Date
Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 08:00 AM
Location
Central Park
Distance
1.42 Miles
Kids Dash
Hashtag
#RisingNYRR KidsKickoff
youth Finisher Medals Youth Events - Stage 1 Youth Events - Stage 2 Youth Events - Stage 3

TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff

Registration Options
  • Youth Available
    Age 12 & 13 | Stage 3 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Scored Youth - Stage 3
    Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 08:00 AM
    Distance: 1.42 Miles
    Entry Fees: This is a free event
  • Youth Available
    Age 14–18 | Stage 3 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Scored Youth - Stage 3
    Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 08:00 AM
    Distance: 1.42 Miles
    Entry Fees: This is a free event
  • Sold Out

    Age 2 & 3 | Stage 1 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 1
  • Sold Out

    Age 4 & 5 | Stage 1 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 1
  • Sold Out

    Age 6 & 7 | Stage 1 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 1
  • Sold Out

    Age 8–11 | Stage 1 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 1
  • Sold Out

    Age 8 & 9 | Stage 2 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 2
  • Sold Out

    Age 10 & 11 | Stage 2 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 2
  • Sold Out

    Age 12 & 13 | Stage 2 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 2
  • Sold Out

    Age 14–18 | Stage 2 | 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
    Non-Scored Youth - Stage 2
About

Empower kids to cross any finish line by being part of the world's greatest marathon! 

More Details About the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff Event
Race Details

Join us at the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, the city’s premier youth running event, as we lace up for a week of marathon fun. Registration is free and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a medal and a New Balance T-shirt (available while supplies last).


Set in iconic Central Park, this event features an exciting course, a lively festival with fitness activities, and plenty of opportunities to inspire kids to lead healthier, more active lives.


Spots fill fast—don’t miss your kid’s chance to be part of this unforgettable day!


All event information is subject to change.

Youth Team Registration

Coaches, educators, and other adults interested in registering teams or groups of kids should complete this form. A member of NYRR staff will follow up within a few business days with next steps.


Please note only Stage 3 is open for registration and filling out this form does not confirm or guarantee registration.

Pre-Race

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.

 

Stage Ages Event Type Register If
1 2 to 11 Non-competitive
Untimed shorter distances
Fitness activities
Your child is new to physical activity or running, but likes playing games and being active.
2 8 to 18 Non-competitive
Untimed medium distances
Fitness activities
Your child likes running, but isn’t ready for a competitive event. Your child likes playing games and being active.
3 12 to 18 Competitive
Timed longer distances
Fitness activities
Your child is comfortable running a longer distance and racing other kids in a competitive setting.

Coaches, educators, and other adults interested in registering teams or groups of kids should complete this form. A member of NYRR staff will follow up within a few business days with next steps.


Please note only Stage 3 is open for registration and filling out this form does not confirm or guarantee registration.

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:


  • Sunday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, October 13, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
  • 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.

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 non-binary. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how to update your profile.

Race Day
  • 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.


 

Start Time Group Distance
Youth Wheelchair    
7:15 a.m. All Ages 1.42 Miles
Festival    
7:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. All Ages
Corrals
N/A
Stage 3    
8:00 a.m. Ages 12-18
Corrals AA-D
1.42 Miles
Stage 2    
8:35 a.m. Ages 12-18
Corrals E-F
1.42 Miles
8:55 a.m. Ages 10-11
Corral G
1.42 Miles
9:15 a.m. Ages 8-9
Corral H
1.42 Miles
Stage 1    
10:15 a.m. Age 2
Corral I
50 Feet
10:25 a.m. Age 3
Corral I
150 Feet
10:35 a.m. Age 4
Corral I
200 Feet
10:45 a.m. Age 5
Corral I
300 Feet
11:00 a.m. Age 6
Corral I
350 Feet
11:15 a.m. Age 7
Corral I
450 Feet
11:30 a.m. Age 8
Corral I
500 Feet
11:45 a.m. Ages 9-11
Corral I
550 Feet

Check back in for course maps.


  • 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.

Post-Race

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.

More Race Information

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.

Sponsored By
Title Sponsor
  • Tate Consultancy Services
Partner
  • New Balance
TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff
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