New Balance Extends Partnership with New York Road Runners to Empower Future Runners

This multi-year renewal cements New Balance as the Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Sponsor of New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the TCS New York City Marathon.

The partnership’s next phase includes high-impact community initiatives, such as a revitalization project to refurbish local running tracks starting in 2026. This effort aims to expand access to safe and modern running spaces for youth and aspiring athletes throughout all five boroughs, fostering a pipeline for the next generation of runners.

Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of NYRR, shared, “New York Road Runners impacts nearly half a million people each year and that’s possible because of the support of strong, mission-aligned partners like New Balance. We are excited to embark on a new chapter with New Balance to help reach more runners and invest in the New York City community.”

Joe Preston, President & CEO of New Balance, echoed this community focus: “Our partnership with New York Road Runners has grown into a powerful force for change not just in how we support runners, but in how we inspire communities. Together, we are reaching runners of all ages especially kids.”

The relationship, which began in 2015, is built upon a shared belief in the potential of running to transform lives. The Rising New York Road Runners program, a free youth running initiative, now serves 200,000 kids nationwide half of them in New York City alone.

As part of the partnership’s ten-year legacy, nearly 50,000 pairs of New Balance shoes have been distributed to children at more than 1,000 under-resourced schools and community centers, nurturing a new generation of young athletes and making the sport more accessible for all.

Christine Burke, NYRR Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “New Balance has been an extraordinary partner in uplifting our mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. We’re deeply grateful for a decade of collaboration and look forward to building on that foundation as we continue creating meaningful impact for generations of athletes to come.”

To celebrate the renewed partnership, NYRR and New Balance held a special event distributing shoes to over 400 NYC public school students, joined by four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

After receiving their new shoes, students participated in fitness activities led by McLaughlin-Levrone, highlighting the organizations’ investment in both elite and grassroots running.

This week also saw more than 2,500 youth take part in the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, reinforcing NYRR and New Balance’s shared commitment to supporting youth, diversity, and excellence in athletics throughout New York City and beyond.

The future of the NYRR and New Balance partnership will see ongoing investment in infrastructure, access, and youth engagement, ensuring running remains a source of health, inspiration, and community impact in New York and for runners everywhere.