NYRR Group Training Celebrates 10 Years
NYRR Group Training launched in 2016 to help runners achieve their goals through coaching, camaraderie, and the inspiration that comes from running with others.
Ten years, thousands of runners, and countless miles later, the program continues to offer coached workouts to runners of all levels, in person, year-round, all over NYC.
New York Road Runners has a long history of coaching groups of adult runners in person. Starting in the 1970s, the organization partnered with renowned coach Bob Glover—author of "The Runner’s Handbook"—to offer coached workouts in Central Park.
Group Training launched after Glover retired in 2015 with sessions in Central Park and Prospect Park. The program now offers workouts in seven locations throughout NYC, staffed by over 90 experienced coaches.
Registration for the July–August 2026 session of Group Training opens Monday, June 15 at 12:00 p.m. Learn more here.
NYRR Group Training Timeline
2016
In January, Group Training launches with weekday morning and evening sessions in Central Park and Prospect Park, staffed by 21 coaches. Sessions in Astoria Park launch in July, with two coaches.
Runners served: 2,042
2017
Central Park sessions operate out of the newly opened NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub.
Runners served: 2,563
2018
Weekend Long Runs launch to help runners prepare for the TCS New York City Marathon.
Runners served: 3,028
2019
Engineers' Gate sessions return on Tuesday evenings. Weekend Long Runs are added in the lead-ups to the United Airlines NYC Half and RBC Brooklyn Half.
Runners served: 3,565
2020
As the pandemic shuts down in-person programming, Group Training shifts to a virtual model.
Runners served: 538
2021
In-person Group Training sessions return with health and safety protocols in place.
Runners served: 1,502
2022
Track workouts launch at Manhattan's East River Park track. Extended tempo sessions launch in Central Park and Prospect Park to support runners training for longer distances.
Runners served: 2,483
2023
Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan is added as a training site on Tuesday evenings.
Runners served: 3,224
2024
Runners served: 3,515
2025
NYRR Group Training partners with Game Changers, a program that aims to bring more women of color to the run industry as certified run coaches. Sessions are added at Brooklyn's McCarren Park track.
Runners served: 3,443
2026
Engineers' Gate offers Thursday evening tempo sessions in addition to Tuesday evening speed workouts.
Focus on Community
Runners come to Group Training to chase goals. They stay for the community. Training with others builds camaraderie and from this platform, goals are achieved.
Silvina Iglesias joined Group Training in 2016, having no previous background in running. "My first coaches were supportive and it was special going from zero to 5K in that first session," she said. "After a few months I was running my first race, a four-mile in Central Park." That race was her first step toward running the TCS New York City Marathon through the 9+1 program. Ten years and 166 NYRR races later, she continues to train with Group Training.
"I've stayed because of the coaching, camaraderie, the progress of my ability to run longer and faster," Silvina said. "The GT community is amazing and so diverse. GT gives you a wide option to meet people while training, discover great life experiences, and be in contact with runners of all ages, nationalities, speeds, and experiences."
Brooke Greene joined Group Training in 2017 and she too has stayed with it. "I was eager to join a community of runners, especially a community that would welcome back-of-the-pack runners like me. I was also in need of more structured training and running-specific knowledge. [At first] I was worried about my ability to show up consistently. I soon learned that nothing was more motivating than the sunrise in the park, a group of friendly faces, and miles to repeat! Group Training is often a highlight of my day, and the community has been so enriching. It has been a constant source of challenge, support, and connection."
She added, "You are welcomed as you are, encouraged to improve, and celebrated when you do."
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