NYRR Age Policy for Running Events
New York Road Runners is committed to providing a safe experience for all participants at our events. To guarantee a safe atmosphere and the best experience for youth and adult runners, NYRR has worked closely with exercise physiologists and top athletes to review current research on physical literacy and long-term athlete development and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and USA Track & Field (USATF) guidelines to present an age policy for our races.
The chart below outlines the age requirements for participation in NYRR races and can assist parents, athletes, and coaches in making appropriate training and competition decisions.
| Race Distance | Minimum Age | Suggested Maximum Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5K / 4 miles | 8 | 3 times per year until age 14 |
| 8K / 5 miles | 8 | 3 times per year until age 15 |
| 10K / 7 miles | 12 | 3 times per year until age 15 |
| 15K / 10 miles | 16 | 2 times per year until age 17 |
| Half-marathon | 16 | 1 time per year until age 18 |
| Marathon | 18 | n/a |
| Virtual (All distances) | 18 | n/a |
NYRR recommends youth participants initially run these distances with a family member and focus on having fun, being active, and completing the distance, and not on time or competition. Participants of all ages are subject to NYRR's Rules of Competition, Race Procedures, and Code of Conduct.
In order to register for a virtual race of any distance, a runner must be at least 18 years of age.
Youth Events and Training
NYRR offers youth-only events and training plans for 2- to 18-year-olds through Rising New York Road Runners. These events and training plans are designed to be developmentally appropriate for any participant, regardless of age or ability level, with the goal of helping kids build their confidence, their motivation, and their desire to be physically active for life.