NYRR Run for the Future Application 2026

NYRR Run for the Future is a free program that introduces young women* in high school to running. The program starts in the summer when participants train to run their first 5K together, creating connections that last beyond the program. They can also be part of a strong alumnae network while they continue their year-round running journeys. New York Road Runners' approach provides young women with the tools and support needed to meet their self-care and physical activity goals, building their confidence and motivation to stay active for life.

Applicants to the program do not self-identify as runners or actively participate in sports. With support from our NYRR’s program team and coaching staff, they are taught running techniques and goal setting to develop the ability, confidence, and motivation to be active for life. Participants receive New Balance running gear and sneakers, an OMNY card for in-person practices, healthy snacks, and a fitness kit to support their training during the season. Participants are required to maintain an 80% attendance rate during practice sessions and complete their first 5K (3.1-mile) race at the end of the program. At the conclusion of the program, participants receive a wellness kit to continue supporting their self-care needs as new runners and may continue as program alumnae to be invited to special events and races.

Rising 10th through 12th grade High School young women are encouraged to apply for NYRR Run for the Future if they live in New York City; are enrolled in a New York City High School during the 2025-2026 school year OR are working towards their New York State High School Equivalency Diploma; are under 20 years of age and have little to no experience participating in physical activities.

*Please note that we use the word women to include all those who identify as women.

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NYRR Run for the Future offers two sessions for the summer training season. Applicants may apply to both sessions but will only be selected to participate in one session if accepted.

The summer training season runs from June 29 to August 8 and meets three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) for two-hour practices in Central Park from

Session #1: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Session #2: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Participants will meet at the NYRR Office located in Midtown Manhattan before heading to Central Park for practice.

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To be considered for NYRR Run for the Future, high school young women must complete the online application AND ask an adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or employer, to complete a recommendation form. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.

To be considered for NYRR Run for the Future, the online application must be completed by April 17, 2026.

Applicants will be notified of their application status by May 4, 2026.

NYRR strives to host inclusive, sustainable, and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage. Accepted participants will have the opportunity to request reasonable accessibility accommodations to attend this program/event.

Please visit NYRR Run for the Future for more information. NYRR Mission Statement

NYRR’s vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.

As a New York City–based nonprofit, we’re dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential.

Applicant Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Home Zip/Postal Code

Personal email

Parent or Guardian Contact Information

Parent/Guardian First Name

Parent/Guardian Last Name

Parent/Guardian Email

Parent/Guardian Phone Number

What is this person's relationship to you?

Recommender Information

A recommendation form is required for all applications. Please ask an adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or employer, if they could complete a short recommendation form on your behalf. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.

Your recommender will be asked to speak about your skills, accomplishments, and personality, not your athletic ability.

Once you enter their information below and submit, your recommender will be emailed to complete a recommendation form directly to NYRR Run for the Future.

Please make sure to enter your recommender’s email correctly.

Recommender's Name

Recommender's Email

Please make sure to type in the email address correctly!

Start typing the name of your high school (no acronyms). If you do not see your high school listed please type "other".

Enter the name of your high school if you selected "other" in the previous question.

What grade will you complete at the end of the 2025-2026 school year?

How did you hear about NYRR Run for the Future?

If other, please specify.

NYRR Run for the Future summer training is held from June 29 to August 8 meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We have two sessions available.

Please select which training session you are applying for

I am applying to be considered for BOTH sessions. I am applying to summer training session #1 ONLY that meets from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. I am applying to summer training session #2 ONLY that meets from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

List any extracurricular activities you participate in, during, before, or after school:

	Never	Rarely (1-2 times a month)	Sometimes (Once a week)	Frequently (2-3 times a week)
Not counting physical education class, how often do you exercise?

If you do exercise, what type of exercise do you participate in?

Do you identify as an athlete? Why or why not?

Are you currently on a sports team?

YesNo

With which sports team(s) do you participate?

The following questions are short essay format.

Please answer each question in 3 to 8 sentences.

This program asks for commitment to attend practices and workshops for six weeks and to run a 5K at the end. Why are you applying to NYRR Run for the Future and what do you hope to gain from this experience?

Have you ever faced challenges that made it hard to play sports, exercise, or stay active?

What motivates you to stay active or try new activities like running?

Please choose a personal experience and explain how it has influenced the person you are today.

What kind of support would help you the most during this program?

Is there anything else about yourself you would like us to know?

Please click below to submit your NYRR Run for the Future application!

YOUR APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL YOUR RECOMMENDATION FORM IS COMPLETE.

Your recommender will be emailed by runforthefuture@nyrr.org to submit the recommendation form. You will receive a confirmation email when your recommender submits their letter.

Contact Information