New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City, has named The Home for Little Wanderers 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 The Home, 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.
The Home for Little Wanderers provides over 30 life-changing programs—in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York—that help children and their families build permanent and positive change. The Home’s team of dedicated professionals ensure the emotional, social, educational and physical well-being of children from birth to age 26 through a wide range of critical, innovative services. As a result, kids who have experienced trauma, violence, shattered family lives and other hardships gain stability and support, loving relationships and a secure path toward tomorrow.
“The Home is thrilled to be named an official charity partner for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon,” said Lesli Suggs, LICSW, President and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers. “Since expanding our reach to New York City six years ago, The Home has provided mental health and after-school support in schools throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. We are deeply grateful to New York Road Runners for the opportunity to participate in this historic race, raising awareness of our critical services and the impact of our programs in the very communities we serve.”
“New York Road Runners is honored to welcome The Home for Little Wanderers’ team to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they raise vital funds helping children and their families build permanent, positive change,” 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.
