New York, July 7, 2025 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, today announced a new free community running initiative as part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s Summer Streets. For the first time, the nonprofit will activate at NYC DOT’s Summer Streets with the NYRR Start Line Series, two free run/walks in Queens and Brooklyn in July and August, geared toward beginner athletes taking their first step in their running journeys. The activation will increase access to running, walking, and fitness for New Yorkers and marks an extension of the decades-long collaboration between New York Road Runners and the NYC Department of Transportation.

“We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation to make running more accessible to communities across the five boroughs,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, New York Road Runners. “As running continues to grow in popularity, our new Start Line Series is designed to welcome new runners and walkers and introduce them to the transformative power of running.”

“New York Road Runners has long championed the power of running to bring people together, and we’re proud to partner with them for Summer Streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “By bringing free, beginner-friendly races to our car-free corridors, NYRR is creating new opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to get moving, explore their neighborhoods, and connect with their communities. We thank NYRR for their partnership and for helping make this the most active and inclusive Summer Streets season yet.”

Registration for the first NYRR Start Line Series at Summer Streets opens today, with the series kicking off Saturday, July 26 in Long Island City, Queens. Community members will complete an out-and-back 2.5-mile course.

The second and final run/walk will be held in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Saturday, August 23. Both events will also include fun activities and games for kids of all ages.

Prior to the NYRR Start Line Series, New York Road Runners will host an educational session led by the New York Road Runners coaching staff, featuring tips, tricks, and advice for athletes preparing for their first run/walk.

The NYRR Start Line Series at Summer Streets is an extension of the nonprofit’s strong year-round presence in Queens and Brooklyn, including three annual races that run in Queens and six annual races that run in Brooklyn, and a variety of community programs:

• NYRR Open Run: Free, weekly community-led runs hosted in ten neighborhood parks across Queens and Brooklyn that are regularly attended by more than 1,000 borough residents of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. 
• Rising New York Road Runners: Free running-based youth program that helps more than 70,000 Queens and Brooklyn kids build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life.
• NYRR Striders: Free walking and fitness program with sessions hosted at two Queens and four Brooklyn sites, including older adult and community centers, to help more than 100 Queens-based and 80 Brooklyn-based older adults lead a more active life and meet new people in their community.
• NYRR Race Free: Provides race fee assistance and training to those who financially qualify to make running more accessible for 1,000 participants, including more than 190 Queens and 200 Brooklyn residents, with complimentary race entries to events like the RBC Brooklyn Half, Citizens Queens 10K, and the TCS New York City Marathon.
• NYRR Group Training: Workout sessions in Astoria Park and Prospect Park that meet two times and four times a week, respectively, to support more than 120 Queens and 250 Brooklyn runners of all levels with coaching, camaraderie, and the inspiration that comes from running with others. 

Throughout the year, New York Road Runners offers a variety of races, community events, and free programming, serving nearly a half a million people as part of its mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.

Beginning in 2008, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has hosted Summer Streets—an annual celebration of one of New York City’s most valuable public spaces: our streets. Since 2023, Summer Streets has reached all five boroughs, marking the third straight year of expansion under the Adams Administration. This year’s program runs on five consecutive Saturdays, from July 26 through August 23, and will be open for eight hours each day, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During that window, more than 22 miles of streets will be car-free in both directions, inviting people to walk, bike, and play in the city’s largest-ever Summer Streets event. 

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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 people 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 50,000 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.