Our mission is to establish community-based running programs which enhance physical health, emotional well-being and personal achievement within underserved populations throughout New York City and to disseminate our program expertise to interested parties across the United States and around the world.

Physical education programs were virtually eliminated from New York City public schools a quarter century ago, and now a second generation of a million plus students is growing up without the character lessons and physical conditioning inherent in the sport of running. Our running-based physical education programs teach fitness, goal-setting and the relationship between effort and achievement, while helping youth develop the self-esteem, fitness and discipline necessary for success in school, the workplace and life.

The NYRR Foundation has quickly become one of the City’s leading not-for-profit providers of physical education, serving over 15,000 children a week in over 100 schools and community centers. Additionally, NYRR Foundation is increasingly focused on expanding nationally to serve youth all across America.

NYRR Foundation is very appreciative of our large base of volunteers. Volunteers can be coaches, assistant coaches, "race buddies," or people with an expertise to share in areas such as marketing, public relations, fund-raising, special events, graphic design and administrative assistance. If you are interested in volunteering please visit our website where you can download our Volunteer Applicaion.