New York Road Runners revealed on Tuesday that it hopes to boost its charity fundraising goal in 2026 to $100 million heading into the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon incorporating all five boroughs as part of its course.
The ambitious plan comes as the organization’s lottery draw opens Wednesday for hopefuls looking to be among the more than 59,000 participants who will hit the start line on on November 1.
“The five-borough New York City Marathon course has defined what’s possible when sport, community, and purpose come together,” Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners said in a statement. “For 50 years, this course has showcased the heart, resilience, and diversity of New York City on a global stage. This milestone comes at an incredibly exciting moment for our nonprofit, as participation continues to grow and as running has become more inclusive and accessible for all. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic course, we’re honoring the race’s impact on New York City and the global running community—while building on that legacy and our mission to transform lives through running.”
According to NYRR, a record $80 million was raised in 2025 for more than 600 causes by 14,000 charity runners. Topping that figure is a priority this year in conjunction with commemorating 50 years of the marathon reaching all five boroughs in the city.
The NYC Marathon was first launched in 1970 with just 55 finishers running four laps of the main loop in Central Park. As the race grew in popularity, organizers saw a greater vision to connect the event to the city and plans to stage it in parts of each borough were realized for the first time in 1976.
Decades later the race has transformed into the world’s largest marathon, drawing more than two million spectators and becoming a major economic driver in New York City during the week leading up to the start line.
In October, NYRR announced that the impact of its races in the fiscal year through March 2025 contribution nearly $1 billion to the city through spending on hotels, restaurants, public transportation, museums and shopping — with the NYC marathon pulling in $692 million in incremental transactions.
Now, the organization’s marathon charity partner initiative will expand again and allow more than 670 charities to participate in fundraising. Each of the 670 charities — the most ever — will also be unveiled on Wednesday and offers another path for runners looking to participate in the marathon but also as part of a cause.
“This $100 million charity fundraising goal will help worthy causes from New York City and beyond raise crucial funds for their own missions, making millions of people’s lives better in the process,” Simmelkjaer said. “For 50 years, generations of New Yorkers from all five boroughs have embraced runners from around the world as they have run through their streets on what has become best day of the year in New York City. This is a fitting way to say thank you.”
