NYRR Team for Climate
New York Road Runners (NYRR) is a New York City-based nonprofit with the aim of building healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running, which includes doing our part to ensure future generations have access to clean air, green spaces, and a healthy world in which to run.
At NYRR, we aim to embed sustainability into everything we do, from hosting events to maintaining our facilities and giving back to the community. NYRR is committed to minimizing our impact across all sustainability areas throughout the organization. Throughout the year, we work with our vendors and city agency partners to be eco-friendly and divert waste, aiming to leave New York City’s streets and parks cleaner than we found them.
New York Road Runners has carried out our sustainability initiatives for nearly a decade, and in 2021 set a goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040. Our goals and targets are centered around supporting the diverse communities we serve, focusing on emissions, circularity, water, and transparency.
In 2024, NYRR made history as the first major marathon to introduce a guaranteed race entry method that supports sustainability initiatives, by offering runners the opportunity to join NYRR’s Team for Climate and fundraise to offset or reduce carbon emissions to help contribute to NYRR’s sustainability journey. Read more about this inaugural program in the highlights section below!
About the Program in 2025
NYRR has partnered with Anew Climate, a global climate solutions leader, and committed to use a portion of the funds raised by NYRR Team for Climate to purchase verified carbon credits for improved forest management projects, a practice known as carbon offsetting. NYRR has also committed to using a portion of the funds raised by NYRR Team for Climate for projects within NYRR that reduce the total emissions generated within NYRR’s events and operations, a practice known as carbon insetting. Our aim is to balance the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted, while taking steps to stop emissions from increasing, to deliver a more environmentally friendly racing experience for all our runners.
How to Join in 2025
Fundraising with NYRR Team for Climate will be available at the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half, the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half, and then 2025 TCS New York City Marathon.
| Race | Registration Date | Fundraising Minimum | Sign Up Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines NYC Half Registration will take place on a first come, first served basis |
SOLD OUT | $1,500 | $50 |
| RBC Brooklyn Half Registration will take place on a first come, first served basis |
SOLD OUT | $850 | $28 |
| TCS New York City Marathon Registration will take place on a first come, first served basis |
Wednesday, April 30 12:00 p.m. ET |
$3,000 | $150 |
All fundraising will occur through the NYRR Team for Climate fundraising page.
Sign-up fees go toward covering administrative costs, such as the various perks associated with the program.
Highlights from the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon
We are happy to announce that the inaugural NYRR Team for Climate was a success, as it officially surpassed its $600,000 fundraising goal, raising nearly $800,000. In a historic first for the TCS New York City Marathon, the funds raised offset the entire carbon footprint of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon (based on measurement of the 2023 race). 228 NYRR Team for Climate finishers joined what became the world’s largest marathon ever with 55,642 athletes on Sunday, November 3.
For this inaugural event, New York Road Runners partnered with Anew, a global climate solutions leader, to use funds raised to purchase carbon credits for two improved forest management projects.
- The Hartwood Forestry Project, across 6,000-plus acres of forestland in southern New York State, will achieve greenhouse gas reductions through the natural growth of forestland that would otherwise be cut, resulting in both carbon removal and carbon avoidance credits. The project will improve wildlife habitats, protect water quality of streams, and enhance forest recreation and education.
- The Eagle Mountain Forestry Project, across 6,000-plus acres of forestland spanning New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine will also achieve greenhouse gas reductions through the natural growth of forestland that would otherwise be cut, resulting in both carbon removal and carbon avoidance credits. The project manages the forestland – used as wilderness preserve sanctuaries – for natural growth with no current/future commercial harvesting or urbanization. The sanctuaries are used for low-impact recreation, such as sightseeing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. NYRR will encourage local members to visit the preserves to enjoy trail walks and runs.
Special guests for the program included Tina Muir, former elite marathoner, bestselling author, and climate activist, and Ginger Zee, chief climate correspondent at ABC News. NYRR Team for Climate fundraisers also received many perks including:
- Complimentary access to a virtual training plan with NYRR x Runna, an Official Training Platform of NYRR
- Meet & Greet with fellow NYRR Team for Climate runners at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance
- Early access to the TCS New York City Marathon Plogging Event from the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub
- Official NYRR Team for Climate bib pickup desk at the Expo
- NYRR Team for Climate and sustainability themed race-day items
- Reserved spot on the Staten Island Ferry sustainable transportation option
- Sustainability-focused NYRR Team for Climate tent in the Start Village
- Special, separate NYRR Team for Climate corral in Wave 2
Read about it here.
FAQs
Do I have to be a member of New York Road Runners to join NYRR Team for Climate?
No, NYRR membership is not required.
Can I fundraise for NYRR Team for Climate if I already have been accepted into one of the three NYRR Marquee races where this program exists (the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half, the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half, and the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon)?
No, NYRR Team for Climate is not open to athletes who have already been accepted to the races through another entry method. If you would like to get involved, you may donate to NYRR Team for Climate or to a specific NYRR Team for Climate runner through our fundraising platform.
Who benefits from NYRR Team for Climate fundraising?
NYRR has committed to use a portion of the funds raised by NYRR Team for Climate to purchase verified carbon credits for improved forest management projects, a practice known as carbon offsetting. NYRR has also committed to using a portion of the funds raised by NYRR Team for Climate towards projects within NYRR that reduce the total emissions generated at each race, a practice known as carbon insetting. Our aim is to balance the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted, while taking steps to stop emissions from increasing, to deliver a more environmentally friendly racing experience for all our runners.