New Balance and New York Road Runners announced on Thursday that their long-time partnership, which includes support for numerous events and initiatives, will get a multi-year extension.
As part of the deal, both will also team up to rebuild several tracks throughout New York City in a joint refurbishment project that kicks off in 2026.
The partnership renewal means that New Balance will stay on board as the footwear and apparel supplier for NYRR and as a one f their top allies for major races like the New York City Marathon.
“New York Road Runners impacts nearly half a million people each year and that’s possible because of the support of strong, mission-aligned partners like New Balance,” New York Road Runners CEO said Rob Simmelkjaer. “We are excited to embark on a new chapter with New Balance to help reach more runners and invest in the New York City community.”
The companies first linked up in 2015 to boost joint efforts to push youth running programming as New Balance helped supplement larger events like the NYC Marathon. This will continue and the inclusion of rebuilding tracks in New York City ensures that New Balance will continue its inroads in a running scene that has exploded in the area.
“Our partnership with New York Road Runners has grown into a powerful force for change—not just in how we support runners, but in how we inspire communities,” said Joe Preston, President & CEO of New Balance. “Together, we are reaching runners of all ages especially kids.”
According to press release, the partnership has been mutually beneficial to both sides on a community level as the focus on youth sports — particularly running — has driven participation through the Rising New York Road Runners campaign that serves 200,000 kids nationwide, with 100,000 from New York City.
Meanwhile, the news comes as the local economic windfall that is attributed to NYRR events is even further in focus.
Last month a NYRR study revealed that nearly $1 billion in spending in New York City can trace back to races like the New York City Marathon,
