New York Road Runners Youth Awards

Updated in February 2026

Below are the award categories and criteria and eligibility rules for honors presented at NYRR Youth Awards Night, including age-group awards from NYRR club points seasons and several special award categories.

NYRR Youth Awards Night is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the remarkable achievements of young athletes across New York City.

For questions related to youth awards, please email risingnyrr@nyrr.org.

Runner of the Year (1–14 and 15–19 Age Groups)

Presented based on the following criteria and eligibility rules:

• Membership: Runners must be a member of NYRR for at least six months of the calendar year, including at the time of nomination.
• Qualifying Races: Within the calendar year, runners must complete at least six fully scored NYRR races across a range of distances.
• Age Group: A runner who changes age groups during the year will be considered for nomination in the age group in which they belonged for the majority of the year.
• Awards Committee: The Awards Committee is comprised of NYRR staff members and representatives from the local running community.
• Selection Process: For each age category, runners are ranked based on their best performances for the year. These rankings, through the top 20 in each age group, are reviewed by the awards committee with special consideration made for head-to-head competition and performances at a range of distances.

Rising New York Road Runners Stage 3 Athlete of the Year (12–14 and 15–18 Age Groups)

Presented based on the following criteria and eligibility rules:

• Qualifying Races: Within the calendar year, runners must complete at least four Stage 3 scored Rising NYRR races across a range of distances.
• Age Group: A runner who changes age groups during the year will be considered for nomination in the age group in which they belonged for the majority of the year.
• Awards Committee: The Awards Committee is comprised of NYRR staff members and representatives from the local running community.
• Selection Process: For each age category, runners are ranked based on their best performances for the year. These rankings, through the top 20 in each age group, are reviewed by the awards committee with special consideration made for head-to-head competition and performances at a range of distances.
• Note: Event-specific awards are also presented on race day to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the girl, boy, and nonbinary categories at every Stage 3 race.

Rising New York Road Runners Runner of the Year

Presented based on the following criteria and eligibility rules:

• Membership: Runners must be part of a Rising NYRR program site.
• Qualifying Races: Within the calendar year, runners must participate in at least one of the events within the Rising NYRR program in-person event calendar.
• Awards Committee: The awards committee is comprised of Rising NYRR program staff.
• Selection Process: Our Rising NYRR program coaches submit written nominations for runners within their program. Then, Rising NYRR program staff review these nominations and select winners for each category. Rising NYRR program staff select a runner for each category, who is a great team player and has had an impact in their site’s program. Their coaches attest to their excellent character and ability to motivate others to run.

Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Racing Athlete of the Year

Presented based on the following criteria and eligibility rules:

• Membership: Athletes must be a member of the Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program for at least one full calendar year.
• Qualifying Events: During the fall or spring season, athletes must participate in at least half of the in-person Rising NYRR Wheelchair Training Program regular season practices, and one Rising NYRR youth event with the Rising NYRR Wheelchair Training Program.
• Awards Committee: The awards committee is comprised of Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program staff and coaches, including Arianna Moliere, Stephanie Herrick, and Anthony Russo.
• Selection Process: The Rising NYRR Wheelchair Racing Athlete of the Year, in addition to satisfying the qualifying events requirement, consistently embodies the qualities of a good teammate by making others feel included on the team, encouraging their teammates to do their best, demonstrating a willingness to try new things at practices and/or Rising NYRR events, and consistently giving their best effort.

Outstanding Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassador of the Year

Presented based on the following criteria and eligibility rules:

• Membership: Ambassadors must be an active participant in the program for the entire school year.
• Qualifying Events: Rising NYRR youth races (must participate in at least three during the program year) and other physical activities that improve quality of life.
• Rising NYRR Youth Ambassadors Events/Opportunities: Within the calendar year, ambassadors must participate in at least three speaking opportunities to develop personal public speaking skills and confidence.
• Extracurricular or Community Service Activities: Ambassadors must use their time to serve others and their community and build leadership skills.
• Awards Committee: The awards committee is comprised of members of the Community Impact Team and the instructor of the program.
• Selection Process: The Rising NYRR Youth Ambassador of the Year, in addition to satisfying the qualifying events requirement, will also demonstrate how they have performed community service in their community.

Rising New York Road Runners Honor Award

Presented based on the following criteria and eligibility rules:

• Note: This award is presented to individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sport of running by supporting NYRR’s youth programs and events and have inspired youth to develop a lasting positive impact on society.