NYRR Team for Climate 2026 TCS New York City Marathon
About the Projects
In a continued partnership with Anew Climate, a global climate solutions leader, 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 for projects within NYRR that reduce the total emissions generated within NYRR’s events and operations, a practice known as carbon insetting.
For the carbon offsetting piece of this program, NYRR has decided to engage in four forest management projects, one of which is NEW this year. Read all about them by clicking on the project names below.
White Mountain Forestry Project
The White Mountains Forestry Project spans over 11,000 acres of Northern Appalachian hardwood and conifer forest in Carroll County, New Hampshire. Owned and managed by Chocorua Forestlands, the property supports a mix of uses including timber production, maple syrup harvesting, and local recreation, while contributing to the regional economy.
Historically, periods of high demand or financial pressure could lead to more intensive harvesting. Through carbon finance, the landowner can take a different approach, prioritizing long-term forest health, natural growth, and improved stand structure while maintaining a productive working landscape.
Beyond carbon, the project supports habitat for species such as the Canada Warbler, protects watershed health across the Ossipee Mountains, and contributes to the local economy through forestry and other land-based activities.
100-Mile Wilderness Project
The 100-Mile Wilderness Project encompasses over 13,000 acres of northern hardwood and spruce-fir forests in Piscataquis County, Maine. Now owned and managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the land is part of AMC’s broader Maine Woods Initiative, which has conserved more than 114,000 contiguous acres within the region.
Featuring rugged terrain, forested wetlands, and more than 130 miles of multi-use trails, the property offers recreational access for hiking, biking, skiing, and more, all open for public access. It also provides critical habitat for species such as the Canada lynx, moose, American marten, and the critically endangered Atlantic salmon.
By leveraging carbon finance, AMC can implement forest management strategies that go beyond standard conservation approaches, helping to secure the long-term climate and ecological value of this landscape while avoiding future pressures of commercial logging.
Hartwood Forestry Project
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 the water quality of streams, and enhance forest recreation and education.
Eagle Mountain Forestry Project
The Eagle Mountain Forestry Project, which is comprised of 6,000-plus acres of forestland spanning New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine 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 manages the forestland—used as wilderness preserve sanctuaries—for natural growth with no current/future commercial harvesting or urbanization. The sanctuaries are used for lowimpact recreation, such as sightseeing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. New York Road Runners will encourage local NYRR members to visit the preserves to enjoy trail walks and runs.
Sustainability Commitment
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, all NYRR Team for Climate runners will opt out of race-day baggage. All finishers still receive a reusable post-race poncho.
Additionally, in an effort to reduce textile waste, runners will be highly encouraged to bring at least one gently used pair of shoes to donate at the Expo when they pick up their race day materials.
Upon registration, runners will also have an option to opt out of receiving the NYRR Team for Climate singlet and/or the official race shirt.
Fundraising Commitment
As an NYRR Team for Climate runner, you will commit to raising a minimum of $4,000 by Wednesday, October 14, 2026. All fundraising will occur through the NYRR Team for Climate fundraising page.
NYRR has committed to using 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 at each race, a practice known as carbon insetting.
How to Join
NYRR is proud to lead the way in sport sustainability by offering runners the opportunity to fundraise for climate action and receive guaranteed entry to marquee races.
We are at a point of urgency in fighting climate change and are looking for a group of passionate individuals, ready to make unprecedented and unified change to advance sustainability in running and communities throughout New York City and across the world.
Application:
On April 23 at 12 p.m. ET, the application to join this program will be posted on this page. Submissions are capped at a limited number of applications. When we receive the maximum number of applications, the form will close. All applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. ET on May 7, 2026.
The application is free of charge. Please note that filling out the form does NOT guarantee an opportunity to fundraise and run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with NYRR Team for Climate. Please read the fees below before applying to join the program.
At this time, the application form has reached capacity. All applications are being reviewed and evaluated at NYRR’s sole discretion.
Selection:
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated at NYRR’s sole discretion. Selected individuals will be contacted directly via email from NYRR (nyrrteamforclimate@nyrr.org) with an opportunity to claim their guaranteed entry by Global Running Day, June 4, 2026.
If your application is accepted, and when you register for the event, NYRR Team for Climate will charge a nonrefundable sign-up fee of $150 to your card on file to cover administrative costs.
Please note that filling out the form does NOT guarantee an opportunity to fundraise and run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with NYRR Team for Climate. Please read the fees below before committing to join the program.
Fees
NYRR Team for Climate Non-Refundable Sign-up Fee:
- If your application is selected, and when you register for the event, NYRR Team for Climate will charge a nonrefundable sign-up fee of $150 to your card on file to cover administrative costs.
NYRR Race Registration Fee:
- After your 7-day cancellation window from the day that you signed up, NYRR Teamfor Climate will approve your registration and NYRR will charge the race registration fee to your card on file. This fee is $255 for members, $315 for non-members.
