Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that "runs" New York City, hosted the 2K for 2-K event in Fort Tryon Park to celebrate New York City's first-ever 2-K program and encourage families to apply before the June 26 deadline.
The Mayor and participants aged 2 and older laced up their sneakers to run and walk 2-kilometers (1.2 miles), highlighting the City's effort to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families. The free family event also featured on-site enrollment specialists, youth dashes and activities celebrating the historic program, which will provide free child care seats for 2,000 two-year olds this fall.
"New York City's two-year olds are the real winners of today's race, because applications are now open for families to access free, full-day, full-year 2-K," said Mayor Mamdani. "For too long, working families have had to run circles to navigate impossible costs and endless waitlists just to find child care. We're changing that. With 2-K, families can rest assured that their kids will get the running start they deserve."
"Today's 2K for 2-K event combined movement, community, and connection-reminding New Yorkers of all ages that it's never too early to take that first step and experience the transformative power of running," said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. "We're proud to partner with the City of New York throughout the year to create accessible, inclusive opportunities for families to be active, connect, and build lifelong healthy habits together."
Hitting the ground running, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the historic launch of 2-K just eight days after the Mayor took office. Families can apply for 2-K seats in School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 until June 26, 2026, with offers released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting one of the City's Family Welcome Centers.
New York Road Runners produces 60 adult and youth races annually, including the TCS New York City Marathon, and provides free year-round youth and community programming through programs like Rising New York Road Runners. The nonprofit's running-based youth program serves 200,000 students nationwide, including 100,000 in New York City. Throughout the year, NYRR hosts more than 20 free Rising New York Road Runners youth events, including its marquee event, the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff.
The 2K for 2-K event builds on the administration's efforts to address New York City's child care affordability crisis. In February, Mayor Mamdani launched a 2-K request for information, and in April announced that most 2-K seats would operate on a full-day and full-year schedule. Last month, the Administration also partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to host a 2-K jingle contest, with the winning entry set to be announced later this month.
