TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff

• Stage 1: Participants should report to the staging area (starts separated by age group) 10 minutes before the start of their run.
• Stages 2 & 3: Participants should report to the corrals 15 minutes before the start of their run.

View the table below for a schedule of start times for each stage of the event. For more information on corral assignments, please review our youth race procedures.

• Stage 1: Participants will run short dashes of various distances. See the Schedule of Events section for the estimated distances each age group will run.
• Stages 2 & 3 and Youth Wheelchair: Participants will start on West Drive, just south of W 67th Street. They will run south on West Drive, complete the lower loop of Central Park, then turn left onto the 72nd Street Transverse. At East Drive, they will continue to Center Drive, turn left, and head to the finish line.

We strongly recommend checking mta.info before you travel. You can also message the MTA using the chat feature on the MTA app.

Participants will receive a New Balance T-shirt. Please note that souvenirs are subject to availability.

Souvenirs will be distributed at the NYRR RUNCENTER during the race number pickup period. Souvenirs will also be distributed on race day from 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Race-Day Central, located near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.

A youth race number must be presented to collect the event souvenir.

Bag check will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Race-Day Central, located near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.

While we will continue to have clear plastic bags available at registration, we encourage you to use your own clear reusable plastic bag, no larger than 17" wide x 20" high x 7" deep.

New York Road Runners is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bags or items from bags checked at New York Road Runners’ bag check.

After the conclusion of the event, official results will be posted on results.nyrr.org.

Awards will be given to the overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place girl, boy, and nonbinary TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff - Stage 3 finishers. Awards will only be distributed on race day.

In case of an emergency during the race (including in the start or finish area), call 866-705-6626.

Code of Conduct
Rules of Competition
Youth Race Procedures

If NYRR cancels an offering on the direction of local, city, or state authorities, parents/guardians will be informed as soon as possible. Events will not be rescheduled.

The TCS New York City Marathon is right around the corner, and kids of all ages and abilities are invited to celebrate by running or walking any distance—anytime, anywhere. Join us for a free virtual run and a week of marathon fun. By registering, kids commit to moving—an easy, exciting way to build healthy habits and share in the marathon spirit! Sign up here.

NYRR offers a variety of fun, free, and accessible programs that encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving. Learn more here.

Keep the momentum going and secure your kid’s spot for the next event here.

The chart below is a guide to the stages available. Use the chart to determine the appropriate stage for your child. If you need help determining your child's stage, contact our Runner Services team.

Rising New York Road Runners strives to host inclusive, sustainable, and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage. We welcome all young participants with disabilities, including but not limited to, participants that use wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and other mobility devices. To request reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility for attending this event, please email Arianna Moliere at amoliere@nyrr.org.

Race numbers may be picked up at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub at 320 West 57th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues) in advance of the event on the following days:

• Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 17, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 18, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 19, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 20, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 22, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 23, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 24, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 25, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Free Shirt Customization Station for Kids

Bring your kids along to pick up their race number and event shirt at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. While there, visit our free shirt customization station to add a fun, personal touch and get them ready for event day in style!

Parents and guardians of runners are encouraged to pick up race numbers at the NYRR RUNCENTER to avoid race-day lines.

On race day, number pickup will be available at Race-Day Central, located near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Pickup times are as follows:

• Stage 3: 6:30 a.m.–7:50 a.m.
• Stage 2: 6:30 a.m.– 9:00 a.m.
• Stage 1: 6:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m.

If you plan to pick up a participant's race number on race day, please arrive at least 60 minutes before the start of their run.

New to Rising New York Road Runners or simply need a refresher? We’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide for youth events.

We’ve updated our website to increase inclusivity and representation in our races. Parents/guardians can register youth runners as girl, boy, or nonbinary. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how to update your profile.

We’ve teamed up with the Intrepid Museum as part of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Beyond the Finish Line program to bring your family even more unforgettable experiences! TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff participant families can enjoy the exclusive offer below.

Visitors can receive up to 2 FREE Child General Admission tickets with each purchase of 1 Adult General Admission ticket. Limit 4 per transaction. Available for purchase online at www.intrepidmuseum.org or on site at the Museum Box Office. Show your race bib or medal on site to redeem the offer. Special Offer is valid from October 20, 2025, through November 2, 2025. Discount may not be applied to tours or any add-on activities. Discount may not be applied toward Museum membership.

Code: INTKIDS

Check out additional offers for TCS New York City Marathon runners and families, here.