New York Road Runners Names NEXT for AUTISM as Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

New York Road Runners sets $100 million charity fundraising goal for 2026 race

March 6, 2026 (New York, NY)--New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, has named NEXT for AUTISM an Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place Sunday, Nov. 1. One of 60 adult and youth races the nonprofit produces each year, the TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world, with more than 55,000 athletes running the same course on the same day—from the first to the final finisher.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic five--borough course, first run in 1976. In honor of this milestone year, New York Road Runners is expanding its Official Charity Partner Program to include more than 670 charities--the most ever--among them NEXT for AUTISM, and has set a goal of raising more than $100 million. Since its inception in 2006, the Official Charity Partner Program has raised nearly $700 million for more than 1,000 nonprofits around the world by providing guaranteed entries to the TCS New York City Marathon for athletes who fundraise on their behalf. During the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, more than 14,000 charity runners raised a record $80 million for more than 600 charities, causes, and missions--a 14 percent increase from 2024. The event once again made history, breaking the world record for the largest marathon ever for a second consecutive year with 59,226 finishers.

NEXT for AUTISM is the leading national nonprofit focused on services for autistic adults. There are 5.4 million autistic adults nationwide, yet they represent the most underserved segment of the autism population. Most resources support children, research, and advocacy. Building and funding services for the full spectrum of autistic adults is at the foundation of NEXT's work, ranging from employment resources and guidance to ensuring individuals with greater support needs have the full care they deserve.

"NEXT for AUTISM is thrilled to be a first-time official charity partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon," shared Gillian Leek, CEO, NEXT for AUTISM. "New York Road Runners provides a tremendous platform for NEXT to bring awareness to the importance of services and inclusion for autistic individuals, and to support the opportunity for everyone to live productive and fulfilling lives."

"New York Road Runners is honored to welcome the NEXT for AUTISM team to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they raise vital funds for services that support autistic adults nationwide," said Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer, New York Road Runners. "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course, this year's TCS New York City Marathon and our expanded Official Charity Partner Program underscore the extraordinary impact running can have in bringing people together and driving meaningful change."

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, the best day of the year, in the best city in the world, will take athletes on a 26.2-mile journey across all five boroughs. The largest marathon in the world, the event attracts more than 55,000 athletes and two million spectators.

One week before adult runners traverse the New York City streets, 2,500 youth ages 2 to 18 will kick off race week at the marathon's official youth race, the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff, Sunday, October 25. The TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff is one of more than 20 free youth events the nonprofit hosts throughout the year.

About NEXT for AUTISM
NEXT for AUTISM transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative programs. We believe that individuals with autism deserve to live fulfilling, productive lives when supported by excellent services and connected to their communities. We continually ask, what's next for autism? Learn more at NEXTforAUTISM.org

About the New York City Marathon
Initially run in 1970 as four laps of Central Park with 55 finishers, the New York City Marathon left the park and was run through the five boroughs for the first time in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial and uplift the city. The landmark move set the standard for the modern marathon event. This year, New York Road Runners is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the five-borough New York City Marathon course, coinciding with the nonprofit’s recent rebrand and launch of its new “Believe in Every Step” brand platform. Produced by the world's premier running organization, today the TCS New York City Marathon is consistently the largest marathon in the world, bringing together 55,000+ participants and more than two million spectators for the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million New Yorkers annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 55,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

Media Contact
Holly Wainwright, NEXT for AUTISM, 1 212-759-3775, [email protected], NEXTforAUTISM.org