New York Road Runners Names Life Science Cares New York as 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, August 25, 2026 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, has named Life Science Cares New York 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 mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course, first run in 1976. To celebrate the milestone, New York Road Runners is expanding its Official Charity Partner Program to include a record more than 670 charities, including Life Science Cares New York, with a goal of raising more than $100 million. Since launching in 2006, the program has raised nearly $700 million for more than 1,000 nonprofits worldwide by offering guaranteed marathon entries to runners who fundraise on their behalf. In 2025, 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 also made history for the second consecutive year, setting a new world record as the largest marathon ever with 59,226 finishers.
This year marks the first time Life Science Cares New York will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon and we couldn’t be more excited! Three runners will represent our organization and raise crucial funds for our work.
Please support our runners by visiting our TCS New York City Marathon fundraising website at https://give.lifesciencecares.org/tcsnycmarathon
“New York Road Runners is honored to welcome the Life Science Cares New York team to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they raise vital funds to address poverty through access to basic needs, education, and economic opportunity,” 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 Life Science Cares New York
As the New York subsidiary of a national nonprofit operating across five cities, our local team engages with life sciences professionals and companies to activate the financial and human capital of the industry so that local nonprofit partners receive the support they need to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in our communities. Our programming, including Life Science Cares Day and Project Onramp, provides access and pathways to economic mobility and stability for students, their families and their communities. From early interventions and education to hands-on career training and internship opportunities, our continuity of support lowers key barriers and opens doors to a brighter future.
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:
Life Science Cares New York
Liz Seth, 646-526-4755, [email protected]
NYRR Public Relations
Carole Harsch, 929-746-6984, [email protected]