NYRR is one of the most renowned running organizations globally, founded in 1958 by a group of enthusiasts who dreamed of making running accessible to every New Yorker, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Over time, NYRR evolved into a large community organization that not only hosts numerous competitions but also implements educational and charitable projects. Learn more about NYRR’s activities and the major Bronx race below on i-bronx.com
The Founding of NYRR
Founded in Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx as a small club for road running enthusiasts in 1958, NYRR (New York Road Runners) began with a modest 6-mile race in Van Cortlandt Park. Back then, routes often snaked near Yankee Stadium, and the spirit of competition was just taking off. The club’s members included some of the strongest runners of that era, like Ted Corbitt, NYRR’s first president.
Today, New York Road Runners is more than just a club; it’s a powerful nonprofit organization operating in all five boroughs of New York City, engaging around half a million people annually in its events, including free activities, school programs, and youth initiatives.
Each year, NYRR organizes over 60 running events—from short distances and kids’ races to large-scale half marathons and their most famous event, the New York City Marathon. This marathon is the season’s pinnacle, part of the elite World Marathon Majors series alongside marathons in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo. It’s a true celebration for the city, with over 50,000 runners from across the globe at the starting line: professionals, amateurs, people of all fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds.
Among NYRR’s many events, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile stands out. This race takes place on historical courses in the Bronx, often attracting local clubs like Boogie Down Bronx and BX Endurance Runners. The Boogie Down Kids Run consistently brings together hundreds of children aged 2 to 18.
Seven decades later, NYRR isn’t just a race organizer; it’s a living part of the city’s pulse. Here, running isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to live, inspire, and unite the community.
NYRR’s Impact on the Bronx
The Bronx is a borough with an incredibly diverse population and vibrant street energy. However, beneath this dynamism lie significant challenges, with health issues being particularly acute. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s ranking, the Bronx is considered the least healthy county in New York State. One in four adults here has an unsatisfactory health status, a third suffer from obesity, and over 35% of children live in poverty.
A survey revealed that only 65.5% of adults engaged in physical activity within a month, the lowest rate among all city boroughs. For comparison, in Manhattan, this level reaches 81.7%.
Against this backdrop, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) organization and its free running events in the Bronx throughout the year play a crucial role. These initiatives are yielding tangible results:
- Over 1,500 NYRR participants reside in the Bronx.
- Each year, more borough residents participate in various NYRR marathons.
- Thousands of Bronx children have already joined the free Rising NYRR program.
- Free open runs are held weekly in Bronx parks, drawing runners from the community.
- The NYRR Striders program serves older adults.
Every event is a way to engage more people in an active lifestyle. There’s no shortage of team spirit either: running clubs like Boogie Down Bronx, Bronx Burners, and BX Endurance Runners are active in the Bronx. And in the fall, Van Cortlandt Park hosts vibrant youth competitions and cross-country races—with 5K distances for adults and shorter starts for children.
NYRR in the Bronx isn’t just about races. It’s about taking steps towards health, movement, and joy.
How the 2024 Race Unfolded
On September 22, 2024, the Bronx once again became the stage for a grand running celebration. Over 12,000 participants lined up to run the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile—a landmark race that combines athletic excitement, borough pride, and community strength. This race is part of the NYRR Five-Borough Series, held annually since 2012.
The route started near Grand Concourse, led through the scenic Mosholu Parkway, and finished close to Yankee Stadium and the Joseph Yancey Track and Field Complex. Participants got to experience the Bronx’s atmosphere, running past its residential neighborhoods, historic sites, and residents who cheered on the athletes along the route. For some, it was a relaxed outdoor run; for others, a true athletic challenge.
Since 2016, New Balance, NYRR’s official footwear and apparel partner, has been the title sponsor. Together, they don’t just support the event; they make it accessible to everyone.
“The Bronx 10 Mile is the perfect embodiment of the borough’s spirit. It brings everyone together on one course: newcomers and marathoners, youth and seniors,” noted Ted Metellus, NYRR’s Senior Vice President.
The event precedes the TCS New York City Marathon, serving as a prelude to the year’s largest running spectacle.
NYRR traditionally transforms this race into a family celebration. In 2024, the updated Boogie Down Kids Run debuted—a children’s race for participants aged 2 to 18, with a commemorative medal for everyone.
Additionally, on Saturday, September 21, the day before the main race, NYRR organized an open run in St. Mary’s Park—a 3-mile run alongside pace instructor, marathoner, and local resident Rad Lopez. The event was open to everyone, regardless of age, experience, or speed.
Participation Details and Prize Money
The New York Road Runners organization has clear rules governing prize money allocation. To prevent manipulation, NYRR stipulates that changes to a participant’s profile must be finalized no later than three months before the race, and this profile must remain unchanged from registration until the race itself. All participants are required to adhere to competition rules, the code of ethics, and the “clean sport” policy.
If a runner meets the criteria for multiple prize categories, only the largest sum will be paid out. NYRR also reserves the right to change prize conditions and amounts in the future.
For NYRR members, additional requirements apply for prize money. A runner must be a valid paid NYRR member for at least three months prior to the competition (and six months for the New York City Marathon). To receive prizes at the marathon, participants must also complete six qualifying NYRR races during the year. Virtual runs do not count towards this requirement.
Participants and Winners
624 Bronx residents lined up at the start. Alongside them were 2,100 participants from Brooklyn, 1,618 from Queens, and 150 from Staten Island. Plus, over 3,400 guests from other cities and states traveled to be part of this major event. The victory went to 24-year-old Ryan Cutter from Brooklyn, who delivered an impressive time of 48 minutes and 57 seconds, maintaining a pace under 5 minutes per mile.
“This was my first 10-mile race in the Bronx, and honestly, one of the best in New York. Winning is something special,” Ryan shared after crossing the finish line.
Gabert Okuti took second place with a time of 49:03. Matthew Leach secured third, completing the distance in 49:27.
In the women’s category, 27-year-old Ethiopian Amelework Fikadu Bosho was victorious, finishing with a time of 55:23. Among non-binary participants, Jacob Caswell was the fastest, completing the course in 57:35.
“It was a great day, a perfect finish. I love NYRR for their openness and inclusivity,” Jacob shared.
The Bronx 10 Mile is more than just a race. It’s a statement of movement, community strength, and love for the home borough. And each year, more and more people, from children to seniors, hit the course to become part of this rhythm.