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 5, 2026 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, has named Variety – the Children’s Charity International 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 Variety – the Children’s Charity International, 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.
As an Official Bronze Charity Partner for 2026, Variety has been awarded three guaranteed race entries, providing a unique opportunity to raise vital funds to support children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disabilities feel seen and supported, no matter what they are facing.
Funds raised will directly support programs that provide critical medical care, mobility equipment, educational assistance, and inclusive opportunities, ensuring children around the world have the resources they need to thrive.
Caylen Santos, Variety – the Children’s Charity International CEO, said: “This partnership represents such an important opportunity to shine a light on the incredible children and families we have the privilege of walking alongside every day. The global stage of the TCS New York City Marathon allows us to amplify Variety’s mission – that all children deserve the opportunity to live life without limits, and that starts with inclusivity in every space. Every step our runners take will help provide access for children around the world who need it most.”
“New York Road Runners is honored to welcome Variety – the Children’s Charity International, team to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they raise vital funds for children around the world”, 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
For interviews or more information, please contact [email protected]
NYRR Public Relations
Carole Harsch, 929-746-6984, [email protected]
