New York Road Runners Names Friends of Firefighters as
Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

New York, April 20, 2026 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, has named Friends of Firefighters 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 Friends of Firefighters - 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. 

 Friends of Firefighters is excited and grateful to have ten incredible runners representing our organization in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Coming from different states and with a variety of personal and professional connections to the fire service, first responder community, and military, each runner brings their own story and connection to our mission. By choosing to run for Friends of Firefighters, they are helping raise awareness and support for our work providing free, confidential mental health and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families. We are incredibly grateful to have this talented group representing Friends of Firefighters and carrying our mission through the streets of New York City. 

“We are so grateful to have these ten runners representing Friends of Firefighters in the TCS New York City Marathon,” said Julie Smith, Community & Donor Engagement Manager at Friends of Firefighters. “They each have their own connection to the fire service, first responder community, or military, and they understand the importance of showing up for the people who spend their lives showing up for others. Every mile they run helps bring attention to the work we do and the importance of making sure FDNY firefighters and their families have a safe, confidential place to turn when they need support. We couldn't be more proud to have them on our team.” 

“New York Road Runners is honored to welcome Friends of Firefighters team to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they raise vital funds for mental health and wellness services for the FDNY and their families,” 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.  

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About Friends of Firefighters

Friends of Firefighters was founded in 2001 in response to the mental health needs that emerged in the aftermath of September 11th.  Since then, Friends of Firefighters has become a trusted source of culturally competent, confidential mental health support for firefighters and their families. Today, we provide counseling, peer support, and wellness services through a model built on trust, independence, and deep understanding of the fire service culture. 

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:

Friends of Firefighters

Julie Smith | julie.smith@friendsoffirefighters.org | 718-643-0980

NYRR Public Relations

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