New York Road Runners is Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes and Leaders

Leyla pictured with Youth Ambassadors for Rising NYRR

The New York City Roadrunners (NYRR) held its United Airlines' New York City Half marathon on Sunday, March 16th. The marathon covers 13.1 miles through Brooklyn and Manhattan. NYRR produces many races during the year to help adults and kids build healthier lives and create stronger communities through the transformative power of running.

During a pre-race press conference at Times Square, Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, shared his excitement for the 2025 United Airlines New York City Half. He said approximately 27,000 adult athletes would be participating, including a professional field made up of all four of last year's United Airlines NYC Half defending champions, 30 Olympians and Paralympians, and athletes from 14 different countries. NYRR also organized free dashes and races as part of the Times Square Kids Square Run held on March 16th for almost 1,500 youth from all five boroughs between the ages of two to sixteen.

Nnenna Lynch, NYRR's Chairman of the Board of Directors told me during my interview: "I started running when I was ten years old…I was a shy, awkward kid. Running helped me build confidence." According to Chairman Lynch, "running has many benefits. "It's obviously healthy for you, it helps you be happy, and connect with other people,” she said. “Running is such a powerful sport. Our goal is really to introduce kids to this sport, and to keep them moving and active."

Twelve-year-old Kai Kwee-Hallem and fourteen-year-old Grace Fine, who spoke at the press conference, are Youth Ambassadors for Rising NYRR. Kai shared that the Rising NYRR is "a free, running based, youth program that serves 200,000 students nationwide and 100,000 youth right here in New York City." He also said, "My favorite thing about Rising NYRR is the opportunity to be part of a community that loves running just as much as me, and to compete against them in fun and free races." Grace told me that being Youth Ambassadors with Kai has been empowering and she’s developed public speaking skills as a result.

Chairman Lynch was holding the tape for many kids as they crossed the finish line at the Times Square Kids Run. She said NYRR's goal is to make sure that "any child who wants to or is curious, can participate and see all the fun!"