectators for the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million New Yorkers annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 55,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

Media Contact

Washington Square Park Conservancy Communications

Alison Ettinger-DeLong, 917-519-5404, alison@washingtonsqpark.org

NYRR Public Relations

Carole Harsch, 929-746-6984, charsch@nyrr.org