*Please note that completion of the $4,000 fundraising goal, the $150 non-refundable signup fee, and the race registration fee ($255 for members | $315 for non-members) are all required to take part in NYRR Team for Climate at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
NYRR Team for Climate Perks
In addition to receiving an entry to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, runners will have access to the following perks:
- Guaranteed entry to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with assigned transportation to the Start Village
- Meet & Greet opportunities with NYRR Team for Climate runners and former elite marathoner and sustainability advocate Tina Muir
- NYRR Team for Climate and sustainability themed race-day merchandise
- Complimentary access to our virtual training plan with NYRR x Runna, the Official Training Platform of NYRR (only available to claim from June 11, 2026 through July 8, 2026)
- NYRR Team for Climate exclusive bib pickup desk
- Sustainability-focused hospitality area
- Exclusive corral start
Disclaimer:
New York Road Runners acknowledges offsetting alone will not tackle climate change and can only be credible while also avoiding, reducing, and substituting emissions. NYRR follows the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Code of Practice by purchasing carbon offsets only while:
- Measuring our greenhouse gas emissions inventory
- Working toward our Net Zero by 2040 goal
- Fulfilling our reduction efforts: Transitioning to electric vehicles and generators at our events, and Energy Star appliances at our facilities
For questions about the NYRR Team for Climate initiative not answered below, please email nyrrteamforclimate@nyrr.org.
FAQs
Can donors request matching gifts from companies/employers that offer those services?
Yes, you can request a matching donation from a company and/or employer that offers these services. When doing so, it is essential to note the timeline for such requests. From the time the initial matching gift request is submitted with the donor's company, please note that depending on the company, it can take 1 to 4 months for a matching gift to arrive, be processed, and get posted to your fundraising page. We can only apply the matching gifts after they have been physically or electronically sent to us and then processed by our team.
The NYRR Tax ID number is: 13-2949483. When you submit a matching gift request, please make sure to include the fundraiser first & last name, the event name (TCS New York City Marathon), and this program (NYRR Team for Climate).
Do I have to be a member of New York Road Runners to join NYRR Team for Climate?
No, NYRR membership is not required.
What is the fundraising minimum for NYRR Team for Climate?
As an NYRR Team for Climate runner, you commit to raising a minimum of $4,000 by Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
In addition to the fundraising minimum, what are the fees for this program?
NYRR Team for Climate Non-Refundable Sign-up Fee:
- When you submit your application, NYRR Team for Climate will charge a nonrefundable sign-up fee of $150 to your card on file to cover administrative costs.
NYRR Race Registration Fee:
- Once approved, after your 7-day cancellation window from the day that you signed up, NYRR will charge the race registration fee to your card on file. This fee is $255 for members, $315 for non-members.
*Please note that completion of the $4,000 fundraising goal, the $150 non-refundable signup fee, and the race registration fee ($255 for members | $315 for non-members) are all required to take part in NYRR Team for Climate at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
If I don’t want to fundraise to meet my fundraising minimum, can I make a one-time donation?
Yes, you may pay the entirety of the fundraising commitment as a contribution to yourself via your personal fundraising account.
Do I have time to fundraise the $4,000 fundraising minimum?
Yes, you may begin fundraising toward your $4,000 fundraising minimum once you receive the NYRR Team for Climate approval email. You must meet the fundraising minimum by Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Do the funds I raise by being part of NYRR Team for Climate cover race entry fees into the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon?
No, all NYRR Team for Climate athletes are responsible for paying applicable race entry fees.
Does NYRR Team for Climate provide travel to NYC and lodging upon arrival?
No, all NYRR Team for Climate athletes are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
Can I fundraise for NYRR Team for Climate if I already have been accepted into the TCS New York City Marathon through another entry method?
No, NYRR Team for Climate is not open to athletes who have already been accepted to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon 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.
What are my transportation options to the start of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon?
All NYRR Team for Climate runners will be assigned to the Staten Island Ferry transportation option. However, you are free to change your transportation in your dashboard to another available option during the baggage and transportation selection window or you can make your own way to the start.
Will NYRR Team for Climate provide a virtual training platform?
Yes. You will be granted complimentary access to NYRR x Runna, an official training platform of NYRR.
Where will I pick up my race bib and NYRR Team for Climate Kit?
You will be able to pick up your bib and your sustainable kit at the NYRR Team for Climate desk at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance.
What happens if I get injured and cannot run the TCS New York City Marathon? Is there a cancellation policy?
In the unfortunate circumstance that you are injured, or otherwise unable to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon, you can cancel your race entry and defer to the following year. You will still be responsible for fulfilling the required fees and fundraising by the original deadline. Race fees and fundraising cannot be deferred to the following year; they must be completed in the year the commitment was made. For more information, please contact nyrrteamforclimate@nyrr.org.
What happens if I am not able to fulfill the $4,000 fundraising minimum amount by October 14, 2026?
If there is any outstanding fundraising amount by Wednesday, October 14, the credit card on file will be charged the balance due on Thurday, October 15, 2026. If there is a problem charging the card or retrieving the balance in another form, you will not be permitted to participate in the event.
What is the deadline to register to become an NYRR Team for Climate runner?
NYRR Team for Climate entries are limited in capacity and available on a first come, first served basis to those who commit to fundraising the $4,000 minimum and agree to be charged the $150 non-refundable sign-up fee. Please note that you will have more opportunities to participate in NYRR’s journey toward Net Zero by 2040.
Who benefits from NYRR Team for Climate fundraising?
In a continued partnership with Anew climate, a global climate solutions leader, 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 for projects within NYRR that reduce the total emissions generated within NYRR’s events and operations, a practice known as carbon insetting.